Ignition Switch - Will I need to change keys?

[pagragg]

Hello,
I have a 2001 XC-70. Occasionally, the key will not turn and I've been told it's because the tumblers are wearing out and I need a new ignition switch. I was quoted $500-$700 for this repair. I watched a video and it didn't seem too hard and the part comes in under $100. What I don't know is if my existing key will work if I change out this part. Any other reason I should be afraid to take this on?

[Herb Goltz]

The keys will work, because you need to provide the VIN number of the car to the dealer when they order the part from Valeo in Germany.

There's a zero dollar "fix" for this, with the only real down side being that the steering lock will no longer function. Drop the cladding around the bottom of the steering column. If you look up, you will see a cadmium-plated steel square about 3 cm across that is staked into the pot metal of the mechanical part of the ignition switch (which is about $300). You can dremel or drill these spots and then the square will fall out, along with a spring and the tiny piece of the "guillotine" in the locking part of the ignition switch. Then place the key in key pos I and squeeze and remove the steering lock cable from the ignition assembly. This takes about 30 minutes, and saves at least $600. I did it on my 2000 V70, and there are photos of the process if you search the 1992-2000 850/V70 forum.