Ignition switch won't turn - can't start car

[sheaff1]

I unlocked the door of my V70xc (2004) using the fob. Once I opened the door, my car alarm went off. I tried starting the car, but could not get the key to turn in the ignition switch. So I "unlocked" the drivers door manually using the key. the alarm continued for a little longer -maybe 30 seconds- and then eventually stopped, but nothing in particular seemed to make the alarm stop. I then tried to start the car, but the key will only turn so far in the ignition. The battery will cut on (radio and lights came on), but I cannot turn the key any further. I have disconnected the battery, bumped the gear shifter, sprayed WD40 in the ignition switch, and giggled the steering wheel, but nothing is working - still can't turn key any further.

[cn90]

I went though this with my 1998 S70 a few times.
First time, I was stupid enough to spend $270 for a new tumbler.
Second time, I was smarter and remove the rectangular plate at the bottom of the tumbler, problem solved (you will lose SW Lock function, but who really cares about that feature anyway?).

Use Dremel and wear goggles, it is a quick fix.
Your 2004 tumbler is also made by Valeo.

DIY: 1998 S70 GLT Ignition Tumbler FREE Fix!
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=67531

[songzunhuang]

Our ignition key had that problem as well. I ordered a new assembly from a Volvo dealer in Texas. Why? They sent me a coded (already matched to my key) for around $240. You have to send some documentation to verify ownership, but I found that easy with a picture of my Driver's License and Insurance for the car from my smartphone. I just emailed it. The local dealer wanted more than double that price for the part and then they would charge for install as well!

It took a while to install the new unit, but only because of the security bolts holding the old unit on place. Security bolts are a pain. When properly torqued, the head of the bolt breaks off so that all you have is a smooth circular head. Great for security, really really hard to remove. I had to drill dremel and punch to get the old unit out. When I finally did, it was super easy to put the new unit in. I didn't torque the new bolts until the heads broke off. Who knows, maybe I'll need to replace this again one day (car has 112K miles on it now). Ours is a 2004 model so it's lasted a long time before needed to replace this.

Bottom line is that a small metal part has broken off inside your tumbler and is blocking the key from turning. I saw a message earlier where someone said to get a dremel and open the square plate. This will allow you to access the area where the metal part is most likely lodged. You can get your key to turn and it'll be ok for a while, but you'll never know when it'll get stuck again. For peace of mind, I just replaced the whole thing.

OK, hope all this helped.

[cn90]

@songzunhuang,

Actually, the FREE fix I posted above is a PERMANENT fix.
So far so good, zero issues with the FREE fix.

[CaveManZeb]

I have the same problem on my high school aged son's 2006 XC70. I have not tried removing the bottom plate yet but my question is - is there any danger of the steering wheel lock engaging while he's driving if the bottom plate and spring are removed? For example, if he hits a pothole. Does the spring serve any purpose that would prevent the lock from engaging while he's driving? From the other posts, it sounds like there's no problem and folks have driven thousands of miles with the spring and bottom plate removed. I just wanted to ask the question. Thanks.

[Blacklab467]

Depending on what is broken in your column lock preventing the key from being turned, you may not be able to just remove the bottom plate and be fine. On my 2003 XC 70 something had broken inside the tumbler casting, also I had to break the hook off the bottom plate to remove it and had a recurrence of the problem with not being able to turn the key at an inopportune time later. This "hack" seems to work well for most but not everyone. For piece of mind, a new column lock can be ordered with your VIN and will arrive properly coded with a dummy key in the lock, it is however not inexpensive and you'll have to make your own assessment if you want to go this route.
I would say after dissecting my old column lock that there is no danger of the steering wheel lock engaging while driving when the spring has been removed mainly due to the physics of the assembly.

[cn90]

I posted the Free fix some 10 years ago.
No issue whatsoever.
Actually, with the bottom plate removed, the SW lock rectangular thingy will stay down forever.
It will never come back up again.

[Krons]

I have the same problem on my high school aged son's 2006 XC70. I have not tried removing the bottom plate yet but my question is - is there any danger of the steering wheel lock engaging while he's driving if the bottom plate and spring are removed? For example, if he hits a pothole. Does the spring serve any purpose that would prevent the lock from engaging while he's driving? From the other posts, it sounds like there's no problem and folks have driven thousands of miles with the spring and bottom plate removed. I just wanted to ask the question. Thanks.

I’ve preemptively removed that failed pot metal down on all of my P2s. Big risk of the piece breaking and leaving you stranded without the fix to remove the pot metal bracket. Very little risk of the steering locking up.

[CaveManZeb]

Thanks gentlemen. I really value your feedback!