DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Ignition Switch & Cylinder Lock

[abscate]

The electrical part ($50) won’t fix the key spinning or sticking problem, that needs a new tumbler ($400, or junkyard)

The junkyard route introduces a new problem of getting a set of keys that will work, plus extraction is probably a 1-2 hour job

Write up is here

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=98078

[scot850]

How worn is your key? You should have a non-chipped key. Once the keys get really worn, this issue can happen as the lock does not see the key as correct to the car. A good locksmith may be worth trying and see if a new key will help or if the whole lock mechanism is bad. Also try some WD40 in the mechanism and see if that will remove a build of of dirt and release the tabs that may be sticking as well.

Otherwise replacement is the only option as abscate says.

Neil.

[jzd]

If i replace it myself is there any need to bring it to the volvo dealer for any programming or recoding? Called up the local dealer to price the part and he made it seem as though I would have to bring it in to be re-coded. Then the fella at IPD told me that my key is likely chipped and may need to be recoded. I thought buying a part based on VIN solved the recoding issue.

[scot850]

In Europe chipped keys started earlier than in North America. Many Volvo parts guys have no idea about these older cars. 99 was the year we went with chipped keys. No programming is needed on -98 keys. They need special cutting tools but many good locksmiths have the equipment needed.

Vin# is mostly a true definer of what you had but in change over years they sometimes go wonky. Post a picture of the ignition key and the tumbler unit were you put the key in and we should be able to guide you.

Neil.

[jzd]

Does the tumbler need to be removed from the car for the picture to be useful or can I take it still in the vehicle? I am still trying to get one of the bolts out.

[scot850]

On the car is fine.

Neil.

[abscate]

If i replace it myself is there any need to bring it to the volvo dealer for any programming or recoding? Called up the local dealer to price the part and he made it seem as though I would have to bring it in to be re-coded. Then the fella at IPD told me that my key is likely chipped and may need to be recoded. I thought buying a part based on VIN solved the recoding issue.

In North America, as Neil says

-1998 no chip, no coding
1999- FULL VIDA needed with internet connection to Volvo

You can order a tumbler from Volvo$ which will be correctly keyed to your keys, which are ordered separately.
I went this route with 1999 Evita rather than trying to cut out a junkyard one and then have to deal with chipped keys

[foggydogg]

If i replace it myself is there any need to bring it to the volvo dealer for any programming or recoding? Called up the local dealer to price the part and he made it seem as though I would have to bring it in to be re-coded. Then the fella at IPD told me that my key is likely chipped and may need to be recoded. I thought buying a part based on VIN solved the recoding issue.

As mentioned earlier, if the car is a true '98, it won't need connected to the Mother Ship.
Virginia is a big place, try calling Don Beyer in Falls Church, I always had good luck with them earlier in my childhood. Parts guys may be more helpful than a service writer. If you aren't having any luck with legit locksmiths, a Volvo-cut key based on the VIN may be the lesser of the evils.

[jzd]

Here are pics of the lock cylinder and my key. Also what do you use to unscrew the screws holding the clockspring behind the steering wheel to the lock cylinder?

[jzd]

Foggydog - Thanks for the tip. Funny story. 25+ years ago I am working a temp job in Alexandria as the guy answering the phone at an advertising agency. Call comes in and the guy I’m working for is on the other line. I take the name down and tell him they’ll call him back. I later get fussed at by the boss for not putting the call through immediately because the caller was Don Beyer who was then the Lt. Governor of Virginia. I didn’t pay attention to that stuff back then.