i bought my '07 vantage with two key units. each one consisted of a strange looking key (with probably some electronics in it) and a separate unit with buttons and a small battery inside to lock/unlock the doors hood and hatch. i'll refer to the funky key as simply "the key" and the other part as "the fob".

problem is that i disassembled the fob and broke off the little metal tab that serves to electronically connect the battery to the electronics board. IOW it's now broken. i have since removed the fob from the key and much to my surprise it appears that the key alone will do everything necessary to use the car. am i right in thinking this?

and if i should want to replace the fob, what kind of financial and mental hell will i have to subject myself to?

 

You are correct that the key alone will start the car and open the doors.

The remote fob is a volvo remote which can be had new for around $50 from a Volvo parts supplier. You can program the fob with the ThinkCar ThinkDiag Bluetooth OBD-II Diagnostic Tool or go to a dealer or independent mechanic with AMDS.

You can then buy an old aston remote and swap the guts of your new volvo fob and place that into the old aston remote from ebay.

Lots of threads on how to do this here. Enjoy!

 

If you want the exterior mirror fold when locking, best do it from the passengers side with the key. Replacement of the FOB is Volvo sourced and obviously needs programming. Recently posted how to with $130 tool using Android system.

 

so, if i understand correctly, i don't really need a fob, but if i want one to replace the one that i have essentially made useless by breaking the tab that makes the battery to circuit board connection (grrrrr), i will have to buy a new one and have it programmed. and the programming can be done at a dealership ($$) or i may be able to do it myself with the right equipment.

and am i right to assume that if a buy a new one that it will come with the internal circuit board (batteries not included of course!).

BTW, i have a foxwell with the aston specific software on it. i don't suppose THAT will be of any use with regard to programming...right?

 

I have the same foxwell, but unfortunately it's the Thinkdiag that does the trick. Android only. Search key/ remote programming.

 

ya, i figured as much, thanks.

 

i think i might just do without... live back in the dark ages for a while when we only had ignition keys and locked doors and trunk by hand.

 

Just putting it out there that the cost is not that expensive to reprogram.

I went to a Jaguar dealership that employed an Aston tech with AMDS and he charged $100 to do the job.

I had another fob programmed by an independent mechanic and he tossed in the fob program service for free since I was having other things done.

This is why the thinkdiag system is a good deal if you're a DIY person (same price for programming and you get to keep the OBD scanner).

 

+1 for the cost of admission $300 you have a good new remote and diagnostic for your car or any other vehicle you have.

 

ya, if i was smart that's what i'd do. ...but i'm not too smart...

 

i've had the aston out a few times recently without the fob and i've not found it to be inconvenient at all.