It never ends...
Lately I've noticed that the ignition key was hard to turn.
Tonight, I was not able to turn the ignition switch on.
It gets stuck at the 12 o'clock position.
Does this sound like the innards (tumbler assembly) are shot?
The Bentley instructions for removing the ignition switch seem
simple enough, or am I missing anything?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

Well, at this point I cannot even get to the back of the switch.
There is a frame underneath that will barely budge.
My next move is to remove the instrument cluster to get to it from above.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

It'll take some hunting, and sadly I've got the link bookmarked at home right now, but there is a good ignition switch rebuild post in the archives here on the brickboard. If someone else doesn't repost it first, I'll try to remember to repost this evening.

As a check, unbolt the electrical portion from the back of the key switch then try turning the key. If the key moves all the way to the start position, then the electrical portion in the rear is the problem and is easily replaceable. Note, the electrical portion is the most likely failure.

jorrell
--
92 245 287K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

So, I disconnected the electric switch in back of the lock and I still cannot turn the key. It must be the cylinder inside that's broken.
I then tried to manually turn on the ignition using the slot in back of the switch but the starter would not operate.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

Is the steering lock at such an angle that it's preventing the key from moving? Try rotating the steering wheel to the left or to the right while turning the key.

Actually, I decided to use some more force and was able to turn the key.
So I put everything back together. I'm still concerned that it will get
stuck again, but replacing the lock looks daunting. It appears that the
steering column will have to come off first
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

It is never recommended to use WD40 or any type of oil ever on a mechanical lock. Graphite powder is the only lubricant to be used.
--
David Hunter

Interesting...I'll give this one a shot.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

I'D HIT IT WITH A SHOT OF WD-40 BEFORE I REPLACED IT......
--CARLOS

I've been using WD-40, and now it's still frozen.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245