Key Wont Turn at all -- was very cold this morning -zero...

[plumsmooth]

I just changed the batteries of my 2 keys for my 2004 V70 wagon. I feel as though the keys have never worked quite right for remote doors etc...
I was sure it was the batteries...
Anyway I am getting no effect on the doors from my keys. My steering wheel 'was' in a poor position, and I was scared to move the wheel with Key in Position 0, but I did and got it back into alignment. Still, no turn from position Zero!

Well I had run the car yesterday to warm it up and charge the battery since I only drive once or twice per week these days and I believe the steering wheel was 'out' of alignment and Car still started. Any ideas here. I am resisting my tendency to force stuff. Should I just wait a Couple of days until it is in the 20's again. It must clearly be related to the cold!

The reason I was trying to start it today is I accidentally opening my sunroof an inch and snow was getting in there and I feel stupid so I was going to run the car, warm up the cabin, with a couple of blankets up top and then open the shutter, black some heat up top, and try to close it before it gets worse.

I read somewhere to heat the cabin under the steering column?

Is it possible I should get some Graphite key lubricant in there?

I have never ever had a problem with my keys starting the Car!

Thanks for listening (reading)....

[oragex]

I have no problem turning the key and starting my car even if the wheel is turned to either side. Just make sure to release the 'steering lock' if it has engaged by pulling the steering the other side, while turning the key. Are you saying you can turn the steering with the key in POS 0 ? If you can turn it a lot, I would say the steering lock may be damaged and maybe the barrel too, but wait see what others say. I would advise against trying to lubricate the barrel, there is an electronic antenna ring right there and any fluid can get on it and cause no start problems

[plumsmooth]

NO, very hard to move the steering wheel which is why I thought maybe it was a bad idea to move the steering wheel at all.

Please elaborate on how to disengage the steering lock. I am unsure what you mean by: "pulling the steering the other side"...

Thanks a lot for your response...

[plumsmooth]

So anyway the steering wheel wasn't locked -- I guess since it moved back into alignment...

[erikv11]

I really doubt anything is frozen inside the column though it is possible, sure. This sounds like the little metal tab has broken off inside the steering column and jammed up the key mechanism. This problem is super common on P80 and P2 cars, there are many posts here about it if you do a search. Here is one to get you started:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=93297

The fix requires a Dremel and about 40 minutes of time.

[plumsmooth]

I suppose I hope that is all it is but somehow, being that it was the coldest, or second coldest night of the year, I can not help but feel like the Cold has something to do with it... Also, is there any relationship between the Remote key lock/unlock Not working, and the Key not turning ?

[plumsmooth]

So thanks Volvo Dealership, confirmed that if it was related to Immobilization then Key would turn into position 1. HE said try wd-40 and so did my Mechanic -- said try spring the Key with Wd-40.

I want to make sure on Monday when I try again (above 20 degrees) after using some heat in the cabin, that if Keyo will still not run, that I Choose the proper Solvent. For Example I have Liquid Wrench -- with Lithium Grease. I feel like there are at least 5 choices including dry, and wet, graphite, wd-40, Silicone based, Lithium, and stuff like CRC? Can someone tell me which material is best to spray into a Ignition key hole?

[darrylrobert]

i would use a dry graphite, i heard WD-40 tends to get sticky after a while. Personally i would ask a locksmith.