Ignition key wont turn

[chris888]

I have a Problem with my 1999 s80 2.9 SE Auto - Stopped the car , put it into park, took the key out of the ignition , now when i go to start it the key wont go past position 1 ? any ideas ?

[Paul Wildsmith]

There is an interlock between the auto stick and igntion switch - can't exactly remember what, but think you can't remove key unless in park, and you can't come out of park without pressing brake pedal. Not sure about moving key from pos1. When I had a problem it was the solenoid that stopped the gearstick being moved from park. Can only suggest you try a combination of gear stick/key/brake pedal positons until (hopefully) something happens. Finally, often a 10 min disconnect of the battery can help to 'reset' things.

[chris888]

Tried waggling it in different positions but still no luck, one thing ive noticed is that although it goes to position 1 the tripometer and clock dont light up as they should do, also you cant switch the radio on and the deadlock switch does not seem to operate ( for the security level )

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Just on the off change, have you tried moving the steering wheel?

I sometimes find that when parked "off the straight" and with the steering lock definitively pushed in one direction it is difficult to turn the key in the ignition.

Try moving the wheel either one way or the other and see if the key will then turn..
You never know...

Des. . .

[Mister T]

Chris ,
You are going to need a new steering lock assembly, you will need to order it from a dealer , if you are stuck a long ways from help I can give you tips on how to make it drivable .
Mister T.

[chris888]

Yeah it would appear to be the steering lock assembly, Ive been able to get the car going by stripping the ignition down and using a flat screw driver to start it, Looks like im going to have drill out the anti tamper studs holding the assembly in place in order to fit another.

Thanks

[gumboots]

This exact problem happened to me about 6-8 weeks ago (D5 manual). Key partly turned to position 1 but no further and no electrics lighting up at all. I had all but resigned myself to ordering a new lock.

After trawling the 'net for a solution, I came across a suggestion to release the steering column adjustment lever and bang the column up and down while turning the key. I was VERY sceptical but I was a long way from home after garage closing so with nothing to lose I tried it. It worked!

Several weeks on and I've had no further problems - at least not with the steering lock.

Might be worth a try.

[Mister T]

Gumboots ,
I am glad this got you out of trouble but be warned it may not be a happy occasion next time , so get it fixed ASAP, may save a few pints at sometime,
Mister T.

[chris888]

Problem Sorted

Priced up the part from volvo £170 + vat + Labour !!! Set about dismantling
it myself, After drilling out the old studs and knocking them out with a hammer and punch i removed the barrel , out of sheer curosity i tried the key in the lock- It worked no problem!!!! so after all that i put it back together - with new studs and its working perfect! Must have been all that knocking freeing it off !! Obviosly i will now carry a torx driver and flat screwdriver to get myself out of trouble if it happens again.

The Only other thing is that i now have an SRS service message - everything is back how it was tho, i had the seat right back as far as it would go so i could access the ignition - ive read that this can sometimes trigger the Message ( something to do with a sensor under the seat? )

[Paul Wildsmith]

Lots of things can trigger this - always best to disconnect battery first. You'll need to visit a dealer to get them to reset it (I paid about £10 once, for others get asked more - if you know a dealer well, then they may do it for free especially if you're having other work done).