DIY: 1998 S70 GLT Ignition Tumbler FREE Fix! Topic is solved

[DaveP189]

Update: The overide switch was stuck down (I'm blaming my g/f's purse ) - kept searching, reading and thinking.
But it won't start, same symptoms as above...

[zano.korellio]

I did the plate dremelling method and unlocked my SW lock function, thought I fixed the problem but the issue still persist.

I cannot turn my key at all and it is stuck in position '0'.

If someone have something like this happened with you too, care to share how you solve this problem?
I'm a college student in Pensacola and money is not my strong suit, hence why I'm looking for DIY fix unless there's no other way.

[cn90]

Maybe the small little piece is still wedged up there. Mu suggestion:

1. Wear goggles.

2. Look upward with a flash light and a dental pick. Pick around to see if anything falls off.
Move steering wheel R and L, wiggle the key in the tumbler and see what happens.

Worst-case scenario is d/c the ignition switch on the L side (the electrical portion of the ignition switch) and use a screwdriver to start the car so you can get home.

[98v70dad]

This is a great thing! I removed and replaced the ignition tumbler in my car about 6 years ago and it took e all day to get the security fasteners out. This is so much better and cheaper. As an alternate, if you know where to drill and are careful you could probably use a small bi-metal hole saw to set that spring free and then use a shop vac to suck out the little aluminum tab. However, I think your approach would be easier to accomplish and there is probably no benefit to the hole (other than maintaining more coverage to the area), assuming that it would even work.

This is the best tip I've seen here in a long time. I especially appreciate it because of the day I endured with a nail set pounding away on the security fasteners at very awkward and uncomfortable angles.

[DaveP189]

I removed the plate, the "little piece" dropped out - and I still can't turn the key (well, a tiny bit, not quite half-way to 1); steering wheel is locked. Tried both keys. Shook the hell out of the wheel. No luck.

Any other ideas, please? (Other than pull it into the yard and set fire to it - which is at the very top of my list right now.)

[wskee]

Maybe the small little piece is still wedged up there. Mu suggestion:

1. Wear goggles.

2. Look upward with a flash light and a dental pick. Pick around to see if anything falls off.
Move steering wheel R and L, wiggle the key in the tumbler and see what happens.

Worst-case scenario is d/c the ignition switch on the L side (the electrical portion of the ignition switch) and use a screwdriver to start the car so you can get home.

Unfortunately, you cannot disconnect the gear shift cable from the key tumblr unless you can get to position 1. Note: You can d/c the ignition switch and start the car with a screwdriver, but the fun stops there. The car will not shift out of park unless you get that gear cable removed.

Overall, removing the bottom plate from the tumbler and removing this broken piece will work as a fix, and if the piece that moves up and down in the tumbler gets pressed up somehow, you will be stuck in position zero and in the worst place you can be. So, the fix works, and do not touch the inside of this tumbler after you are running again. Leave the bottom plate that gets you into the tumbler off, it is not designed to go back on due to the clip that runs off the key cylinder. Feel good about your repair, and leave it alone forever. Maybe place a piece of tape over the opening but DO NOT PLAY WITH IT AGAIN. Trust me.

[cn90]

UPDATE:

I did this FREE fix 2 years ago (Dec. 2014), so far so good, zero issues.

[zano.korellio]

I cannot do the DIY so I ended up buying a new cylinder lock that costs me $217 New from eBay with extra keys (they asks for my VIN number and all). but the problem is the shop I go to asks for another $400 to reprogram the key after paying $400 for replacing my cylinder lock with the new cylinder lock I bought already, CRAZY! my question is, won't the new key fit the new cylinder lock and should start the car? It's 2001 Volvo s60 just in case needed.

[baxtex]

Anyone having success with this method for when the key just spins 360 degrees?

[cn90]

...Anyone having success with this method for when the key just spins 360 degrees?...

Old post but important for future reader re "360-degree spin".

If you ever open the Ignition Switch (Electrical portion on the LEFT side of steering column), then you will see the inside anatomy of it.
There is the "Start" and "Stop" detents on the inside. This allows the key to stay at "0" position and to stop at Position III or "Starter Motor".

If you are too rough on the key (turning it with too much force), eventually, the inside anatomy is screwed up and now you can turn the key 360 degrees. When you get to the stage, the only solution is a new ignition switch, which is about $55 for Volvo Genuine part. Do NOT buy aftermarket.

Anyway, take your time and READ this nice ignition switch DIY by abscate:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=80191


PS: The FREE fix is still going strong since I did it in Dec. 2014!