Key Read Error

mjcourtney · Dec 1st, 2008, 10:17

Had a slight bit of panic on Saturday evening after leaving the supermarket with all of the weeks groceries. Unlocked the car with the remote as usual, loaded in the shopping, popped the key into the ignition and instead of the usual start up sequence I was just presented with a dash message that said 'Key Read Error'!! I tried removing the key, relocking the car, restarting etc about a dozen times, no luck.
Gave up, phoned for help and sat back and waited for about 5 minutes. I figured I might as well give it one last shot, and to my surprise it started!! Roared into life, and has been fine ever since. I have noticed that the key rattles slightly, so i'm wondering whether they key is on it's last legs (it's had 4 years of use).
I've tested the ignition about 30 times since and every time it's started with no problems so I have no idea whether it's a problem with the Key, Starter Module, or just some random interference, but if anyone has experienced this problem i'd be interested to hear from you!

alfiembra · Dec 1st, 2008, 15:05

Yep had this happen to me, had just filled up at the pumps got in the car and same thing, Key error try again message. Wasn't too far away from home so got my wife to bring down the spare key, it didn't work either. Eventually got the AA out and after wiggling the steering column about he got it going, went to the dealers needed a new ignition switch. FOC from Volvo, goodwill gesture just a month out of the warranty expiring. mine is a June 05 S40 so if you are not too much out of warranty you might get the same goodwill gesture.

Alan

mjcourtney · Dec 1st, 2008, 16:20

Thanks, mine was out of warranty in Sept 07 so no chance on that one!

I'll keep an eye on it, problem is that the dealer on the isle of wight closed down last year so whatever the part / labour costs to replace the ignition unit i'll have to add £50 for ferry and a day off work to get it to Volvo in Southampton!

Who knows, maybe it's just the key....

ch70 · Dec 5th, 2008, 15:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjcourtney

I'll keep an eye on it, problem is that the dealer on the isle of wight closed down last year so whatever the part / labour costs to replace the ignition unit i'll have to add £50 for ferry and a day off work to get it to Volvo in Southampton!

Hi mjcourtney

what is the dealer like in southampton (kings im guessing) for servicing? am about to buy a volvo so they will be the local garage.

Chris

asuk · Dec 5th, 2008, 19:40

Hi,

same happened to mine. It won't be the key it will be the switch in the dash, Forget the name of the damn thing now but theres lots of threads on this web site about other owners with the same problems. Beware £280 all in parts and labour.

Hope yours keeps going for the time being.

asuk.

mjcourtney · Dec 6th, 2008, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by ch70

Hi mjcourtney

what is the dealer like in southampton (kings im guessing) for servicing? am about to buy a volvo so they will be the local garage.

Chris

Yes it's Kings that I use, they're really NOT cheap (Last time I checked their labour rates were about £110 an hour), but the level of service is fantastic and i've been well looked after. They replaced my engine under warranty in 2007 and did a fantastic job, would never know it had been taken out (maybe it wasn't and i've been had! lol).

The key / reader has behaved itself since the hickup last weekend, the car had been sat unused for 10 days so whether that was the reason I don't know. If it does it once more then i'll take it in as I can't afford to be stranded anywhere.

Nunchukhamster · Dec 6th, 2008, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by ch70

Hi mjcourtney

what is the dealer like in southampton (kings im guessing) for servicing? am about to buy a volvo so they will be the local garage.

Chris

After they quoted me 6 hours labour for a job which took a non-Volvo mechanic under 10 mins to rectify, they won't be seeing my car again.

mjcourtney · Dec 6th, 2008, 22:13

Fair enough, doesn't sound right does it. All i know is they did a good job on mine, but then I wasn't paying for it so can't really comment on value for money. I might call round a few Volvo garages in the south if this key module packs up, as if i have to get it to the mainland then an extra few miles to a cheaper garage is prob worth it.

Dec 1st, 2008, 10:17	#1
mjcourtney VOC Member Last Online: Feb 24th, 2014 18:11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Isle of Wight	Key Read Error Had a slight bit of panic on Saturday evening after leaving the supermarket with all of the weeks groceries. Unlocked the car with the remote as usual, loaded in the shopping, popped the key into the ignition and instead of the usual start up sequence I was just presented with a dash message that said 'Key Read Error'!! I tried removing the key, relocking the car, restarting etc about a dozen times, no luck. Gave up, phoned for help and sat back and waited for about 5 minutes. I figured I might as well give it one last shot, and to my surprise it started!! Roared into life, and has been fine ever since. I have noticed that the key rattles slightly, so i'm wondering whether they key is on it's last legs (it's had 4 years of use). I've tested the ignition about 30 times since and every time it's started with no problems so I have no idea whether it's a problem with the Key, Starter Module, or just some random interference, but if anyone has experienced this problem i'd be interested to hear from you!

Dec 1st, 2008, 15:05	#2
alfiembra Member Last Online: Sep 3rd, 2010 15:02 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Edinburgh	Yep had this happen to me, had just filled up at the pumps got in the car and same thing, Key error try again message. Wasn't too far away from home so got my wife to bring down the spare key, it didn't work either. Eventually got the AA out and after wiggling the steering column about he got it going, went to the dealers needed a new ignition switch. FOC from Volvo, goodwill gesture just a month out of the warranty expiring. mine is a June 05 S40 so if you are not too much out of warranty you might get the same goodwill gesture. Alan

Dec 1st, 2008, 16:20	#3
mjcourtney VOC Member Last Online: Feb 24th, 2014 18:11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Isle of Wight	Thanks, mine was out of warranty in Sept 07 so no chance on that one! I'll keep an eye on it, problem is that the dealer on the isle of wight closed down last year so whatever the part / labour costs to replace the ignition unit i'll have to add £50 for ferry and a day off work to get it to Volvo in Southampton! Who knows, maybe it's just the key....

Dec 5th, 2008, 19:40	#5
asuk Junior Member Last Online: Oct 7th, 2013 09:52 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: sheffield	Hi, same happened to mine. It won't be the key it will be the switch in the dash, Forget the name of the damn thing now but theres lots of threads on this web site about other owners with the same problems. Beware £280 all in parts and labour. Hope yours keeps going for the time being. asuk.

Dec 6th, 2008, 22:13	#8
mjcourtney VOC Member Last Online: Feb 24th, 2014 18:11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Isle of Wight	Fair enough, doesn't sound right does it. All i know is they did a good job on mine, but then I wasn't paying for it so can't really comment on value for money. I might call round a few Volvo garages in the south if this key module packs up, as if i have to get it to the mainland then an extra few miles to a cheaper garage is prob worth it.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)