1999 S70 ignition switch

[454cid]

I'm pretty sure I need a new ignition switch. The issue with my car seems to be different than most that I read here.... mine always starts, and I don't lose any function.... I just have a HVAC system that doesn't like to shut off, and a 360 degree spinning key. The HVAC system staying on was intermittent at first, but now it's every time that I have to fiddle with the key to get it to shut off.

Reading these two threads has been helpful:

viewtopic.php?t=55868&hilit=1999+v70+t5

viewtopic.php?t=80191&start=10

It seems in 1999 there was a chassis split for the switch. Googling the chassis code location, IPD says it's just the last 6 of my VIN, so I have the late switch.

It's not a cheap part, but seems easy to replace going by Abscate's thread.

Any words of advice, or anything I may have missed (or misinterpreted) before I order? I thought maybe it was a sticking relay, but the 360 spinning key seems to indicate a bad switch.

[abscate]

Spinning switch is lock tumbler , not electrical, I think. Double check this by pulling the electrical part off. I think the mechanical part still has the stops for the key

[scot850]

Something to try first. If the key is just spinning it is one of 2 thinks. The key has become so worn that the tumblers no longer see it and this allows the tumbler to spin. It is a security system to prevent the old screwdriver key option!

Try spraying some WD40 into the tumblers and then use the key to help work it into the tumblers. This should help dislodge any sticky tumblers.

The 2nd issue is the key is so worn, it no longer depresses the tumblers fully, or a combo of the tumblers and key. A replacement key is the only answer to that. If you have more than one key, see if they are equally worn. If one is less worn than the other use that one for trying to make sure the tumblers are free when using WD-40 as a cleaner.

The mechanical section of the tumblers do nothing other than allow the key to turn the electrical portion at the end of the mechanical section. There is a plastic 'key' on the end of the mechanical section that will only turn if the key works correctly.

These are known to wear and need replacing.

Lastly, the antenna ring which is just a reader for the chip in your key. That should not affect your car with the issues you mention.

Neil.

[454cid]

After reading the responses, I realized that maybe I didn't explain things well enough about the 360 degree rotation. It only spins freely one way. Forward, it triggers everything it needs to. In reverse, it would skip shutting off the accessories, and I could continue right around.

Today, I tried the spray fix. However, I was uncomfortable using WD40 as it can dry with a build up... although, I suppose I could clean that out. I decided to use electrical contact cleaner, since it's generally safe on plastics. My other thought was brake cleaner. That seemed to help by itself, but after giving it a few minutes to evaporate, I sprayed some Blaster Dry Lube.... which sprays wet, but drys leaving a coating of some kind. The HVAC system does seem to turn off now, in the few times I've shut the car off. The key however, is a bit tricky to get in and out, still. I forgot to mention that part before.

We'll see how it goes.

While I was there, I tried spraying some Deoxit in the Cruise Control up/down rocker switch as I've noticed I'm having to be more deliberate to set Cruise. That space is so tight between the rocker and the housing I'm not sure I got much in there.