06 V70 ignition key cylinder wear mystery

[ogatrulle]

While I await car parts and availability of Boy (who will assist repairs and learn about wrenching), I'm chasing down another issue with this new (to me) 06 V70. The car has 118Kmi on it. Previous (first) owner gave me three keys: 2 fob/flip keys + valet key.

All three keys operate the door lock. Both flip keys operate the glove box. However: ONLY ONE key turns the ignition cylinder, namely, the WELL-WORN flip key. The normally straight-across thin metal behind each track is actually worn down nearly to the track pattern. The other flip key shows minimal wear, and the valet key does not show any signs of wear.

key-wear.jpg (25.04 KiB) Viewed 685 times

My favorite local locksmith pronounced the three keys all cut to the same bitting. His hypothesis was that the very worn key caused corresponding wear in the ignition cylinder, rendering it (by some tiny amount) incompatible with the two relatively unused keys.

I am not familiar with the mechanical operation of the Volvo cylinder, and I am unable to conceive a scenario in which wear would render the original keys unusable. Can anyone here offer insights or suggestions? I am hoping to avoid replacing the cylinder (part cost about $300). Thanks!

[oragex]

It is the first time I'm reading this so perhaps not a common issue. What can however be common is an ignition barrel damaged by owner forcing the key while the steering wheel is locked. I always pull a little on the steering so as to release the steering lock pressure, while turning the key.

[jonesg]

I think I would be spending time in a junkyard vs spending $300.

[ogatrulle]

Another symptom: after fiddling with keys in the ignition for a bit, now the door chime stays on when the door is open, even when there is no key inserted. Which failed part is THAT? Grr.

I think I would be spending time in a junkyard vs spending $300.

My inclination as well, except that a junkyard cylinder probably won't match my keys.

[cn90]

I guess you can use sandpaper and file the other 2 keys to match the well-worn key.

The Volvo lock works like this...

[abscate]

I think your lock cylinder has worn out. The chime staying on is telling you that it's messed up inside. Once that stops working you have a very large paperweight so filing keys isn't a good strategy IMHO.

KUdos to teaching Boy useful stuff. At prom night, my 16 year old ballerina was the only one who knew how to jump a car, including parents....