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.