Been a long time since I last posted a question... or an answer... so, here's one.

My 2007 S60 (105K miles) has a problem ignition switch. Drove fine yesterday, but this morning, the key would not go past position 1. Tried tugging the steering wheel both ways, no difference. The key turns easily from 0 to 1, and the seat belt warning light comes on. No idiot lights. The digital display lights up and I can hear relays. I simply can't turn the key past 1 for the ignition or cranking.

Any suggestions?
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Hey Don,
Good to hear from you after all these years! Hope you’re doing well. I see you’ve ventured into the FWD world just like so many of us have felt the need to. (No more hub caps that you have to put in the dishwasher,)

I’ve delved into the ignition switch/tumbler cylinder/steering lock assembly on my 2003 V70. To get into the tumbler pins you have to perform minor surgery. But you really don’t need a locksmith - just the right YouTube video. That being said, if you can turn the key from position 0 to Position I then I don’t think you have a tumbler pin issue, but rather something awry in the locking mechanicals. Some people have had a problem with little pieces breaking inside and causing jamming. Removing the square access plate often allows the broken bit(s) to fall out and free-up the lock.

Just like the later RWDs, you have to drill out the two snap head bolts in order to remove the lock assembly.

(My problem was a worn tumbler pin problem that caused the key to jam, worse in hotter weather when everything expanded.)

2000 V70 SE; 292K miles; AW55-50SN; Denso

Recently experienced same issue with our 2000 V70 (above).

Here's a BB AWD thread that summarizes my DIY experience:
https://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/1687772/V70-XC70/steering_lock_removal_repair.html

Was able to get the car on the road again with ignition key operating freely in all positions, while avoiding a tow. Although the steering wheel lock, alarm and keyless entry no longer work.

An entire new ignition lock assembly may be available for your S60 from Volvo, using your VIN and/or key code.

In doing the research for the above repair, I found that this is a very common problem for higher mileage Volvos. In speaking with the local Volvo dealer, many Volvos get towed in for ignition lock replacement after the car is immobilized from stuck key and locked steering.

Thanks for replying. Solved it, I think.

Googled the problem and found MANY mentions of this problem. The advice was "Twist it hard, try a little lube."

That worked. Next, I'll try some dry graphite lubricant.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

That's great!

Some of those tricks initially worked for me too, including removing the plastic covers and with a small hammer tapping on the housing bottom to free the mechanism. In my case those were temporary solutions and the jamming would reappear, finally immobilizing the car. Not something you'd want to happen other than in the driveway or garage. It's likely not so much the key cylinder tumblers as it is the sliding mechanism that locks the steering column, which will apparently jam as it wears out.

Hope the fix works for you.

Hi Don,

Sounds like a tumbler problem.
Look here: https://www.youtube.com › watch?v=LQOxG3AUTRU

If there's a bad pin in the tumbler you could try wiggling and jiggling the key
maybe with the smallest puff of WD40, PB-Blaster etc.
Turn the key 180 and try again.

Then you'll want to replace or try a locksmith to see if the tumbler can be repaired.

Where are you, "Near the Cape" ?
I'm in Swampscott.

Good luck, Bill

Thanks for replying. Solved it (I think).

Googled the problem and found MANY mentions of this problem. The advice was "Twist it hard, try a little lube."

So, I gathered up my courage and twisted hard -- and it worked. Next, I'll try some dry graphite lubricant. In my opinion, liquid lube is not good for locks.

I'm almost exactly equidistant from New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton.
--
Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Hi Don,

You must be a game warden, or a Kebler elf, or work for the Kennedy's who have a second family compound and distillery hidden away in that forest. Maybe you run a casino?

Glad you could make some progress.

The problem is mechanical with worn pins, and wont go away.
The key is part of the equation! The key can wear as well.
Try all of your keys each way to guess if it's a worn key or worn pins,
(Maybe it's both)

Talk to a locksmith and ask if they can re-pin the tumbler to your key.
(Find out if all your keys are OK using them each way)
Maybe that will work and you can avoid the dreaded Cashechtomy from your Volvo Dealer .

Cheers, Bill