Pls help.

Ignition key problems:
1. First the ignition key turned to position I and II but was erratic in getting into position III (engage starter).
2. Then 2 days ago one time it was very hard to turn. Applying force it did turn
3. Same day, the key spun without engaging anything passing from 0 I II and III and all the way around. However backing in anti-clockwise direction and then turning it clock-wise it engaged correctly and it started.
4. I consulted Volvo and they want to change the cylinder. I am not sure the problem is the cylinder. I believe it has to be the mechanism that transfer the mechanical movement of the key in the cylinder to a)steering wheel un-locking mechanism, ignition electrical stuff, interlocks, etc.

Can anyone tell me how this ignition mechanism works, and how to repair it. I am afraid something will fail, the key will spin and I will not be able to start the car.

alex

You still need to take off the plastic around the steering column, unplug the black electrical connection, and take off the aluminum switch box.

Then try turning the round switch with a screwdriver. Note if the end of the keyed portion has been rounded, or the ignition portion is rounded. One of them has worn... You hope it is the switch, the dealer hopes it is the lock.

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

Klaus,

thank you for your advice.

Today I did exactly as you instructed. Neither the key-cylinder keyed-shaft was worn nor the matching one in the electric switch.

However, I noticed that the mating assemblies of the electric switch were loose. the mating assemblies of the switch are: the aluminium base and the insulating assembly, which are crimpped together.

I was fortunate that the key spinning around happened when I had the plastic covers disassembled. Thus, I was able to verify by taken the electric switch out that:

1. Neither the key-cylinder keyed-shaft was worn nor the matching one in the electric switch.

2. there was nearly 1 mm axial movement between the aluminium body and the insulating mating piece.

I then repaired the switch by clamping the mating assemblies together and re-crimpped the aluminium using a punch and driving it with a hammer. there are 4 crimping locations (one every 90 degrees).

I then verified that the problem of the ignition key not turning or turning past 0, I, II, III locations without making the expected electrical connections. Which in position III is engaging the starter.

I will now order a replacement switch, altough the repair of the starter switch has solved the problem. I think besides re-crimpping, I could have used an adhesive to prevent loosening of the mating sub-assemblies.

thank you very much.

Alejandro

When this happened in my car it was not just the electrical portion it was also the cylinder. A lot harder to do, but I did it myself following these instructions:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignition_S80.html

the hardest part was drilling through the metal it took a few hours with breaks for my arms to rest.

Thanks KlausC, That solution was just what we needed to fix the ignition switch and with such ease and cost affective.
RK

Easy fix. The electrical portion of the switch has failed. The S70 is slightly easier to fix than the 850:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.php

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD