In most cases, it is just the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Remove the clamshell cover on the steering column and take off the round electrical switch. With a screwdriver you should NOT be able to turn the switch past 'start' and then it should spring back.

If the above works, then check the rear of the keyed portion to make sure it has not broken. The keyed portion requires that you order a keyed cylinder from the factory (it will be set to work with your current key). Then the 2 screws that hold on the key cylinder will have to be drilled out with a carbide tip and a heavey duty drill. Figure about 30-45 minutes per screw at a hard-to-reach angle. The new keyed switch comes with 2 new, break-off head screws for installation.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Yes you have to replace the ignition but it is NOT easy, you have to replace the whole cylinder not just the electrical portion. I did it 2 years ago on my 98 S70, probably one of the tougher jobs I have done - cutting through the metal security collar is hard. However a garage will charge about $800 in labor around here, so it was worth it. I used a drill with a metal bit and a hacksaw to get through the metal. Replacing the new part was easy. You have to order the part through the dealer it comes keyed to your key/remote.

Here are the directions I used:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignition_S80.html

Merry Christmas, though it sounds not quite so merry for you if you'll be spending it cutting through metal...

Yes you have to replace the ignition but it is NOT easy, you have to replace the whole cylinder not just the electrical portion. I did it 2 years ago on my 98 S70, probably one of the tougher jobs I have done - cutting through the metal security collar is hard. However a garage will charge about $800 in labor around here, so it was worth it. I used a drill with a metal bit and a hacksaw to get through the metal. Replacing the new part was easy. You have to order the part through the dealer it comes keyed to your key/remote.

Here are the directions I used:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignition_S80.html

Merry Christmas, though it sounds not quite so merry for you if you'll be spending it cutting through metal...