DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Ignition Switch & Cylinder Lock

[cn90]

...PS: "Key spinning 360 degrees" symptom usually means a new tumbler...

The info I posted above was incorrect, "Key spinning 360 degrees" = all you need is a new ignition switch (electrical portion), about $55 at dealer.

[muckleby]

Hi I've just acquired a 98 V70 and it has a similar symptom to this - intermittently sticks at Pos 0 and needs a wiggle (understatement) on the steering wheel to allow the key to turn to the next positions. Can anyone confirm if this has the same cause? And will replacing the cylinder sort it?

[dj_v70]

Yes, pos0 issue is solved by replacing ignition cylinder.

[erikv11]

Hi I've just acquired a 98 V70 and it has a similar symptom to this - intermittently sticks at Pos 0 and needs a wiggle (understatement) on the steering wheel to allow the key to turn to the next positions. Can anyone confirm if this has the same cause? And will replacing the cylinder sort it?

If it is just tension on the wheel (e.g. cranked far to one side when parked) then there is no problem, this is normal. Otherwise this sounds like the metal pin on the steering lock may have broken off. Pretty common. You can fix it by opening up the column and dremeling off a square metal piece. Instructions are on this forum my apologies, no time to search fro them right now.

[cn90]

1+,

Search for "Ignition free fix" that I wrote a few years ago. No need for new tumbler.

[muckleby]

Thanks cn and erik
Found the plate removal thread and it might be hacky but it sounds a lot easier than messing around with shear bolts! Will definitely be trying that first. Appreciate the detailed write up cn.
FWIW I found an unused Volvo tumbler/key set on ebay for £30, so anyone in need might do well to look there before shelling out hundreds.

[manovlov]

Write up was very helpful but the bolts did not come out at all. This is what I ended up having to do on both sides:

Glad it's done!! Works without any issues now.

The only other problem that has come up is a misfire on cylinder 4 (and shaky going up a hill)... I have to figure that one out. Last time it was the positive wire to fuel injector #2....had to run a new wire and problem solved but took a day to figure out what it was and there was no following the bad wire under everything else...

Hy,

I would like to install cylinder lock from my old V70 on my 850. More keys, locks in order on doors and tails gate...
Is there another way than using an electrical drill ?

Manov

[baxtex]

Funny story.

About two years ago I seeked help in this thread regarding the lock. I never ended up replacing it, instead I opened the "lock box" with a dremel. The Wheel lock was disabled, but it solved my "key spinning 360 degrees" issue. In Sweden we have these annual inspections on cars where your car has to meet safety and environment standards otherwise the vehicle is prohibited to be driven on public roads. It failed this year because my car didn't have a wheel lock. Tomorrow I am off to the scrapyard, seeing if I can find a new lock and install it.

[jzd]

My key is intermiitently doing the 360 degree spinning thing. This continues even after replacing the ignition switch. Although now the key will also sometimes turn to position 3 but not allow movement past it to crank. Does anyone know if removing the SW lock will prevent passing state vehicle inspection in Virginia?

[jzd]

...PS: "Key spinning 360 degrees" symptom usually means a new tumbler...

The info I posted above was incorrect, "Key spinning 360 degrees" = all you need is a new ignition switch (electrical portion), about $55 at dealer.

I replaced my ignition switch and it still spins sometimes. Thoughts?