V50 Electrics : - Key error,try again

IainG · Sep 2nd, 2013, 18:32

V50 2.0 d 05 plate

Yesterday I tried to start the car and the key didn't do any thing. Took the key out and tried again and all worked. I just put it down to a one off.
Today the car started and I drove 2 miles and parked up. Tried to restart and all I could get was "key error try again" . Tried many times and just the same, tried unlocking/locking the car and still the same. Tried the second key and still wouldn't work, so the problem had to be the car. Disconnected the battery to try and reset but no joy. Finally called the RAC, hoping they would just get the car home. Whilst I was waiting I had a good look on this forum and others and the fault pointed towards the key switch unit. On one forum they suggested hitting the dash with a hammer next to the switch! I thought a bit over the top but-
Still waiting for the RAC so went back to the car and tried both keys again and still no joy. I then gave the dash a good thump with my fist next to the switch. It all started working again! Cancelled the RAC and drove home. I did some more reading on the Internet and decided a new switch would be prudent. The switch I had on my car was 30667665. Phoned TMC and they confirmed the switch has been superseded (I think about 5 times) and the new number is 30659837. There have obviously been many problems for volvo to update the switch that many times. Ordered one and will be here tomorrow. Spent 2 hours dismantling half the dash just to get a switch out!
Although the old switch started working again I felt I had to do something in case it failed again. I'm still assuming it's the switch that went faulty especially as it's been updated so many times.
Will be fitting the new switch tomorrow and hopefully all the bits of the car will go back!
Iain

IainG · Sep 4th, 2013, 17:24

Well, what a pain to fit. All done now. And most of the dash is back again. I suppose I just have to wait now and hope the fault doesn't reappear. The new switch has a weaker spring to position 3 (start). Checked with the supplier and apparently all the new ones are the same. Will take a bit of getting used to with the weaker spring, it goes to the start position far to easily. At least I know how to remove most of the fittings on the dash now.
Iain

Wais40 · Sep 10th, 2013, 23:29

I also changed the ignition switch today,what a pita as the new switch didn't fit flush with the collar and had to take it off and swapped the old switch cover to the new switch..

Conradv2 · Dec 17th, 2021, 11:07

This is an old thread but I’m responding to bring it up again. I had this exact issue last night and managed to get the switch working again 10 minutes before the AA were due to arrive allowing me to cancel them. I got home then tried the switch a number of times and it’s working fine but of course it’s going to wait until I’m 100 miles away from home with no phone signal.
My question is this. If I fit a new lock , can I still use the old keys?
Thanks for the info .
Conrad

IainG · Dec 17th, 2021, 11:43

Hi
Yes all the same and no coding required.

Just a bit of patience required when fitting.
The switch has been updated a few times as it has been problamatic over the years

Iain

Conradv2 · Dec 28th, 2021, 11:35

That's good news. Thanks Iain.

Sep 2nd, 2013, 18:32	#1
IainG Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:23 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Plymouth	Key error,try again V50 2.0 d 05 plate Yesterday I tried to start the car and the key didn't do any thing. Took the key out and tried again and all worked. I just put it down to a one off. Today the car started and I drove 2 miles and parked up. Tried to restart and all I could get was "key error try again" . Tried many times and just the same, tried unlocking/locking the car and still the same. Tried the second key and still wouldn't work, so the problem had to be the car. Disconnected the battery to try and reset but no joy. Finally called the RAC, hoping they would just get the car home. Whilst I was waiting I had a good look on this forum and others and the fault pointed towards the key switch unit. On one forum they suggested hitting the dash with a hammer next to the switch! I thought a bit over the top but- Still waiting for the RAC so went back to the car and tried both keys again and still no joy. I then gave the dash a good thump with my fist next to the switch. It all started working again! Cancelled the RAC and drove home. I did some more reading on the Internet and decided a new switch would be prudent. The switch I had on my car was 30667665. Phoned TMC and they confirmed the switch has been superseded (I think about 5 times) and the new number is 30659837. There have obviously been many problems for volvo to update the switch that many times. Ordered one and will be here tomorrow. Spent 2 hours dismantling half the dash just to get a switch out! Although the old switch started working again I felt I had to do something in case it failed again. I'm still assuming it's the switch that went faulty especially as it's been updated so many times. Will be fitting the new switch tomorrow and hopefully all the bits of the car will go back! Iain Last edited by IainG; Sep 2nd, 2013 at 19:05.

Sep 4th, 2013, 17:24	#2
IainG Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:23 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Plymouth	New switch fitted Well, what a pain to fit. All done now. And most of the dash is back again. I suppose I just have to wait now and hope the fault doesn't reappear. The new switch has a weaker spring to position 3 (start). Checked with the supplier and apparently all the new ones are the same. Will take a bit of getting used to with the weaker spring, it goes to the start position far to easily. At least I know how to remove most of the fittings on the dash now. Iain

Dec 17th, 2021, 11:43	#5
IainG Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:23 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Plymouth	Hi Yes all the same and no coding required. Just a bit of patience required when fitting. The switch has been updated a few times as it has been problamatic over the years Iain __________________ V50 2005. 2.0D

Sep 10th, 2013, 23:29	#3
Wais40 New Member Last Online: May 20th, 2014 21:48 Join Date: May 2013 Location: cannock	I also changed the ignition switch today,what a pita as the new switch didn't fit flush with the collar and had to take it off and swapped the old switch cover to the new switch..

Dec 17th, 2021, 11:07	#4
Conradv2 New Member Last Online: Sep 19th, 2023 14:19 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Glasgow	This is an old thread but I’m responding to bring it up again. I had this exact issue last night and managed to get the switch working again 10 minutes before the AA were due to arrive allowing me to cancel them. I got home then tried the switch a number of times and it’s working fine but of course it’s going to wait until I’m 100 miles away from home with no phone signal. My question is this. If I fit a new lock , can I still use the old keys? Thanks for the info . Conrad

Dec 28th, 2021, 11:35	#6
Conradv2 New Member Last Online: Sep 19th, 2023 14:19 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Glasgow	That's good news. Thanks Iain.

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