Somehow, I don't know how, while attempting to work under the dash to replace my instrument lights (see previous post), my ignition switch has become frozen in the locked position.

Several years ago, when I replaced the turn signal switch, I recall having to loosen the bolts that secure the tube that encases the steering column in order to access the fasteners for that switch. I also recall adjusting things so that I no longer had to jiggle the key to get the steering wheel lock to disengage. I believe this involved removing the cap screw that indexes the circular part of the ignition switch assembly to the steering column so that the rod in the switch mechanism lined up properly. I certainly didn't undo anything while changing the bulbs, so I suspect this is just a strange and unfortunate coincidence.

But, try as I might, with those steering column shell bolts removed and with that indexing cap screw removed, I now can't seem to get things maneuvered so that the switch will operate. So, I have wonderful LED lighting in the speedo and tach, but I can't move the car. One step forward, two steps backward.

Before I continue this struggle can anyone with experience with aligning the ignition-steering column lock give me some advice on how to do this? I have a functional replacement ignition switch assembly, with key, in my parts inventory, but I can't find any information on the above-mentioned alignment nor on how I might go about replacing the whole ignition switch assembly if that's what will eventually be required,

Oi! I guess you could characterize my above post as having been made in Panic Mode. But, nothing like walking away from a problem and letting your subconscious work on it.

Not being able to find any exploded view drawings, or any info at all about how the steering lock mechanism works, I thought about ii a bit. So, this morning, lying uncomfortably on my back, I stuck a nail set up through the hole in the ignition assembly that surrounds the column and, Voila! found a hole therein, which must serve as the index between the ignition lock rod and that outer steering column casing. Marks farther down that casing told me that I had probably missed that when I previously removed that cap screw and disturbed things while replacing the turn signal switch. In any case, with those two pieces aligned, and the cap screw repaced,I was able to jiggle the steering wheel back and forth until I could turn the ignition key.

Hopefully all is in alignment now, the ignition switch assembly, and the outer and inner parts of the steering column. I tried two keys, my worn 50K- mile key and a like-new spare key. Both worked about the same, requiring some "jiggling" of both the wheel and the key to make things work. I suspect, to cure that completely I would have to replace the ignition switch assembly with my spare and dress the holes that the interlock bar passes through and engages. So I hope someone can direct me to comprehensive drawings/instructions on how to do that, if it ever comes to that point.

Meantime, how the hell are you supposed to access the bulbs in those temp gauges between the speedo and the tach?

To change the temperature gauge bulbs, I usually pull the tachometer for easier access to those bulb sockets.

It can be done without doing so, but it's PITA even with long thin fingers like my brother has!
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

This the difference that being experienced makes. I did it the hard way, Embarrassed I didn't think of removing the tach.