key won't turn past 1, stuck in park in garage

walledlake59 · Post by **walledlake59** » 25 Jan 2009, 14:34

xc70 2004. Key won't turn past position 1. tried to get it towed, but it is stuck in park in the garage. tow guy didn't want to skid it out. help!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jan 2009, 14:55

Foot on brake pedal and try your shift knob...just push it back and forth some (I know it will move only a little bit but it might move enough to 'click'...and make sure the shift button on the knob comes out)...and at the same time, try moving your steering wheel from side to side. What you want to try to do is, bring the key back to the off position and pull it out first...
If you accomplish this, then with just the tip of the key, push into the ignition, enough so that the ignition key slot cover (whatever it's called) opens enough for you to spray some penetrating oil or silicone spray into the key ignition switch itself. Then put your key in and work it in and out...to spread the lubricant. If you get this far, you might be able to start your car. Ultimately, you might be in for the mechanical portion of your ignition switch.

walledlake59 · Post by **walledlake59** » 25 Jan 2009, 15:17

thanks, I was able to wiggle the shift out of park and into neutral. However when I did this the key became stuck in position 1 and I couldn't turn it off. But, I was able to push the car out of the garage and position it to be towed and then put it back in park and turned it off. Hopefully I can wiggle it back into neutral when the tow guy comes back. Thanks so much. The wd 40 didn't work

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jan 2009, 15:32

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Please come back and give us an update (I'm betting the mechanical portion of your ignition switch is bad).

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 29 Jan 2009, 14:19

My 04 V70 did that 6 months ago. Jammed in position 1. After oiling it up I forced it. Position 2 and 3 are still resisting, but a lot less. I have impression that there is some sort of plastic that worked itself into the mechanism, and I'm over riding it. A year ago I treated myself to an Autostart that was expensive to do. Now I'm getting some dividends from that move.

walledlake59 · Post by **walledlake59** » 29 Jan 2009, 14:53

hi,
just had the car towed today. should be hearing from the dealer later today or tomorrow. Was able to get it in neutral to be towed.