V70 ignition barrel repair success

[PeterJag]

Thanks for all the above guys, had the same experience yesterday in my 2004 S80. Fortunately the AA knew what they were doing and managed to relase the lock mechanism using a chisel to remove the bolts that had no heads, (Tork bolts that shear on insertion) and the lock mechanism is now hanging beneath the steering collumn although still attached by one bolt.. All is working agan as it should so clearly the barrel is not at fault and suspect this little piece of metal you refer to in your descriptions. Will investigate further but sounds like there is a design flaw here. Again thanks a great deal as was about to fork out for a new barrel.

[theonlyone]

There seems to be two stages to the fix, and for many the first is enough. That's the lowering of the plate below the lock, and the removal of an item or items. For me, it was the small metal tab that breaks off an internal component and I also pulled the spring that was visible.

That didn't fix my problem, so I also did the 2nd part, which was to take the lock off the steering wheel and make sure that the steering lock block was in the lowered position. That involved removing the two M8 snap-head bolts which came out easily using by using as Dremel to cut a nick in the bolt head and then tapping it round with a thin sharp chisel. I also tapped out a small cover and removed the re-locker pin shown in the photos.

Once I'd done that, I re-attached the lock to the steering wheel with two new M8 hex bolts and spring washers. I used the Dremel to cut the bolts to the same length as the originals before I attached them. The solution worked, but just to be sure that the steering lock block would stay put, I used a split pin to keep it in place as per the linked video.

Research for the job took a long time, and this thread was very helpful. I may have done more than was necessary.

I did get the 'airbag service' light, but was able to reset it with my bsr ppc diagnostic tool.

I hope the attached pictures and link will help someone else too.

https://youtu.be/_t_EW9PeN74

[torchwood]

i decided to remove my lock as others describe, quite easy but remember to force the lock into position to be able to remove the cable!....on examination and plenty of wd40 to loosen up the lock i found a broken piece of metal sticking out of the back of the key mechanism where the steering lock is....after removing it and turning the lock many times i noticed it was the steering lock causing the problem...i drilled out the little locking tab on the side that locks the steering lock bolt and simply removed the steering lock bar complete...siliconed down the bar actuating mechanism (to stop rattling) and put the whole thing back....you lose your steering lock but save 300 pounds!....i noticed the metal used in the key lock was very poor chinese quality and wonder what is going on with volvo these days?,,,my old volvos are just so well made and the v70 seems good design but poor quality materials?

[oragex]

If I may add, it is worth always releasing the steering lock pressure before turning the ignition key to ON, it's perhaps this pressure that will cause damage to the barrel in the long term https://youtu.be/qojcKauz8b0

[MPE]

Hello Torchwaood, thanks for your useful post. I also would like to remove the locking bolt completely from my V70.
I have the lock out but cannot see the 'little locking tab' you refered to that you drilled out. Where do I find that please? Thanks

[John97Tdi]

Went out to the car this morning ( geartronic '06 XC70)and the key won't turn past position 1.
Any caveats/ updates to the method described at the start of this thread before I start taking things apart ( and I've calmed down a bit!)?

Cheers

John

[Andy625]

I cut the plate out of the bottom of my lock when it started jamming intermittently, and all it did was cause the lock to jam permanently making my car stuck in position (it's an auto and was stuck in park). Make sure you're not blocking any other cars in when you start working on it! I had to drill out the bolts and take it off the column to do anything with mine. To avoid paying £300 for a new lock/key etc, I ended up dispensing with the ok altogether and rigged up another arrangement.

[John97Tdi]

Thankfully the car is on the 'drive' (for want of a better description) so it's off road and in a safe place to fiddle with. There was no warning - everything worked perfectly yesterday, today - nothing. Sods law really, we have sold our house so the last thing we need is a dead car.

[John97Tdi]

Done and dusted and just as it says on the tin.Steering column cowl off,three quick touches with a dremel cutting blade on the 'plate' side of the indents in the 'pot metal' of the underside of the switch and a quick pry with a small screwdriver, plate comes down about a mm - key turns, car starts. Job done.

Thanks to the OP and everyone who contributed to this thread.

Cheers

John

[Andy625]

Glad it worked better for you than for me! Did you have any pieces of metal fall out when you too the plate out?