Broken ignition lock and strange electrical issues

Yaworski · Post by **Yaworski** » 27 Aug 2019, 07:45

2002 S60.

The ignition key was sticking and I was thinking, "I need to get a new ignition lock." Well, yesterday, it broke. I couldn't turn the key far enough to start the car but I could turn it far enough to unlock the wheel and shifter.

It had stuck before so I turned the key back and forth about ten or fifteen times, trying to get it past the sticking point but no joy.

So I rip the steering column apart and remove the ignition switch from the back of the lock so I can use a screwdriver to start the car.

As I said earlier, the key would turn far enough to unlock the wheel and I figured that I could drive the car until I got the lock. Oh, oh, now the key won't turn far enough to unlock the steering wheel. Damn!

Then I discover that the windows won't work. Hmmmm .. . check the fuses, they're fine. Disconnect the battery, wait a bit, reconnect the battery and everything works fine. Except that I have warning messages about the ABS and airbags.

So this morning I think...."I can pull the lock off and drive the car." So I go to work on the car and discover that the windows won't work again. Hmmmmm . . .

So what could be causing this window problem? When I first found that the key wouldn't turn, I must have turned the key ten or fifteen times trying to shake things loose so it would turn. That meant that I was turning the entire car on and off a bunch of times in quick succession.

Other error messages indicate brake and ABS problems that weren't there before.

Could I have screwed something up fiddling with the key as I did?

Thanks.

Post by **oragex** » 27 Aug 2019, 10:25

Can't say for sure, but I would try measure the alternator, see how it charges. After starting, it should stay for a little while at fully charging, about 14.5V

Yaworski · Post by **Yaworski** » 27 Aug 2019, 11:31

Why the alternator?

I suppose that I should have mentioned that even with the engine on, the windows aren't working. The mirrors don't work and neither does the sun roof.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Aug 2019, 11:35

You have an interruption to the CANBUS which has shut everything down. Probably need to get VIDA and reset stuff, or try disconnecting battery for 15 minutes. Make sure it is fully charged, the P2 cars hate droopy voltage

Post by **volvolugnut** » 27 Aug 2019, 12:13

For the ignition switch problem see:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=22911
This is a common problem that shows up on these Volvos. This thread shows how you can eliminate the problem without changing parts, but it will remove the steering lock feature when the key is removed.

I think you may have caused the electrical problem when you disconnected and reconnected the battery. Always remove the negative terminal first and install the negative terminal first when connecting.