Ignition Stuck, Steering Wheel Locked after the "Mod" ('98 V70XC)

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 03 Dec 2016, 07:41

I removed the plate on the bottom of the column, the "little piece" dropped out - and I still can't turn the key (well, a tiny bit, not quite half-way to 1); steering wheel is locked. Tried both keys. Shook the hell out of the wheel. No luck.

Any other ideas, please? Can I pull the ignition switch without causing a ton of damage? Being theft proof is no longer an issue, fwiw...
(Other than pull it into the yard and set fire to it - which is at the very top of my list right now.)

Post by **cn90** » 03 Dec 2016, 08:15

I already answered your question in the other thread but anyway, options are:

1. Remove the electrical portion (LEFT side of SW), then use screwdriver to to start the car.
Just be careful not to mess up the wiring.

2. Replace the tumbler, but this is a lot of work due to the security feature.
Best is to dremel a flat slot, then use screwdriver to undo it.
A bit of heat (small amount of propane torch) will help melt the blue Loctite.

Next question is how to get new tumbler (new is $300 or so, used is your guess, then you need to carry another key etc.).

I have a hunch you can still fix your own tumbler.
Wear googles and look upward.
Spray some WD-40 or compressed air upward to see if anything comes out.
The culprit may be a very very tiny piece that jammed in there.
Wiggle the key the other way (CCW) to see if the piece falls off.

PS: Make sure you read the thread below on "engagement pin":
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 1&start=10

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 03 Dec 2016, 08:59

(I missed the other answer, my apologies.)
Will head out and try that, but have a possibly related question: Would the interlock by-pass cable have something to do with it - I thought that it may, but I can remove the key?
Also: when I removed the plate, it wasn't a simple flat plate (as I've seen pictured in other posts), it had three 'arms' that went up into the main casting, like it was a snap fit. Two came out w/ the plate, the other I had to cut off and is still up in there.
Really at my wit's end here.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Dec 2016, 19:35

Dave,..I'm parting out a 99 so let me know if you need parts

Post by **cn90** » 03 Dec 2016, 19:53

DaveP189 wrote:...Two came out w/ the plate, the other I had to cut off and is still up in there.
Really at my wit's end here.

Have you looked into the "engagement pin" as mentioned above?

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 04 Dec 2016, 04:52

cn90 wrote:Have you looked into the "engagement pin" as mentioned above?

I did, also read the link and the pdf (lock replacement) Rich@BHX posted, plus a couple other posts...
Everything seems to be addressing the situation with the key stuck and the wheel unlocked - mine is the opposite (key is removable, won't turn even to "I", AND the steering wheel is locked).
I've tried blowing out the mechanism from several directions, wiggled the key while wiggling the steering wheel, pushing/pulling/lightly prying at moving parts from underneath - no change. Didn't get gung-ho about it for concern of making it worse. But I do have a sawz-all sitting here...

(Right now also browsing through all 127 pages [!] in the repair database :/ )

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 04 Dec 2016, 05:08

abscate wrote:Dave,..I'm parting out a 99 so let me know if you need parts

I might have a few of my own for sale really soon, too! (lol)
To be honest, I paid $1400 for this about 2 years ago, and am sitting here making a list of everything it needs - might be "that time" to part ways with it and get another vehicle. I can get these all day for $1500 or less, would be silly to start throwing more 100's of $$$ at this one.
Except I mangled my hand in a construction accident just over 2 months ago (right hand, and I'm right-handed) and have been out of work, so with money very tight I have to look for super-cheap fixes.

Post by **cn90** » 04 Dec 2016, 08:18

Then the easiest way out is to remove the ignition switch on the LEFT side of the steering column and use a screwdriver to start the engine.
Info in forum.

The photo below shows both the connector and the Ignition Switch.
The Ignition Switch is labeled "Ignition Assembly"in the photo.
Once the Ignition Switch is removed, connect it to the connector, tape it or zip tie it.
Then use screwdriver to start the engine.

Post by **cn90** » 04 Dec 2016, 08:31

The youtube video below may help you...

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 11 Jan 2017, 16:59

Update: Today I read a thread similar to what was happening w/ mine https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 1&start=10 and got the rectangular cast alloy piece on sliders (in between the key cylinder and the switch) out, along with a bunch of 'debris'.
Now the steering wheel is unlocked, and the key turns freely (albeit w/o 'detents', but I can live with that). And the ignition only turns w/ the key, wasn't counting on that.

NOW: the dash lights light up, but no starter action...And I still can't get it out of park (was this way before today's 'modification'). Gonna keep plugging away at it....