Help - ignition lock damaged / punched

zwh02 · Post by **zwh02** » 09 Sep 2019, 15:29

97 850 my Volvo had it's ignition damaged by an attempted theft over night. They damaged the ignition lock in the process. The outer switch (I, II, III) part is gone/broken off, my key will fit in the remainder off the ignition but does not turn or unlock the wheel.

What do I do? I need to first just start and move the car (and turn steering wheel) but have no idea how I can do this with the damaged ignition. Help! Thank you

greg850r · Post by **greg850r** » 09 Sep 2019, 20:55

You'll need a long torx set to get at the column cover screws from underneath unless they broke the plastic parts off already. I'm flying blind here without pics and trying to imagine what a slide-hammer would leave you. Sounds like the pins were damaged in the attempt. It will only take one bent part to prevent the ignition from turning even if the key fits properly. Fiddle and wiggle with the key in what's left of it. You need to get the key to the on position so you can depress the pin in the little hole on top the cylinder. The rest of the lock will then come out in your hand. A replacement lock cylinder may then be inserted and should function normally. This assumes the steering column frame is not damaged. Alternatively, on the left side of the column directly opposite the ignition lock is the actual round switch held in place by 2 screws; remove them and peel it off leaving the plug attached and a short flat blade screwdriver can be inserted and turned to start the car.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 09 Sep 2019, 21:29

Greg summed it up pretty well... pics would really help, but if they really tried to break the cylinder, you may have no option but to replace the whole ignition cylinder.
Fortunately you have an 850, and you don't have to worry about a transponder or any programming. Swing by the local junkyard and get an ignition cylinder with a key... every now and again, depending on the yard, you will be able to find one with a key.

That said, you should be able to pull that ignition switch and turn it with a screwdriver. Really easy to get to... on the back side of the ignition, remove the two screws (either T20 or T25) and pull it off, then turn the switch. That should get you going temporarily.

Post by **abscate** » 10 Sep 2019, 03:15

Only of the path to work Is perfectly straight. You need to turn the ignition key in the lock cylinder to unlock the steering, so the electrical bypass is only half the story.

zwh02 · Post by **zwh02** » 10 Sep 2019, 06:51

Thank you for the replies. Much appreciated.

It doesn't look like they did much damage to the column, just the ignition cylinder itself got mashed up. Pictures are attached.

As I understand it and as mentioned above, I can possibly get the car started with just the electrical ignition switch. But that doesn't get me on my way since the wheel will still be locked.

When inserting the key there is not much resistance and has good amount of play, though no feeling of it actually switching (I, II, III) in the cylinder.

So If indeed I can get it into position I, then I should be able to remove the cylinder, will the wheel still be locked?

Herb Goltz · Post by **Herb Goltz** » 10 Sep 2019, 07:26

Not sure if the '98 is similar, but on my 2000 I drilled out the peening that held in a small square cover on the bottom of the mechanical part of the switch, removed the spring and broken bits, which allowed the switch to turn again. There are good instructions on how to remove and replace the mechanical switch on this site.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 10 Sep 2019, 07:38

Right, if the car is auto he won't be able to get it out of park either, that cable is attached to the ignition.

Wow, they did a number on that thing. You should somehow be able to remove the steering long, but I'm not sure how you would go about doing that. I'm not sure exactly how it's set up.

Herb Goltz · Post by **Herb Goltz** » 10 Sep 2019, 10:38

I seem to recall that I could remove the interlock cable once the spring was released from the bottom of the mechanical part of the switch.