Help With Ignition Switch Plastic

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 13 Aug 2022, 14:26

2000 Volvo V40 1.9T

I finally removed the ignition switch from the column lock assembly and noticed that a couple of black plastic bits came out too! I think I know why I was getting a no crack, no start condition, but wanted to see what people with more experience than me thought.

When you put the key in and turn it, the long metal rod that goes inside of the ignition switch also turns a mechanism inside the ignition switch. I'm wondering since my internal plastic bits were essentially crumbs, the metal shaft had nothing grab on and that's why the car would not start? I found a picture on the site where a brand new ignition switch has the plastic, where mine is doesn't exist.

A new switch is in the mail but I'm wondering if anyone could tell for sure? Is the broken plastic the thing I always hear about with respect to the "typical" ignition problem with our cars?

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Post by **RickHaleParker** » 13 Aug 2022, 23:07

If the new switch does not do the trick. Leave the bolt out of the switch. Turn key to start and turn switch the opposite way. If it starts, it is the Column lock. Which are notorious for going out on the X40 platform.

I wired a push to start button on mine and mounted the switch in a empty slot next to the radio. It was in the middle of a blizzard and there was no way I was going to spend 4+ hours changing out a Column lock in that weather. It works so well I never changed the Column lock.

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 14 Aug 2022, 19:04

Thanks for the reply. I will let you know how it went once I receive the part and install it. I'm thinking it could also be something like the starter relay or something like that. To be continued...

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 19 Aug 2022, 15:52

I received the part today from FCP Euro and installed it. No luck, but I can now consistently move the key past position III, which I couldn't do in the past. I'm always seeing dash lights and can hear the fuel pump. I'm sure that broken plastic bit in the ignition switch was part of the problem but not the actual problem. I guess it's time to get out a test light and start to chase voltages, relays, etc.

I'll hook up Vida & Dice but I don't think it will should anything because I don't have the CEL illuminated. I really wish Vida had bi-directional controls so I could turn things on and off, etc.

I will report back when I get to the bottom of things. I'm always open to suggestions if anyone has any.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 23 Aug 2022, 16:55

Take the switch off and use a small screwdriver to turn the switch. If it starts them put the switch back in but leave the screw out of the electrical switch. With one hand turn the key as far as you can and hold it there, with the other hand turn the top of the switch toward you. See if it starts.

As I posted above the steering column lock tend to go defective on the X40 platform. This test will tell you is it is the steering column lock or not.

Post by **abscate** » 24 Aug 2022, 01:04

I’m in Port Jeff from Friday through Monday most weeks, if that close by.

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 28 Aug 2022, 09:40

abscate wrote: ↑24 Aug 2022, 01:04 I’m in Port Jeff from Friday through Monday most weeks, if that close by.

Thanks for the offer. That's probably 30 minutes away from me. Ive been so busy with work that I haven't had a chance to look at the car in almost two weeks. I should get to in within the next week or so. I will keep the thread updated.