Often when I go to start my 240, the ignition key won't turn (it works fine in the doors). Only after reintserting it several times will it finally turn on. Is this just worn out tumblers? A bad key copy?

Can I clean out the lock/switch somehow?

"Is this just worn out tumblers?"
It could be worn tumblers and worn key.

Try moving the key up-down in the lock (in line with the slot) with less of a turning force. This will move the tumblers more, maybe more easily into position.
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

1. If you work the steering wheel back and forth while you try to turn the key, does it turn easier? My 1980 has been balky like this for 200k miles but it's never jammed up completely. Maybe you and your ignition interlock can find a way of working together.

2. Dry graphite lock lubricant.

Good luck.

Doug Harvey

Be very careful about overstressing the key - they are not very strong, and seem to weaken with age. Mine crumbled to pieces- fortunately in my pocket, not in the lock, and it was only 10 years old.

"Mine crumbled to pieces- fortunately in my pocket,"
??? A metal key crumbling to pieces with age? Do you hang around particle accelerators for any reason?
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

Actually, it can happen. Tin undergoes a change in its molecular
structure below about 50F - the changed material is brittle and
powdery. Furthermore, the presence of the weaker phase actually
catalyses the change of the rest of the metal. The phase change
reaction increases in speed as temperature decreases.
.
Maybe the key was a cheap copy made out of tin. :) This phenomenon
was common in church organ pipes in the Middle Ages. Legend also
has it that Napoleon's soldiers were wearing uniforms with tin
buttons when the cold Russian winter hit... Modern tin generally
has certain impurities added to prevent the phase change.
.
-b.

Thanks bozoluku - I knew I wasn't imagining it! I was jangling the keys in my pocket, and when I pulled out the bunch I found the end of the ignition key had fallen off. Inspection showed it was pale and crumbly about half way along. It was an original Volvo key, 1993.