940 1994 Key won't turn at all in ignition

erikagm · Post by **erikagm** » 25 Nov 2009, 21:35

This is actually my aun't car, and she is back in the USA on vacation, whereas I'm left here in Mexico with her car (which is pretty beaten up).

I think the problem had been forthcoming, since you had to jiggle the key in the ignition or wiggle the steering wheel every so often because the key wouldn't turn, but it had always resolved itself. This time, however, it didn't. I tried wiggling and jiggling all I could in order to make it work, it was just a no-go. A mechanic also looked at the gear stick because it wouldn't go past halfway and found that the arm that holds the gear positions in place was broken, so that will be fixed, but the key still won't turn even when it is definitely in the P position.

My question is, can the cylinder be taken out and "unlocked", and maybe reset (like house locks) so that it will still work, or does it definitely need to be replaced?

Thanks for your help!

Post by **billofdurham** » 26 Nov 2009, 11:32

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The ignition lock is the most used lock on the car and the one that receives the least maintenance. When was the last time you oiled an ignition lock?

Try squirting some WD 40 into the lock to see if it will loosen anything that may be stuck. Let it stand for a while then move the key in and out several times before trying to turn it. If it is still not working then I think you will be looking at replacing it.

Bill.

erikagm · Post by **erikagm** » 27 Nov 2009, 19:34

Correction.. It is a 960... It was in the wee hours of the morn that I posted this and since I have a cold I didn't want to venture out to try and figure out a make/model so I looked online for the closest one I could find.

Ok, I am pretty much certain I need to replace the lock, thing is, my mechanic tried to remove it to see if he could get the same part in a junkyard or somewhere else, but there seems to be no way of removing the thing! Is there a trick to removing the ignition lock that I should pass on to my mechanic? (remember he is here in Mexico, and I don't have a dealership that is nearby or one on the phone willing to talk my mechanic through it)

Post by **billofdurham** » 28 Nov 2009, 11:51

940, 960 look the same on a dark night, especially when it isn't your car that you have broken.

The ignition switch does come out but for security reasons Volvo didn't make it too easy.

1. Disconnect the battery earth (ground) cable.
2. Wait a minimum of 10 minutes for SRS system to de-energize its back up power supply.
3. Remove the lower knee bolster cover. Note how it slides into the two receiver slots, it's easy to make mistakes on reassembly. Don't forget to unclip the electrical connector from the foot well light on the bolster cover.
4 Look up underneath the shroud that surrounds the steering column and ignition key assembly. There are 6 screws. Remove them.
5. Remove the lower plastic half.
6. Lower the steering wheel as far as it will go.
7. Remove the upper plastic half.
8. Put the key in, turn to #2 position. You may have to force yours as it is broken.
9. Remove the wiring harness attached to the ignition switch. It is easier if you pry it off with a thin screwdriver between the harness connector and the switch body. Gently work your way around until it comes off the switch body.
10. You will now see two slotted screws that hold the switch assembly on to the steering column. Remove them and the switch assembly.
11. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Bill.