Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon (5-speed manual) with 377,000 miles. Recently I had the door handle of the driver's door replaced because it had become cracked and started to flak. I purchased a used door handle and had it installed by a local auto body shop. When I got the car back, I noticed the metal flap inside the door lock here the ignition key is inserted no longer closed when you removed the key. This is the metal flap, which when you withdraw the ignition key, closes off the opening. I assume it is designed to prevent water from entering the key lock hole. I sprayed WD-40 into the lock hole, hoping it would release the key flap. It didn't. It seems as though the spring behind the flap which pushes it close when you remove the ignition key, is no longer working. I brought my Volvo back to the auto body shop to fix this problem and it seemed it was able to adjust the key lock, so once again, it closed the key lock opening when you removed the key. However, once again, the flap is not closing when you removed the ignition key from the lock.

Has anyone else had this problem with the driver's door key lock opening? Is there a spring that pushes the flap against the opening when you remove the ignition key. I'm concerned if I don't get this flap fixed, water will enter the lock and rust it out. Thank you to all who reply.

Hugh