The need for a spare key

[barrysharp]

A short story I thought was worth passing along.

The need for a spare key really sunk in one day when my Fox Terrier locked me out http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

My Fox Terrier (Teddy) travels quite a bit with me and one day I left him in the car as I briefly stepped out with the ignition key laying on the driver's seat. As I was talking to this person I suddenly heard that car central locking system sound and realizing something was up I immediately looked over to the car. Teddy had been using the driver's door window ledge to peer out to keep an eye on me and obviously pressed the door lock spindle down -- car was fully locked and security system enabled AND with the Motion sensor fully active. Within minutes the alarm was triggered and all hel broke loose.

I now have a spare key and make every effort to never leave my key behind in the car no matter what -- the Volvo car will sometimes just lock itself without Teddy's aid http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

P.S. The French had a soln for this pet car locking anomaly -- on a Renault 16 I owned some time back the door lock spindles had to be pulled up to lock the doors -- but then the French have always designed things differently http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Spare key cost (from what I can recall)

1. Blank ordered from Borton $20
2. Laser cutting specific to one's car done at dealership $40
3. Spare remote + programming $120 (don't let your pet chew the remote http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[xcny]

Hey Barry,
My dealer provided with a spare key AND a valet key. The spare has the remote as well.

[barrysharp]

By spare key I mean one above and beyond the two that come with the car. My wife normal has one and I the other. When out and about on my own I have but one key/remote with me. The spare one is hidden and comes to my rescue at times.

Don't let your pet chew up the remote -- it's expensive to replace.

[Gundo]

Uhh, yeah.


http://www.linktotheweb.com/tamagkeyholdermetal.jpg

hide-a-key? (http://www.linktotheweb.com/01safety/hide_a_key.htm)

[William]

Barry,

Just so you know... you will actually get three keys and two remote controls with your new Volvo when you take delivery of it in Europe. Two of the keys are master keys and one key is a valet key. Although the valet key doesn't mean as much with a wagon as there is no trunk to secure personal items in. The valet key will not open a locked glove box.

Just as you did, I have experienced the dog locking situation.
In fact one of my dogs has actually opened the power windows a couple of times in my 850 Turbo wagon... he keeps my on my toes.

William

ps Nissan used to run a commercial that said "Dogs Love Trucks". Well that's true, but I think "Dogs adore Volvos"
...at least the big ones. Mine like riding in the back of my truck, but are really happy when I put the pet gate down in the Volvo and let them ride in it.

[MichaelF]

Knock on wood, I've never been locked out of my vehicle, but I have found a great way to store a spare key.  I put mine behind the license plate (screwed on to the vehicle).  I do this because losing a key is much more difficult to resolve then finding a screwdriver.

[Art]

Hmmm...not sure how comfortable I am with leaving a key anywhere on the outside of the car. Sounds convenient but I'm sure there's a smart thief or two out there that know of these special hiding places. Let's just hope that none of them are lurking around this site. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif

Until then, I guess we'll just have to wait for Volvo to introduce their VPC (Volvo Personal Communicator) complete with fingerprint recognition.    http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif