I recently had an incident where I tried to start my '05 2.4i V50 and nothing happened. The dashboard stayed dark, but when I turned the key back to try again, the message read "Key Error - Try Again".

I tried numerous times and even tried using my spare key, but nothing worked. So I popped the hood and unplugged the battery cable to reset everything. The vehicle then started. Interestingly enough, when I popped the hood, I could hear what sounded like the hard drive of a computer working away. ticks, humming, etc...... just like a p.c. when it is "thinking". This noise also stopped when I disconnected the battery for a short period of time.

Anyone have any experience with this?

from what you described it sounds like the ignition switch (what you plug your key into) might be going out. as for the sound under the hood most likely was stuff like the throttle body going through its checks. the computer in the car could be trying to figure out the secrets of life and still wouldnt make a sound. if the key thing happens again i would go get it checked out.

Unfortunately, it was the ignition..... according to the Volvo Stealership. $450 later I had a new ignition. My vehicle was less than 300 miles beyond the warranty, but of course the stealership still didn't help me out.

My V50 in almost 4 years old and last weekend I got it out of the garage. It started o.k.

When I came to drive it away it was dead. with 'Key error - try again'

Tried dis connecting battery but still no joy. After about 50 attempts I got it started and immediatally took it to the nearest Volvo dealer, and left it there until the Monday.

They charged £70 just for connecting tghe car to the computer to tell me what I already knew....The ignition switch was dicky.

Another £150 for the replacement & re proggramming.

From all reports I've read this ignition switch assembly is a common fault and appears not to be 'fit for porpuse'

I hope the replacement lasts more than four years

Volvo appear to have a world wide problem with this Electronic Ignition Switch on cars between 3 & 4 years old.

My son has just had to have it replaced on his just out of warranty V50 here in the UK.

Volvo did contribute a little to it's replacement