Diagnosing "Start Prevented, Try Again"

kmjunge · Post by **kmjunge** » 30 Nov 2022, 07:53

Hey, I'm new here. I'm picking up a 2002 V70XC in a couple of days that is suffering from a "Start Prevented, Try Again" issue so it's currently not starting, not even intermittently. (I'm getting a pretty sweet deal on it) I'm hoping to get a checklist of items for diagnosing this issue for myself and for future folks. I've spent a couple of days scouring this forum and others trying to find some definitive answers but I've found a lot of dead end posts. Below is a list of initial items I'll be running through to start off, is there anything I'm missing?

- RF Key Antenna Ring (how can I check functionality of this?)
- Corrosion in Antenna Ring connection
- Corrosion in Immobilizer connection
- Corrosion/Loose connection on starter signal wire (seems to be a common problem, I'm really hoping this is my problem)
- Battery low voltage
- Immobilizer System grounds? (anyone have a wiring diagram or list of ground locations to check?)
- Corrosion at ECM connector (especially if there is a ECM-711A or ECM-700D code, Xemodex ETM in Canada can repair ECM if it's broken)
- Bad transponder in key (this is not a common problem but can be a real PITA, I read about someone who tossed their only key to someone who missed the catch and this caused the glass transponder to shatter and they were then screwed. I think mine only has 1 key so I'll be getting a spare ASAP regardless, I really hope this isn't my issue)

Other items regularly mentioned in other posts but don't seem to cause a definitive issue:
- Multiple keys/transponders on key ring causing issues

The XC I'm picking up was running/driving fine then the battery died. The batter was recharged then the "Start Prevented, Try Again" presented (at least as I understand it, not sure of what else was done before or immediately after the battery died) It looks like they checked fuses and probably relays but couldn't get it going. The RF Antenna Ring was replaced with a used unit off Ebay and it did not solve the issue. The owner gave up on it and listed it for sale, this is all the information I have at this time, I didn't know to look at the starter wire when I went to view the car so that's still a big question mark for me.

Post by **BlackBart** » 30 Nov 2022, 08:08

Did the words “I’m sorry Dave, I can’t do that” ever appear on the screen? Because that’s bad.

(I’m joking of course)

kmjunge · Post by **kmjunge** » 30 Nov 2022, 08:25

Oh boy, I hope not!

Post by **br0dy519** » 30 Nov 2022, 11:09

Check for a crank sensor code and it might be the starter causing interference on that particular sensor wire. My bad starter caused all sorts of weird codes and I did get a start prevented once.

Post by **jonesg** » 30 Nov 2022, 13:31

kmjunge wrote: ↑30 Nov 2022, 07:53 Hey, I'm new here. I'm picking up a 2002 V70XC in a couple of days that is suffering from a "Start Prevented, Try Again" issue so it's currently not starting, not even intermittently. (I'm getting a pretty sweet deal on it) I'm hoping to get a checklist of items for diagnosing this issue for myself and for future folks. I've spent a couple of days scouring this forum and others trying to find some definitive answers but I've found a lot of dead end posts. Below is a list of initial items I'll be running through to start off, is there anything I'm missing?

- RF Key Antenna Ring (how can I check functionality of this?)
- Corrosion in Antenna Ring connection
- Corrosion in Immobilizer connection
- Corrosion/Loose connection on starter signal wire (seems to be a common problem, I'm really hoping this is my problem)
- Battery low voltage (doesn't seem to be a consistent issue on the posts I've read)
- Immobilizer System grounds? (anyone have a wiring diagram or list of ground locations to check?)
- Corrosion at ECM connector (especially if there is a ECM-711A or ECM-700D code, Xemodex ETM in Canada can repair ECM if it's broken)
- Bad transponder in key (this is not a common problem but can be a real PITA, I read about someone who tossed their only key to someone who missed the catch and this caused the glass transponder to shatter and they were then screwed. I think mine only has 1 key so I'll be getting a spare ASAP regardless, I really hope this isn't my issue)

Other items regularly mentioned in other posts but don't seem to cause a definitive issue:
- Multiple keys/transponders on key ring causing issues

The XC I'm picking up was running/driving fine then the battery died. The batter was recharged then the "Start Prevented, Try Again" presented (at least as I understand it, not sure of what else was done before or immediately after the battery died) It looks like they checked fuses and probably relays but couldn't get it going. The RF Antenna Ring was replaced with a used unit off Ebay and it did not solve the issue. The owner gave up on it and listed it for sale, this is all the information I have at this time, I didn't know to look at the starter wire when I went to view the car so that's still a big question mark for me.

right now the value is scrap parts.

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 30 Nov 2022, 14:13

Before you pay a penny, you need a known "good" key and a known "good" battery. New battery would be the best.

I'd also ask if the alarm siren (alarm battery leak) has ever been replaced...just to make sure the alarm system isn't locking the thing out.

jonesg is correct, if you can't start it, the value is scrap parts (or less since you have to tow it).

Good luck.

kmjunge · Post by **kmjunge** » 30 Nov 2022, 16:17

The car was driven with the existing key prior to the battery dying so I'm pretty optimistic on that front. I'll definitely look into the alarm situation. The battery was recharged and everything lights up when the key is turned but a battery test is towards the top of my list.

kmjunge · Post by **kmjunge** » 30 Nov 2022, 16:23

right now the value is scrap parts.

I'm picking it up for a scrap/parts car price, but hopeful to get it running again. It'll be my winter project to keep me busy in the garage through the cold months. If all else fails I'll part it out and be sure to let you folks know.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 30 Nov 2022, 17:27

Be aware, these models/year Volvos do not like any less than a FULLY charged battery. Even a good cranking battery may not have enough voltage to power all the electronics to actually start them.
volvolugnut

Post by **br0dy519** » 30 Nov 2022, 17:52

I recall JRL often saying immobilizer issues on his vehicles ended up with them at the dealership.