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

Post by **Krons** » 24 Jan 2026, 05:09

vtl wrote: 20 Jan 2026, 06:56
Krons wrote: 19 Jan 2026, 19:20 A spare key is most painful…covered here on the forum ad nauseam…$440 for a fob or $113 for a valet key PLUS $224 to program either one. With an AirTag on the only functional key I may roll the dice. Just can’t swallow $337 for a spare key on a $1500 vehicle.
Break the ignition lock, so it accepts even a screwdriver. Glue your the only remaining key to immobilizer antenna. This is what I did years ago.

VTL I’ve been thinking about your reply on the ’What did you do’ P2 thread. I wonder if a good solution is to glue the good key near the immobilizer and simply buy two valet keys and skip the $200+ each of programming. Could even maybe find a local to cut the key and keep the tumblers in place and save that effort of disassembly.

Post by **vtl** » 24 Jan 2026, 06:54

Krons wrote: 24 Jan 2026, 05:09 VTL I’ve been thinking about your reply on the ’What did you do’ P2 thread. I wonder if a good solution is to glue the good key near the immobilizer and simply buy two valet keys and skip the $200+ each of programming. Could even maybe find a local to cut the key and keep the tumblers in place and save that effort of disassembly.

I drive like that in fact. The real immo antenna with the only key glued to it is hidden behind the dash, I even put a donor antenna on the lock, unconnected, just for the looks. The lock has been replaced with the one, which has two switchblade keys and a valet.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Jan 2026, 08:49

Just curious for those with Antenna Ring failure...

- At how many miles did yours fail?
- What were the symptoms?

Post by **vtl** » 26 Jan 2026, 09:33

cn90 wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 08:49 Just curious for those with Antenna Ring failure...

- At how many miles did yours fail?
- What were the symptoms?

They suffer tin pest. Perhaps they almost never fail in Florida and alike states.

Two 05 have never had any antenna failures. 02 had it. I reflowed it with lead solder and that fixed it.

Post by **Krons** » 27 Jan 2026, 21:09

vtl wrote: 24 Jan 2026, 06:54
Krons wrote: 24 Jan 2026, 05:09 VTL I’ve been thinking about your reply on the ’What did you do’ P2 thread. I wonder if a good solution is to glue the good key near the immobilizer and simply buy two valet keys and skip the $200+ each of programming. Could even maybe find a local to cut the key and keep the tumblers in place and save that effort of disassembly.
I drive like that in fact. The real immo antenna with the only key glued to it is hidden behind the dash, I even put a donor antenna on the lock, unconnected, just for the looks. The lock has been replaced with the one, which has two switchblade keys and a valet.

I put this plan in motion today. Had a mobile locksmith here to make a key for a recently acquired 2017 Ford Focus (likely to replace the 05 XC90…).

He’s a 20 year veteran and knows the pains of Volvo keys. He didn’t carry blanks but said to order them up and they’d cut them for me. $16 for a pair of keys on eBay and see an antenna on there for $50. Hope to be all in with two keys for $100.