Steering Wheel Stuck Locked - Key Not Turning 2003 Volvo S60

djinvasion21 · Post by **djinvasion21** » 23 Feb 2020, 22:29

I must further apologize if this is similar to other posts. I've done a lot of research in this forum and a lot of the posts were 5+ years old and my Volvo is in a mutated situation where some of those posts helped. So here's to the hope that someone can help me out!

I have a 2003 Volvo S60 T5 and last December in the wee hours of the cold 10 degree Ohio night, I got into my car and the key wouldn't turn to Position 1 from Zero. Now that its February almost March I've been lucky for a few nice days to troubleshoot w/o having to tow it to the dealership and blow $$$ if I think I can just fix this myself with my research and my trusty Haynes Manual.

Issue #1 - The steering wheel is stuck in a weird position and won't move or budge at all. This is bad because I might need to remove the airbag and steering wheel to get to a resolution to Issue #2 but don't know what to do here. I'm 100% certain the plastic piece is just stuck in the lock position.

Issue #2 - The key won't move out of Position 0 to Anything at all.

What I've done so far? I've read a forum post by member cn90 who mentioned there would be a broken metal piece stuck in the tumbler and he was right. You'll see in my video of what I did per his instructions sort of helped (wish it was the answer!) - https://youtu.be/OZTbEw79byM. I have already disconnected the battery just in case. The steering lock mechanism is not driven by electronics like the XC series (I believe). I also am struggling to get the security bolts removed so I can take the ignition mechanism off to replace it with a new one.

Please shed upon me your guidance! So far I know it looks like I'm going to have to replace the steering wheel lock mechanism since that's broken. The ignition tumbler is probably busted so I'll have to get a new one. I'm hoping that the key just needs to be matched up with a new tumbler and it should still work with the electronics (hoping that works still?).

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 23 Feb 2020, 22:43

Before you go cutting it up try this: Grab the interlock cable with the left hand and pull it towards the column lock. Turn the key to 0 position with the right hand.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 23 Feb 2020, 23:08

Neat trick RickHaleParker - will have to put that in my memory banks.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 23 Feb 2020, 23:59

SuperHerman wrote: ↑23 Feb 2020, 23:08 Neat trick RickHaleParker - will have to put that in my memory banks.

When it works, the quick fix is to wrap and tie wire around the interlock cable, pull toward column lock and tie down the other end. You can run like this indefinitely.

djinvasion21 · Post by **djinvasion21** » 25 Feb 2020, 08:17

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑23 Feb 2020, 22:43 Before you go cutting it up try this: Grab the interlock cable with the left hand and pull it towards the column lock. Turn the key to 0 position with the right hand.

For education purposes for me at least - what's the interlock cable do in regards to my current situation?
Also noted: they key isn't stuck in the tumbler, I just can't turn it at all.

Dragon1 · Post by **Dragon1** » 06 Aug 2020, 08:12

Intermittent similar problem steering wheel /lock jambed
What is, .where is this interlock cable? How to get to it and how to defeat it?
Just joined today and new to Volvo's (1 week ) ,must say incredible information / help here. Thanks to all involved!
Everything I've had to address this week has been covered here :
1: PCV system excessive vacuum (not pressure )
2: Outside door handle linkage rod attachment
3: Steering wheel / ign lock jambed
4: AC low.pressure access
Doing all my own mechanical work since 1965 (mostly American ). Must say this V70 is a marvel. Although very compact so access to components is " Challenging".

Post by **darrylrobert** » 07 Aug 2020, 05:14

Ive removed those headless bolts, got 3 out by drilling a hole and using an easy out. 4th one broke the easy out and i used a chisel.

Post by **cn90** » 28 Jun 2022, 21:06

Latest update is in this thread...

DIY: 1998 S70 GLT Ignition Tumbler FREE Fix!

viewtopic.php?t=67531

Post by **abscate** » 28 Jun 2022, 23:59

The p2 lock tumbler assembly is different than p80. There is a bulletin out that reports failure to advance to KPI is usually the key tumbler jamming

Unlike the p80s, the lock assembly bolts into a welded steel me,beer on top of the steering column, but it has the same snapped off security torx , 2x

It’s tough drill because you can’t get a drill straight down due to the lip of the dashboard cowl around the instruments.

Post by **vtl** » 29 Jun 2022, 07:40

me,beer? I like those typos