Infamous ignition tumbler problem, now "Start Prevented Try Again" Topic is solved

[93SCMax]

I've been through the infamous ignition switch tumbler problem. Read many posts. A while back did the lower plate removal, and tumbler cleaning. Worked great for a while with smooth key action and easy starts, but always came back to eventually sticking or getting hard to turn to position III. I've recleaned the tumbler with quick dry brake cleaner, blew out with compressed air and then added WD40 dry lube. Key now turns smoothly to III and then returns to II as it's suppose to. Problem is, all I'm now getting is "Start Prevented Try Again". I can remove the ignition switch on the left, turn the inset clockwise (like to start), and I get the same dash message. I've tried different keys, even the valet key (never used before), and get the same message.

Would disconnecting the battery for a period of time reset the lock-out?
Would my immobilizer be the root cause? How can I troubleshoot this?
I've read some say disconnect the battery and touch the + and - cables together. This seems risky but would this clear the lock-out?
Could it still be the ignition switch (8645226)?

I can head to a pick and pull for another immobilizer ring, but we will be in the mid 90's the next week and I'd like to avoid that. I'd also like to avoid replacing the entire tumbler as it seems to be working smoothly at the moment.

One last thing, 5sp mt so no transmission lock-out. Once she starts, I'm good to go...until the next key turn.

Thanks for any input or self experience you can add.

[93SCMax]

Brief update:
Disconnecting the battery and then reconnecting hours later made no difference. I still get the Start Prevented Try Again message.

What is new and I didn't notice if it occurred earlier, but when I go to key position II, I get the error message. I would swear that earlier I only got the error message when I went from key position II to key position III...as I tried to start the car. Going to key position II will not start the car so I wouldn't think a message should appear at position II.

Thanks for reading.

[scot850]

Have you tried just cleaning the connector to the antenna ring? A build up of oxidation on the terminals can cause it to give the error you are getting, especially if you are getting it on more than one key.

That error can also be the transponder chips in the key fobs failing, but unusual for more than one key to do that at the same time.

Neil.

[dikidera]

I never knew it was such a problematic piece of hardware. On my S60 it should be impossible but I can remove the key while the engine is running and even exit the car and well, the engine does not appear to stall.

[93SCMax]

Have you tried just cleaning the connector to the antenna ring? A build up of oxidation on the terminals can cause it to give the error you are getting, especially if you are getting it on more than one key.

That error can also be the transponder chips in the key fobs failing, but unusual for more than one key to do that at the same time.

Neil.

Yes, I took some electrical contact cleaner to both connectors (female and male). All good with the connection but I may do some checking on current and voltage supplied.
Per an earlier post on cleaning the tumbler, I sprayed WD-40 into the tumbler but now realize it also backwashed into the antenna ring. This was a mistake. I've since cleaned the antenna ring with contact cleaner and compressed air. Watched a bunch of videos and followed the advice on one about turning the key on/off 5 times and then on the 6th time, turn key to start. That worked to start the car but then it immediately died...so some progress. I'm now charging the battery because I'm concerned I've drained it with all of this troubleshooting.
I'm leaning on the antenna ring being the issue due to contamination.
It will be another 95 degree day here today. Car is outside in the sun so I'll install the battery and give it another go.

Thanks for your advice.

[cn90]

A new genuine antenna ring is only ~ $60....

[93SCMax]

A new genuine antenna ring is only ~ $60....

Yes, I priced 4 of them yesterday, from $64.79 to $81.65 without shipping. Probably will be my next move based on the following:

Completed this morning:
1) Relubed the key slot/tumbler with WD40 Dry Lube with PTFE. Key easily moved to III and returns to II. No binding.
2) Recleaned the antenna ring by wiping down and spraying with compressed (canned) air, then reinstalled.
3) Reinstalled charged battery, reset door locks, clock, etc. per the correct battery installation procedure.
4) Locked drivers door twice with key, then unlocked with key. Entered car, shut door,
5) Moved key from O to II then back to O, five times. On sixth turn I went to III (start position). Car started. Success!
6) Let idle, turned car off, went and got 2nd key. Started car with 2nd key. Success again.
7) Let idle, turned car off, went and got Valet key. Tried to start car but got error message "Start Prevented Try Again".
Went back into the garage and got key from 5). Would not start car. Still immobilized.

Hard to believe the antenna ring is intermittent. I know I never use the Valet key, but once that was tried, the other keys are also not working.

[scot850]

Have you used the valet key successfully before to start the car?

I was wondering if you hadn't, are you sure it is chipped. If not it may be a security lock out possibly until locked and unlocked again?

Neil.

[93SCMax]

Have you used the valet key successfully before to start the car?

I was wondering if you hadn't, are you sure it is chipped. If not it may be a security lock out possibly until locked and unlocked again?

Neil.

Yes. I actually went out later in the morning with the original key. Did the same door lock/unlock procedure and then the 5 O to II key turns and the car started on the 6th key to III. Tried the second key, started right up, then tried the Valet key and started right up.

Went out this afternoon and started right up with the original key again. I'm building confidence but this is crazy and I'm uncomfortable taking the car anywhere for fear of another "Start Prevented Try Again". Volvo electrical gremlins are the worst! I need a permanent solution.

I'm prepping the car to sell as we recently purchase a new car. I don't want to hand this issue to the next driver. I really want to understand the root cause and make sure I've corrected it.

Thanks for your input.

[scot850]

Really check the antenna carefully on the inner side. I found cracks in one on a car I had. It was very small cracks and it was still working but I think I was on borrowed time.

Neil.