hi artben- got key to work in cylinder by rocking wheel left to right while trying to turn the key.then used new key. seems to be working ok for now. looked up in haynes and bentley. seems actual ignition switch on the end of the cylinder is easy to replace, but costs 85 fat ones. wow. that doesnt seem to be failing though. looked up your source for my lube question for the cylinder - could not find it , but looked up ignition cylinder lube on the board and two items were suggested to lube it- graphite spray which i have as lock-ease or 2d choice wd 40. will try one of them. also went through each page of my 92 245 owners manual as you suggested and found nothing about this special lube you were referring to. brick boarders said volvo has a special aerosol lube for this purpose(surmise they charge millions for it). the lock cylinder which bolts to the front piece of the steering column seems more involved to get out- have to take out the air bag which is doable as long as you off the neg. battery cable and disconnect some kind of a sensor under the driver seat. seems to make a big difference too if you straighten the front wheels to take the load off the column before you switch off the ignition. this would work in fla but not frisco. any further thoughts very welcome. thanks tons oldduke