2000 S40 Key will not turn past 2; ignition lock cylinder?

[latemeg]

Hello!

I'm brand new here and have a lovely 2000 S40 that has a terribly irritating problem. One day, out of no where, the key won't go past "accessories". I had to get it towed to my house--the steering wheel is not locked, the key works with the doors and trunk, the remote to that key works, the car is definitely in park and won't start in neutral either--there is nothing more that I can think to do. Volvo dealer says it's likely the ignition lock cylinder.

I am not exactly mechanically inclined, but I'm not bad at following detailed instructions and I don't want to have to pay for another tow to a dealership since I know there's a way to bypass this issue by taking off the plastic panel and starting it via screwdriver with the key in position one. Unfortunately, that seems to be all I know about how to do that! Is there anyone here who can provide a more detailed beginner friendly version of how to get this baby started?

Oh, and the battery is dying because of me sitting in the car forever trying to get the thing to work. Are there any special jump procedures here? (Assuming that I understand how to use the screwdriver to start it.)

I appreciate any help you all can give me! Thank you!

[toyznstuff]

try the button on the gear selector. mine gets 'stuck' once in a while & it does the same thing.

[tmoose27]

Just went through this my friend. Had to get a new key, new cylinder, and something else that comes with the cylinder to fix the problem. Oh not to mention reprogramming the key & the tow bill to the dealership. Everything all together was just under $800. Yeah for a key.