2003 C70 steering lock jammed

[alanjackson]

Hello, my 2003 Volvo C70 has a worn steering lock - it take a lot of 'jiggling' and turning the key over to get it to turn and start the car.
I am thinking of hitting a 2nd hand lock which of course will have the wrong code so will not work.

Does anyone know if an 'ESL/SCL emulator' would be of any use in this situation?

[scot850]

I seem to recall there is a piece of plastic that can break off in the ignition system which jams the lock. I think it was cn90 that documented that a while ago. If itt is removed then it works but you loose the steering lock if I recall correctly.

Replacing the lock with a used one is a huge issue. Not only then your key does not work in the door lock and glove box, but the bigger issue you mention is the chipped key. You would need to get a key recoded to your DIM (speedo cluster) and security system and ECU. You would need to check with a dealer if they can code a new key to your car that way. I'm not sure if you can buy one new key to get the security code and then get the new one with a lock re-coded with it or if they can be recoded.

Neil.

[Krons]

On P2s there is a pot metal lock mechanism that can break and jam but is easily be removed. Not sure if these early C70s have the same. Pulling the column cover you can see if the plate is the same in the video below. Just dremel cut edges, pry plate off and remove pieces. Have done this on 3 cars, even left plate off and did not reinstall.



I’ve also had several high mileage cars where tumblers get sticky. Spraying some dry lube into the key slot and cycling the key in and out can help free things up. Avoid anything oily in there as it can collect dust.

[scot850]

You can get a graphite rub you put on the key which also helps loosen things up in the key slot.

Neil.

[scot850]

This was the thread I was looking for:

viewtopic.php?p=351472&hilit=Steering+l ... ed#p351472

Neil.

[BEJinFbk]

A good locksmith might be able to help you out.
They should be able to decode the bitting of the
original key, either mechanically or with the VIN
via a database. If parts are still available, with
that information, they could "re-key" a new
lock cylinder. That assumes that there is a
skilled and well stocked locksmith in your
area. Wouldn't hurt to sniff around.

If you could make that happen, you keep
the original keys and their existing chip code.
And the new ignition cylinder would probably
outlast the car.

[Krons]

This was the thread I was looking for:

viewtopic.php?p=351472&hilit=Steering+l ... ed#p351472

Neil.

That is the one!

[Krons]

You can get a graphite rub you put on the key which also helps loosen things up in the key slot.

Neil.

I found on three of my Volvos a lot of black gunk comes out when trying to free the tumblers. I did about a dozen spray/wipe key cycles and lots of in and out with the key to cycle the tumblers.

While you don’t want anything oily in there I think “cleaning” the mechanism with a dry spray can do a lot.