OK, need the boards wisdom again. This time its the ignition lock cylinder. It seems like it's seizing up, so I've cleaned and lubed it and it's much better, but since daughter will be driving it, i figured I'd replace or overhaul at locksmith.

Read the FAQ, but it's not clear how to get at the switch, bottom of dash is in the way and metal support is under the switch, not sure if I can just remove the cylinder or must remove the assembly. Any thoughts here, this is a std 945 no tilt steering wheel. As always a push in the right direction is highly appreciated.

Mike

OK, got what looks like a pin on either side, neither move and the cylinder is still in housing after 2 hours of screwing around; however, I took the ignition switch off and it seems to be the culprit.

I did not realize the switch rotated when you turned the key. Without switch cylinder seems fine, with switch it hangs up, switch seems to be binding up. Off to order a new switch, though I sure would like to remove the cylinder while I'm there and make sure it's good. Any tips on getting cylinder out over weekend would be cool. Thanks, Mike

Dear Milanomike,

Hope you're well. I haven't taken apart an ignition lock cylinder. I have taken apart the glovebox lock cylinder. That cylinder is held into the housing by a brass pin, about 3/32" (2 mm) in diameter. I removed the pin, by drilling into it, and then using a hardened steel awl point to pry-out the pin. Doing this involved using a very small drill bit, and drilling precisely.

I'd guess that the ignition lock cylinder is secured in the housing, by the pins you see. I'd not try to remove the lock cylinder. It contains small springs and pins, that have to be kept in the specific order, if the key is to turn. If the cylinder turns smoothly, with the switch removed, then the switch is the problem.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

Hey Spook,

Thanks for chiming in. The FAQ led me to believe the cylinder could "easily" be removed. No way to drill out those 2 spots with the "unit" in the car. I scored a new Volvo switch as the dealer had one on the shelf, got a great price. New switch stills says W. Germany, like the old one. Will deal with lock cylinder later, as in hopefully, never! Mike

Just re-read FAQ and realized I misread, looks like the button to release the cylinder is on top. Hopefully will have this out by the weekend, do not want to remove the steering column, but must fix as daughter is ready to drive this thing to work on her own for the first time. Can't risk it doing something stupid like shutting itself off while cruising down the street.

Mike