I have a 97 850. My keyless entry does not work. The Volvo mechanic is guessing the ignition switch needs to be replaced on the steering column. Is this easy to do myself? Does this make sense? I know the remote works as the shop tested it.

Ignition switch shouldn't have anything to do with keyless entry. Faulty ignition switch symptoms would include intermittent ABS light that goes away when you restart, and intermittent failure of fan,radio, lights, etc. Keyless entry mysteriously looses programing from time to time. Try reprogramming the remote. When reprogramming, all doors, hood, and trunk must be closed or the programing will fail.

You can find the replacement method on Volvospeed. com. You can also try to reset the keyless by turning on and of the ign sw four times, then turn it on and leave it on the fifth time, point the keyless at the sensor in the middle of the dash and press the lock button. If it responds, all is well, if not... Don't know...

Thanks for the feedback.
According to the dealer, I do have the correct remotes and they work.
I and the dealer have tried to program the remotes and that doesn't work.
The ABS light stays on a little longer and that is why the mechanic at the deal thinks it is the ignition switch.
Kind of strange. I would like to have the keyless system, but really don't want to put the money into it.