Volvo 240 key

I just bought a 1991 Volvo 240 sedan that only had one key (not an original OEM Volvo key) for the ignition and door locks. The problem is, I ordered new copies from Volvo based on the car’s VIN and those new keys did not work at all. When I took the key that came with the car to have it copied at a local hardware store, the key will lock the doors if it is oriented up and it will unlock the doors if the key is oriented down (in other words, if I flip it over). The same goes for the ignition and trunk lock. Can anyone tell me what’s going on?

  1. at some piont in its life the car has had its locks changed.

  2. the new key is not cut symmetrically. I too have had this happen. Your symptomology is unusual, but that’s my guess.