Ignition Cylinder lock key locked in Topic is solved

Post by **manovlov** » 09 Aug 2026, 12:13

Hy,

Well, things didn't go the way i was expected. My key is locked in the ignition cylinder. Impossible to get it out. As i have to go to travel in few hours, the only solution I've found is to unplug the starter switch each time i have to stop to shut the engine down. The OEM key does its normal job, but stays locked.

Is it possible to replace that cylinder or have I to touch to the steering column ?

I understand that if i replace the ignition cylinder, i will have to replace also all locks and the transponder ( it doesn't work for the moment).

Is the option to replace only the ignition cylinder and keep all my originals locks will be okay ?

Manov

67726567 · Post by **67726567** » 09 Aug 2026, 12:26

That is probably because the release button on the shift knob is not releasing in park.

Try turning the key and pressing the brake. Pull the shifter down to drive and send it to park like it owes you money.

When the button pops out, you can extract the key from the switch.

Post by **abscate** » 09 Aug 2026, 15:18

Poster above nailed it. I have two cars where the shift button sticks sometimes

Post by **manovlov** » 12 Aug 2026, 01:36

Hy

It’s a manual gearbox.

Anyway thanks to try to help me.

Manov

Post by **scot850** » 13 Aug 2026, 10:15

I knew your car was a manual, but was trying to think why this would happen. I have only worked on auto P80's and can't think why it would stick, other than the key is worn so the tumblers won't release it. A long shot is try removing the electrical portion of the ignition in case it is sticking through wear and see if the mechanical part then releases the key to turn and come out.

I am not aware of any safety interlocks on Volvo's this old and manual. I believe the key is fully manual. The only other possibility, is the steering lock pin has broken. Can't recall if that is a P80 or P2 issue. It required cutting out some plastic under the steering column and removing the broken pin. I can't recall who wrote up a process on this. It may have been cn90 possibly. This prompt may remind who ever wrote it or others to chime in.

A very long shot try is to wiggle the steering wheel side-to-side while you try to remove the key.

I wish you luck!

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 14 Aug 2026, 07:19

The manual has a plastic plug in the ignition cylinder - I am not sure if that defaults the key to release with a manual or if you can leave it out. Maybe I put a note in one of my threads on lock cylinder replacement?

Post by **manovlov** » 14 Aug 2026, 10:58

abscate wrote: 14 Aug 2026, 07:19 The manual has a plastic plug in the ignition cylinder - I am not sure if that defaults the key to release with a manual or if you can leave it out. Maybe I put a note in one of my threads on lock cylinder replacement?

Hy Abscate,

Thanks for the tip. I will have a closer look in MVS Database.

2 years ago, my wife said it was a bit risky to own only one key of the car So, i got a new one, that i used a my daily key. I think that this new key has done the job to finish to use the inside mechanism. A friend of mine told me that on these P80, you must replace the half steering column, because the key cylinder is crimped.

I went to Danemark on Monday. The trip was fine. I unplugged the key cylinder "hub", each time to shut the engine down... This car is incredibly cool to drive.

I went to our friend Robert DIY's website, and saw he a a cylinder from 850 to sold. It means that the may be a solution by drilling the rivets...

Manov

Post by **cn90** » 15 Aug 2026, 15:27

I posted the trick of removing bottom rectangular plate (underneath the steering wheel) in forum.

Free fix (but you will lose steering wheel lock).

Bonne chance!

Post by **manovlov** » 17 Aug 2026, 02:38

cn90 wrote: 15 Aug 2026, 15:27 I posted the trick of removing bottom rectangular plate (underneath the steering wheel) in forum.

Free fix (but you will lose steering wheel lock).

Bonne chance!

Hy Cn,

I've got it :

viewtopic.php?t=67531&start=80

Let's have a look.

Dremel ordered.

Thanks for your contribution.

Manov

Post by **manovlov** » 22 Aug 2026, 06:11

Hy Guys,

I finally succeeded to resolve my issue. The guilty part was the starter switch, a brand new part from Skandix. It may happen sometime. As it got out, i could get my key back. No useful to cut anything under the key cylinder.

As it has less of a year, i will ask Skandix to replace it. Otherwise, i will buy a new one.

Thanks to all of you for your advices.

Manov.