Volvo s60 2.4t 2001... Problem with key

[sammyhk]

Hey guys,
Lately I have been having a problem with my key not moving at all past 0. The past few days i have been just taking it out and putting it back in until i hear that final click when only then i can turn on my car... I have determined that the ignition is jammed or something because the key works fine locking/unlocking with my driver side door. I just don't know what exactly is the problem and how i would go about fixing this. obviously each key is different so i cant just go out and buy a new system that fits my key. Has anyone else had this problem and has found an easy (and cheap ) solution??

thanks in advance,
Sam

[E170_Driver]

I had exactly the same problem with my 2001 V70 about 2 years ago; the key would not turn past 0. The dealership said that the key start wearing out after some time and wanted $450 for a new unit when my father in law mentioned to try some WD40 on the key and into the ignition. Since I had to go to work and was at the end of my patience I did exactly that. That was 2 years ago and I have had no problems ever since. Good luck.

Jan

[OEMVolvoParts]

We can get you a "coded" lock cylinder that will match your original key. It takes up to 7 days to get from Germany. It sells for about $225, $9 for UPS freight. You must provide the vin and proof of ownership. Of course trying WD is a good start.

[Checksix]

There is a lot of info on this when searched for. I had a similar experience last fall. I could turn the key past the steering wheel lock, but it would stop dead cold after that. This happen quite some distance from home so eventually I turned the key real hard, and something sounded like it broke, but the key now turned and started the car. Needless to say I drove straight home and started searching. I found several things of interest. Most recommend a shot of dry graphite to lube the lock cylinder which is the part failing. I used Kano with graphite (liquid formula). This seemed to work and I've not had further issues. I later used some dry graphite too.

However I still think a failure for me could be just around the corner. So that I won’t get stuck again, I learned how to remove the cover for the steering column, and how to remove the electronic portion from the key assembly. By doing this, you can start the car with a screwdriver and get home or to the shop for a permanent repair. This only works if the key turns enough to get by the steering wheel lock, and is pretty easy to do without instructions, but if you search there is info on how to do this. Replacement of the key cylinder is a bit more complicated and requires a bit of skill. If interested in being able to do this, you will need to search further. The detail instructions are here if you look.

Jerry

[sammyhk]

Thanks for all the replies! i tried using the search function and didn't think i was going in the right direction...

tried wd-40 just now all it seemed to do for me was make the inserting of the key a lot smoother.

A coworker of mine mentioned he had a problem with a key very similar to mine, and he replaced the key through the dealer and the new key worked... however a few days later his origional key started working again too.

based on my experiences and responses here, I feel like i will need to replace the whole key cylinder ...

thanks again.

[Joe Hurless]

I have a question. Did the key ever get stuck in the ignition after shifting to park and shutting the car off?

The shift knob buttons on these cars have a tendency to break and wear out, which can result in some weird ignition issues.

[sammyhk]

No, the key never got stuck at any other time ... just refuses to turn past 0. never gets stuck at I or so either.

[sony2000]

Has the trigger on the stick shift been well lubed from the sides?. Gentle force on the key can get rid of the debris jamming it.

[sammyhk]

tried gum cutter... no dice looks like ill just have to replace the part. thanks for all the help.