DIY: 1998 S70 GLT Ignition Tumbler FREE Fix! Topic is solved

[abscate]

That last one is a great visual, thanks cn90!

[kallekula]

I’ve done a few tumbler fixes over the years. I checked that the electronic plastic part could be turned without resistance or crunchy noises. If so, new lock assembly ordered. The old one is easily removed with a dremel. Very effective but you will get som small aluminum flakes inside. I used air to blow the car clean on inside. Mask and eye protection is a must. Good luck!

[Tarsus]

Those of you familiar with the infamous Ignition Tumbler issue (key does not go past position I, car stuck in parking lot etc.), rejoice, there is a FREE Fix!!!

I wrote a DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Ignition Switch & Cylinder Lock below at 90K. It happens again at 165K and I am not going to shell out another $270 for the ignition tumbler...
viewtopic.php?t=34472

Related thread 1999 s70 t5 ignition tumbler?:
viewtopic.php?t=67376

I confirmed that the SW Lock no longer functions: with key out of ignition, the SW is free to move R and L. This confirms that the small little piece (the Steering Lock pin) broke off and jammed the ignition tumbler.

From my reading elsewhere on the web, some people have removed the bottom rectangular plate with success, so here I go light snow and 30F, just lovely way to spend 1h outside without suffering from hypothermia...lol.

TOOLS:

- Torx keys

- Dremel with diamond cutting wheel (about $25-$30 at local hardware store).

Volvo-Ignition-Tumbler-01.JPG


Volvo-Ignition-Tumbler-02.JPG



PROCEDURE:

1. Move driver seat far back. Loosen the SW adjustment lever to move the SW in or out the way you want.

2. D/C battery ground cable (10-mm wrench).

3. Remove bottom plastic cover (3 Torx bolts). Wiggle it out.
During installation, make sure it mates properly with the upper piece, note the rubber grommets fitment around the stalks (wiper, and turn signal).

Volvo-Ignition-Tumbler-03.JPG


4. Looking up, you will see the rectangular plate. WEAR GOGGLES!
Use Dremel tool to cut exactly at the 3 areas, it will take some 15 minutes.
Do it in cycles to avoid burning out the Dremel electric motor.

Volvo-Ignition-Tumbler-04.JPG


5. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the rectangular plate out, you will see the spring and a small piece falling off. Collect all these pieces, clean them and place them on top your bookshelf as souvenir!!!

Volvo-Ignition-Tumbler-05.JPG


6. Leave the bottom of the ignition tumbler open as shown in the photo below, I see no need to cover it.

That is all folks, this time I am smarter and didn't waste $270 on a new tumbler.

Easy Peasy...Happy Holidays to all of you...


Volvo-Ignition-Tumbler-06.JPG

Hello...

My 1998 V70R has put me in quite the predicament. My ignition seems to be in limbo, not in any of the "positions" (1,2, or 3). You can turn it about 180 degrees and it will sort of "lock", but with a bit more pressure you can do it again...and you can even turn it the other way and it will do the same thing.

This is coupled with the fact my steering wheel WILL NOT UNLOCK!! I drilled out the plate with a dremel, had the little piece fall out along with the spring, but it is STILL locked...how is this possible? Cannot move the car an inch. Stuck in park, steering wheel locked.

What do I do from here?! I desperately need to move this car!

[abscate]

Get a new tumbler. When you take the old one off, your steering wheel will unlock. Hopefully you are in a fairly safe place from theft

[cn90]

- I don't think you need a new tumbler (expensive).

- Since the bottom plate is off, look upward, you will see the rectangular piece, use a pick tool to pull it downward
to unlock the steering wheel. See my post from 26 Jun 2017.

- Key "rotating 360 degrees"...I discussed it in this forum, chances are you need new ignition switch (the electrical portion
that is on the LEFT side of steering column). It is about $55 or so at Volvo dealer, either local or online.

[Krons]

This post keeps giving. Key wouldn't turn tonight on new to me 05 XC90 with 190k miles. With a little bit of contact cleaner on the key it finally turned. Thinking tumblers are sticky. Had this on my 02 S60 after the square plate removal fix and a good dose of silicone spray in the lock fixed it up.

Either way, out comes the dremel tommorrow to fix the steering lock if that is it.

[VolvoBrit]

I know this is an old thread and I've had to re-register having forgotten my log in details..However Mine is a 2004 V70 2.5. And the tumbler problem has been intermittent for a while, and today it really jammed up for my wife, giving her the excuse to hate it even more! I've cut the plate off, and sure enough the little piece of metal and spring fell out, but no joy with turning the key..Before it would go to 1, now it won't go past 0. Anyway I had a look up inside and took the photos to try and explain what I mean. I think the little metal piece is off the end of the piece marked in yellow above the red pawl. Since I took the spring out and jiggled the wheel the wheel will turn a bit side to side. But the key still at 0. I'm guessing if I could somehow take out that piece of metal it will free up the lock, but how to do that is a mystery. Help gratefully received.

[Krons]

I know this is an old thread and I've had to re-register having forgotten my log in details..However Mine is a 2004 V70 2.5. And the tumbler problem has been intermittent for a while, and today it really jammed up for my wife, giving her the excuse to hate it even more! I've cut the plate off, and sure enough the little piece of metal and spring fell out, but no joy with turning the key..Before it would go to 1, now it won't go past 0. Anyway I had a look up inside and took the photos to try and explain what I mean. I think the little metal piece is off the end of the piece marked in yellow above the red pawl. Since I took the spring out and jiggled the wheel the wheel will turn a bit side to side. But the key still at 0. I'm guessing if I could somehow take out that piece of metal it will free up the lock, but how to do that is a mystery. Help gratefully received.

Does the steering wheel turn? If you’ve properly removed all pieces of the steering lock the wheel should turn freely even with the key pulled.

If yes, then the tumblers in the lock are sticking. Need to use contact cleaner in the key slot to remove any gunk then some dry graphite spray to lightly lubricate. Several in and out sequences of the key help, wipe each time to remove any dirt and grime.

[VolvoBrit]

And that's it? I'm in the process of trying to remove the sheared screws that hold the ignition tumbler drum on. Because I read somewhere that if it's stuck on 0, it will need a new drum. Yes the S/w will turn side to side but obviously with no engine running not far.

[Krons]

And that's it? I'm in the process of trying to remove the sheared screws that hold the ignition tumbler drum on. Because I read somewhere that if it's stuck on 0, it will need a new drum. Yes the S/w will turn side to side but obviously with no engine running not far.

Before you tear things apart clean and lubricate inside the key slot. I’ve had to do this on three 150k+ mile P2 Volvos.

Important to use a dry spray and not oil based as that’ll attract more dirt and gunk up the tumblers again.

On one car I do have to still repeat this a few times a year. You can replace the lock mechanism but can be delayed with some cleaning.