Ignition Switch won't go past Position I

[skip0ot2mus]

Bah, can't PM yet...

I had this fault this evening, got it home using the screwdriver and pulling the bowden cable out for the auto box.

Mirrors, ABS, and windows not working... Do they run off the transponder connector then?

Will attempt to repair this on Thurs/Fri

[Jim314]

Originally Posted by hancym

None whatsoever!!

My 20 years engineering experience tells me that this is just and over engineered lock to placate Volvos safety/Security ethos. As far as I can see the pin must perform some deadlock function on the steering lock bolt. Not having an undamaged one to look at I can’t confirm this though.

My wife's XC90 came up with this problem today. With the lock in place on the steering column using a dental mirror to see the back of the lock, I pried out the little cap and the spring fell out. I inserted a screw into the hole and into the cavity in the metal pin and pulled the metal pin out. If a black plastic part was there, I didn't see it fall, and I don't see it in the hole. But it would be easy to miss on the floor of the car.

Unfortunately, the lock still does not go past Position I. I sprayed some Lock-Ease into the hole where the pin was, but it made no improvement. Looking into the hole with the dental mirror and a headlamp, I do not see any plastic piece. I can see some movement when the key is turned but the key doesn't go past Pos I.

Any ideas on how to proceed now? Should I remove the lock from vehicle and see if I can free the mechanism. The service advisor at the Volvo dealership says that the fault is in the area of the tumblers and the whole lock must be replaced with a specially made part at $800 parts and labor.

[Jim314]

Could I free the key mechanism by prying off the metal flap on the underside of the ignition lock and freeing something there? Or could that make the lock totally non functioning?

I haven't done so yet, but I believe that I could remove the ignition switch from the end of the lock to which it is held by two torx screws. Then I could insert a screw driver into the switch and start the engine. Right? So I could drive the car to where I'm getting it serviced.

[Jim314]

I took the ignition switch off the end of the ignition lock and turned the switch with a screwdriver. The key was in the ignition and turned to Position I (where the radio was on). The engine would not start.

What next?

Could this be a more central problem? I have a warning message 'SRS-Airbag service urgent'

[ballo1000]

I have just had this problem. The AA came out and removed the barrel, tapped it with a hammer all round and she started, We had the same problem as previous where the windows mirrors etc stopped but a quick reset and they are now fine. My question is, is it possible to replace the barrel without having to get everything reprogrammed?

Thanks

[ballo1000]

Oh sorry forgot to add, for the shear bolts he chiselled then off.

[Jim314]

I realized that I needed to double check that I had used the screwdriver correctly to manipulate the ign switch and I found that the first time I hadn't either turned it all the way or did not have the central pin pressed in. When I did starting it again, the engine did start. This is with a key inserted in the lock. Which still only turns to Position I.

But with the key in the lock in Position I the gear shifter was locked in P. So I pulled the mechanical cable to the gear shifter and pushed in the white plastic part and this allowed shifting out of Park. So now the car is driveable to the dealer to get a new lock installed if I decide to do so.

One problem now is that neither the front windows nor the adjustment of the mirrors works. Also I have two messages ABS and airbags. When I get everything sorted out how is that reset? Disconnect the battery for 15 min or so?

What are the chances I could just pry off the metal flap on the bottom and free the mechanism to allow keeping the current ignition lock?

[ballo1000]

Mine had the same symptoms with windows etc. The AA said if you lock and then unlock the car holding the unlock button down it should reset the windows but I know a battery reset worked on my s60 when I had a problem with that.

[Jim314]

Do you mean lock and unlock the car by turning the key in the lock while holding down the unlock button on the remote?

Or do you mean using the switch on the inside of the door to lock and unlock while holding down the unlock button on the remote?

Or do you mean something else?

[ballo1000]

He said just use the remote fob lock the car and then press and hold the unlock, I would probably use a battery reset though. Everything else on mine is fine now just the srs warning.