Unlock steering column without key

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 14 Jul 2016, 11:41

So bright boy that I am I lost the only key to my new 98 v70- along with the remote- I have a new lock cylinder as the one in the car did not work properly- I know I can start it by pulling the switch part off but is there any method other than brute force to unlock the column ?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 14 Jul 2016, 15:52

Without the key it is going to be tough, on a 70 series car there is a guard that goes around the ignition switch that has a breakaway bolt holding it together.

Here is a writeup from the repair database that will help you out:

Diy 1998 volvo v70 ignition switch cylinder lock replacement

On my 850s you can't really just pop the cylinder out without the key since the retention tab is locked into place without it. Push come to shove you can get the dealership to cut you a new key off of the VIN number and that will let you change the cylinder. On a '98 they are fairly reasonable.

...Lee

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 14 Jul 2016, 16:25

I was afraid of that- I spend an hour in the hot sun Tuesday drilling one out of wreck this time at least I am closer to home so I have a better tool selection

Post by **scot850** » 14 Jul 2016, 16:44

You know the key and fob will turn up the minute you buy/replace it! As mentioned, the dealer can get you a new key from the VIN#. A whole lot easier than replacing the whole lock mechanism.

Neil.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 14 Jul 2016, 18:54

scot850 wrote:You know the key and fob will turn up the minute you buy/replace it! As mentioned, the dealer can get you a new key from the VIN#. A whole lot easier than replacing the whole lock mechanism.

Neil.

Good to know! I only have 1 key for my car, I've been needing to get a copy made for a while now.

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 14 Jul 2016, 21:09

I asked my dealer about a key was quoted $175.00 cdn and they said they wouldn't guarantee that it would work do to the age of the lock- this car has a bad ignition cylinder as it turns around 360 and the tailgate uses a different key so I got all 3 from a write off complete with one key -

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 14 Jul 2016, 22:56

Try another dealer.

The last time I bought keys cut from the VIN my dealer was having an internet special for $10 or $15 each and I bought spares for the pre '99 fleet. Call around to places like Tasca Parts or Lisle Volvo and see what they can do, both have web stores with really good pricing but Tasca kills you on freight charges. You might need to send them a copy of something that proves you own the car but you can usually snap a picture of the title or the registration with your phone and email it to them.

...Lee

Post by **scot850** » 14 Jul 2016, 23:05

I have never heard a dealer selling the keys that cheap even for a non-antenna ring/non-chipped key. I could only wish! I just got a quote from my dealer today and with tax it was about $65 CDN, but I do get a discount as I worked there. I need a 2nd key, so I asked if I can buy a blank key as I know several places that can cut Volvo keys. I think they charged about $15 to cut them. The blanks were about $10 each (I had to order so I'll get 2 cut) but at least I have a master to start with.

A lot of the dealers make the mistake that they think your car has an antenna ring and so the key is more expensive. The Vin# doesn't help them so they just assume you need a chipped key and it will need programming. If your surround on the ignition key barrel is not all plastic by it that lights up you don't have that chipped key. If need be, take a photo of the barrel you have and take it to them and have an experienced mechanic verify for you. I know my new friend Ken down here went through the same you are when he also lost his keys!

Neil.