1998 V70 AWD Ignition switch key insert switch failure

[holler1]

The sensor that senses when my ignition key is removed seems to have stopped working. With the key removed, I get a pinging with the door open as if the key were still in the ignition. Also, the door locks behave the same with key out as in - if I try to lock the doors with the button with the driver's door open, the locks pop back up again. I can still lock or unlock all the doors from outside by turning the key in the door. The remote won't lock or unlock the doors and the anti-theft light doesn't come on when I lock the doors with the key. The car starts normally. I know there is a circuit that is supposed to turn on or off when the key is shoved in, but I don't know where the physical switch is for this. Is it a mechanical switch that "flips" when the key goes in, or is a sensor on the ignition switch for a chip in the key? My recollection is that the key used to push in past a small metal flap just inside the key opening - not sure if this is right or if my imagination is acting up. If there was a metal flap it is missing now. I would appreciate any help on how to find and/or fix the "key in" switch. No particular urgency -Thanks.

[Herb Goltz]

Shift interlock switch near the gear selector is stuck. You should hear a distinct click when you press it (and the warning chime will stop).

Good luck!

[BEJinFbk]

If the interlock button was stuck, I'd expect
that you wouldn't be able to remove the key.

A sticky sensor switch makes more sense to me.
I would try a short shot of TriFlow in the lock,
then insert and remove the key a few times.

[holler1]

Pushing the interlock button didn't affect the chiming. However, I found that if I pull the key out quickly, the chiming usually stops and the door locks are normal. If I remove it more slowly (normally) it usually doesn't stop the chime. So the sensor seems to be intermittent. I had already sprayed it several times with a silicone-bike-type lube when this first started. I'll try WD40. Not familiar with TriFlow - that's Teflon I see. This isn't a big problem right now but Murphy's Law says it will get worse. Until a week or so ago it worked fine. I would still like to know exactly where the sensor is located. I'm hoping I would not have to replace the entire mechanical part of the ignition switch. I already replaced the electrical part several years ago.

[cn90]

If you need the mechanical part (tumbler), I have it listed in the For Sales section.

[profjmm]

My V70 had this happen twice and both times I tinkered for a long time but eventually had to get it fixed by the mechanic.