I went out to my car at work and entered it with my remote, put the key in the ignition and it won't turn past the first bar. (All lights come on as normal in car, battery seems to be okay.) I had a spare key and tried that, but won't turn past first bar. Tried wiggling the stirring wheel, pressed the override and moved the shifter to neutral, and nothing. My key works in the driver door lock.

Is this an anti-theft lock problem? It is a humid 36 degree winter day. Could the humidity cause a short in the electrical system?

Please respond as soon as possible. I'm stuck here at work and can't figure out what to do next, as all service stations are closed or closing. I called the dealer but they acted like they never heard of this happening.

Help!!!

Thanks everyone for your help and concern. I was a bit panicky as I needed to pick up my son, etc. I managed to get a hold of my mother-in-law and she picked him up from preschool and my father-in-law picked me up at work and he gave the ignition a try and tried everything I had, but nothing.

Next day, got a tow truck to haul the car to the dealer for a 5-6 day sojourn for the part to arrive. I have roadside assistance, so I only had to pony up $8 for the towing. They didn't have any loaner cars available at the dealer, so I went to Enterprise, and low and behold, they had a 2005 white S60 in the parking lot. I asked about that and I'm driving that around for a couple days until the weekend!

To Klaus...I didn't get your message before I left work for the day. However, if I would have called you, it would have been a local call! My car is currently at Borton in Golden Valley.

To BB...It may sound strange, but it's a relief that you said that using the lock lubricant wouldn't mean the ignition lock switch cylinder didn't need replacing, because the part has already been ordered! If it was just a matter of some lubricant, I would be kicking myself right now. Very much appreciate your input and help!

It's 0945 and I wonder if you got your car to start. The key moving to pos I negates the steering lock or security problem. Not moving to pos II is unheard of.
Call me if you still have a problem, two dummies are better than one!

952 401-3642

klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Sorry, I forgot to specify the year and model in original message:

1998 S70

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Zelly,

The mechanical portion of the ignition switch is known to fail, which means it either will not move much or spins 360 degrees around. Sounds like you're a candidate for a new cylinder, but before you go to that, try using some lock lubricant on it. Other members have reported some luck with this approach, but it will not eliminate the need to have the cylinder replaced.

Good luck!

BB