Key stuck in ignition

dhancock · Post by **dhancock** » 14 Oct 2011, 11:20

I have a 2000 V70 Auto with 202,000 kms [±125,000 miles] on the clock. I have a feeling this topic has been raised before but I can't find the thread. Please advise the link if my assumption is correct. The car is working perfectly except for the key problem which is a nuisance when I park as I have to cover the steering wheel and column with a towel to hide the key from sight. I use the spare key to lock/unlock the car.The only thing that appears abnormal is the shiftlock overide button which is permanently depressed and no amount of fiddling with a blade will free it up. Assuming this is the culprit any advice on how to fix would be welcome.

Post by **cn90** » 14 Oct 2011, 11:55

You will likely need a new tumbler assembly, only available at Volvo dealer.
My part failed at 13y/100K miles:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=34472

Post by **jblackburn** » 14 Oct 2011, 12:09

Sounds like the cable from the shifter to the ignition switch is stuck.

Will prying out the button you depress to shift do you any good? If not, I think I would remove the center console and try to pry the cable loose and un-stick the buttons. A can of silicone grease will come in handy.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 9&p=188945

Post by **Choguy03** » 14 Oct 2011, 12:12

Don't spill your drink on the console anymore.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 14 Oct 2011, 18:27

I think it is a sticky situation with the shifter. Have the same problem on ocassions. My fix is to giggle the s##t out of the shifter until it releases the lock and the key will turn to the off post. It probably needs some lube somewhere, but not high on the list on problems, giggling is working good for now.
If you do tear into it to fix it, post up, so we can all learn.
Shane

Post by **anjill182** » 14 Oct 2011, 19:09

Your shifter knob button may be cracked or broken.

dhancock · Post by **dhancock** » 15 Oct 2011, 11:38

Thanks for the suggestions guys. As I mentioned the car drives perfectly and the ignition functions exactly as it should except I cannot withdraw the key when leaving the car. the shifter button works just fine and I raked the shifter to and fro but to no avail. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the shiftlock overide button which is seized in the depressed position so I will first have a look see per J Blackburns advice and if that doesn't help I'll go with the suggestion by cn90. Will keep you posted.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 15 Oct 2011, 13:26

If the shiftlock overide button is depressed even a little bit, the key cannot be removed.
A shot of WD-40 may be enough to loosen the goo hanging up your button. The tolerences
between the console panel and the button are very tight, so one spilled soda can do it...
A short blast and working the button may free it up for your immediate problem.

I used a wrap of innertube around the button and a small pair of channel-locks to start.
Later, I removed the console and dissambled the entire shifter assembly to really clean it out.
Getting all the way to the point where you can actually take it apart is pretty involved.
Schedule an afternoon. At least if you like to detail clean things when you take them apart.

Good Luck!

SpeedyPete · Post by **SpeedyPete** » 15 Oct 2011, 16:11

Hola Amigos

I had the same problem and the finale repair turned out to be replacing the tumbler assembly of the ignition switch. The cause was my loving wife's 50+ pounds of keys and crap on her key ring! I warned her to no avail, and then I handed her the estimate for the repair. Holy Crap!!! was my honey"s response. So the fix went like this. Get your self some WD-40, 2 knifes with firm sharp points, small pliers, oh yeah, rags. Step (1) Check the shifter knob for cracks and breakage. If none take the WD-40 and lube the knob liberally. I mean not only the button area but slide the red straw down the handle and spray, spray, spray. Work the button several times and rack the shifter from park to drive several times. When the shifter/Knob button work free and smooth step (2) Spray WD-40 on your stuck over-ride button work a small blade around it several times while spraying more WD on it. Patience is a virtue. Go have a beer while the WD does its work. Step (3) Take 2 small firm knife points place them on opposite sides of your over-ride button and pry up. Use 2 blades because 1 blade will cause pressure on the other side of the button and the wall of the console guide. Mine was a royal pain in the butt. However, another beer later, and with a new attitude that a little stuck button was not going to piss me off, more WD more prying and a grab of the pliers and victory! Step (4) Clean, clean, clean and smooth out any pry marks on your over-ride button. If your lucky this will be the end of your problem if not as stated above pull the console and clean and lube the cable and over-ride mech. Step(6) $$$ The key tumbler may need to be replaced as in my case. The dealer is the only outlet for a matching key replacement. You can find a new replacement key tumbler at some volvo specialty shops however the key will be different from your original. I just ordered a new one from the dealer. The replacement of the tumbler is another topic. Adios Amigo's Best Regards, SpeedyPete

dhancock · Post by **dhancock** » 15 Oct 2011, 16:48

Thans BEJinFbk and SpeedyPete. It's going up midnight here so have just been out doing my thing with the WD-40. I'll hit it again in the morning and see how we go. Will let you know.