Ignition issues not switch

Post by **m491** » 29 Dec 2012, 20:57

I had an issue six months ago with the car not starting or turning and I replaced the ignition switch. Yesterday I had the same issue again with all lights on the dash lighting up but no cranking of the engine. Once you replace the ignition switch what causes this issue? I wiggled the key in the ignition and then it fired up right away. I haven't had a chance to pull any codes since it has been snowing here today. I'll check for crank sensor codes but due they go bad at once or have issues sporadically?

Post by **cn90** » 29 Dec 2012, 21:45

Could be the tumbler.

Post by **m491** » 30 Dec 2012, 07:01

Would a bad tumbler light up the electrical systems with the exception of the ignition? I figured it might be the tumbler so I wiggled the key around and reinserted the key. Fun thing is this has happened only 3 times before. Twice before I changed out he ignition switch six months ago and now this week. I'll through the cod reader on today after iggingtbe car out of the snow.

If t is the tumbler, ow bad of a DIY job is that?

Post by **cn90** » 30 Dec 2012, 07:58

Tumbler Job:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=34472

Post by **m491** » 30 Dec 2012, 11:05

Thanks for the link

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 30 Dec 2012, 13:24

You have me a little confused. Does the starter engage and actually spin the engine?
To me, "crank" means that the engine is mechanically spinning. Is this always happening?
Is the engine simply spinning but not "catching"? Like you have good starter motor engagement,
but a possible fuel or spark issue? If so, where did you get the "new" ignition switch?

Also - If you have doubts about the mechanical side of the ignition switch,
just pull the electrical part free and test it with a screwdriver.

JeffersV70 · Post by **JeffersV70** » 31 Dec 2012, 12:55

Sounds like the tumbler to me. Had the same problem on my 1998 V70 where it occasionally wouldn't crank at all. Changed out the electrical portion of the ignition switch, and that didn't cure it. It eventually got to the point where sometimes you could insert the key and spin it round and round without unlocking the steering column. After a few more no starts I disassembled everything, left the key in so the column would stay unlocked, and had my wife start it with a screw driver while we waited for the new part to come in. Pretty easy job changing it out, but if you want to use the same key you use for the rest of your car you'll have to order it through the stealership with your VIN number. Think it took about a week for mine to come in, and they'll hit you for somewhere in the ballpark of $250. Silver lining: mine came with a spare key!