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Ignition Lock Cylinder S70 1998

Hi all,

This probelem is for my 1998 S70 NA. When I insert the key into the ignition lock, I can turn to position I, II, and III but not beyond III. It feels that something is jammed or blocked and it prevents me from starting the car. I had to pull out the key and resert many times before I can get one luck hit to start the car. I bypassed the lock cylinder and used a flat head screwdriver to turn the electrical portion directly. It starts without any problem. I'm almost sure that the ignition lock cylinder is the problem. Anyway, does anyone know to fix the lock cylinder?

1. I heard that I may need to drill out some "headless" bolts and the cylinder itself to remove them. Can I use a Dremel to slot opn the bolts and unscrew them?

2. How do I remove the cable behind the lock cylinder?

3. Do I need to take off the steering wheel and the parts beind it?

4. How do I ensure the airbag doesn't deploy while I'm taking things apart?

5. Any suggestion on where I can get a reasonable price on this lock cylinder part? My local dealer want about $120 for this part.

Thanks in advance.








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    Ignition Lock Cylinder S70 1998

    I had a similar problem on my '98 V70 AWD. Mny others have had the same problem. The lock cylinder/housing is bad. It is encased in a cast aluminum housing and available only that way. Volvo gets your key code and orders one for you that comes already "cast in". The job is a mess to do. Volvo used a saw to cut the bolts and cast housing out of my steering column. I'm not aware that the steering wheel was removed, but another plastic part that supports everything in there needed to be replaced too (not uncommon) and that may have required removing the wheel.

    I looked at doing this job myself and it looked like a nasty one, well worth having Volvo do it for about $300.








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    Ignition Lock Cylinder S70 1998

    Hi,
    Don'touch anything until you've gone through the process of cleaning and then lubricating the cylinder. The electrical part of your switch is fine and it is the cylinder that is not turning completely.

    Spray the interior of the cylinder through the ignition key hole with brake cleaner. It evaporates almost instantaneously and activate the inners by sliding your key in and out of the cylinder. Repeat the process a second time and then lubricate the cylinder, once again by spraying through the ignition hey hole, with an ultra-light lubricant such as PL-100 (Pro-Lab). Don't use a penetrating oil like WD-40 though. Spray a few times and then you should be able to turn the cylinder fully and start the car. You will have to keep lubricating for a few more times so make sure you keep that can of lubricant in the car. Cleaning and lubricating only takes 10 minutes and will save you around 300.00$ I think.

    Mike








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      Ignition Lock Cylinder S70 1998

      Mike,

      Thanks for the suggestion. I did use WD-40 and silicon spray to "clean" the cylinder inside. It had helped for a short while then the problem came right back, i.e., I can't turn beyond position III to crank. I'll try the barke cleaner and ultra-light lubricant as you suggested. Some follow-up questions for you:

      1. Is it how you "fixed" your problem? If so, how long did (does) it hold up?

      2. When you used brake cleaner, did you get any overspray to any nearby areas or parts? Would this overspray caused any damage to them such as shorting circuits or corrode painted surface?

      Thanks again for your great idea.








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        Ignition Lock Cylinder S70 1998

        Hi twng,

        WD-40 and silicon spray are not the right products as the first one has a carrier that evaporates and leaves practically no lubrication and silicon spray is definitely not a cleaner. Brake parts cleaner evaporates immediately within a couple of seconds and won't damage anything. The ultra-light lubricant should be in a spray form otherwise it will not get to every part. I don't know what other products would be equivalent to PL-100 but I will try to see what else you could use as this product is manufactured in Quebec Province, probably around Montreal. Just hold a rag around the ignition lock so you don't overspray other parts in the interior of the car and do the same with the brake cleaner as it would affect some plastic parts around the lock in the car interior. Otherwise, it won't cause any damage to anything such as paint or circuits as there are none inside the lock.

        That is how I solved the problem and as I mentioned in my previous message, you should carry that can of lubricant in the car and spray every time you need to. It all depends on how many times you turn that lock cylinder in let's say a month, but eventually, you will not need to lubricate anymore. PL-100 does not evaporate like WD-40 and your total cost will be under 15.00$ including the cleaner. Changing the lock cylinder is ridiculous but obviously the way in which the dealership will guide you. But make sure you use strictly the products mentioned, otherwise you'll be running after trouble. Cheers!

        Mike







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