Does anyone have a straightforward explanation of how-to remove the ignition switch on a 1988 B230FT Sedan.

I read Jim's post and although it's been a couple of years, I don't recall having to go through all those steps.

Mine is an 88 760TI and the best I can recall is this: remove the steering tilt lever with an allen wrench through a hole in the bottom plastic cover. Then remove this one piece plastic cover(6"D X 8"W)by removing the four corner screws. The bottom cover attaches to the top cover so removing those four screws frees up the top cover as well. You'll have to do a bit of jiggling to get the top one free of the ignition cylinder.

You'll then see the ignition switch on the left side of the column and if I remember right, it's attached by two flat screws (Volvo will have some paint in the slot to show if they've been undone).

If you need to get the cylinder out, you'll notice a pin-size hole on top of the column next to the cylinder. Push in a small nail or drill with the key in the ignition. I recall the key having to be in the accessory position but it could be the off position?? Anyway, you'll now be able to pull the cylinder out.

I guess I should have looked at the part that said 700. My response was aimed at 200. Sorry.

Sorry. The "Support Bearing bulletin" link is from a previous posting.

No.

Actually, its a bit of a nasty job, designed that way so theives will leave them alone. If you look up through the two holes on either side of the steering column at the level of the switch you will see tapered silver bolt heads with a broken looking circle in the middle. Carefully drill a hole dead center in the bolts, about 3/16 diameter, 1/4 or so deep. Any good ez-out will remove those two bolts as they are not really all that toight when the heads break off on installation. Next step is to loosen the lower mount, 2 12mm head bolts down by the pedals. That will let the column move down or up enough to remove two phillips head screws in the switch, which will allow you to remove the switch with a bit of work. If your key won't turn anymore, it may be a bit tough to get the steering lock out, but it should come. If you can't get it, you may have to remove the phillips screws that hold the metal crossbar from the center console to the side of the car- all the plastic trim around the steering column would have to come off to remove the crossmember as well. When you put the new switch back in, just use 2 8mm bolts with heads on them. Nobody goes to that much work to steal a car anymore.

I hope you want to change the lock mechanism, and not just the electrical portion of the switch, because that is just held on with 2 screws- straight head. The wire connector just pulls straight off the back.