Ignition Switch won't go past Position I

hancym · Jul 16th, 2011, 17:08

Help please. Just went to get back into my car and I can't get the key to go past Position I. Not given any signs of problems before. Is this some fancy electrical problem of is the locked mechanically broken?

What are my options please? Anything will help please as my car is stranded in the street!

Jim314 · Jul 16th, 2011, 17:50

Have you tried wiggling the steering wheel as you try to turn the key?

On my last vehicle (non Volvo) the tab on the end of the lock cylinder broke and it would not actuate the ignition switch behind it. The tab had been broken for some time and it worked but I could tell it was not right. I continued to use the vehicle and it finally chewed up the end of the ign switch and would not work. This could be what has happened with you. Or it could be internal to the ignition switch or to the lock cylinder.

Perhaps some powdered graphite puffed into the key hole of the lock would free it. Or some spray lock lubricant like Lock-Ease. Use the end of a straightened paper clip or small flat blade screwdriver to hold open the flap in the key hole to allow lubricant to be puffed or sprayed into the lock.

hancym · Jul 16th, 2011, 18:28

Yes, steering wheel is completely free and the turn of the key to the first position releases it in the normal way and engages primary electrics. The lock has bee WD40'd but to be honest it has never shown any signs of failure at all.

I've now raised and RAC call to get me home (3 hours 'til they arrive) It'll be interesting to see how they get the car on the recovery lorry. Does the parking brake lock the rear wheels also?

I've disconnected the battery for a good 15mins to see if it could have been anything electrical getting in a twist but no joy there.

I can only assume it's purely mechanical so I'll see if the ignition barrel comes off easily and I can do a quick repair of any sorts? Can anyone help here please.

Does anyone know if it's possible just to get a barrel to fit the existing keys and if so what the lead time might be? I can't find this info on a Saturday night and need the car on Monday week to go to a family funeral in Wales. I need to understand what situation I'm in ASAP so I can plan for it

Bill Edmondson · Jul 16th, 2011, 18:29

Doesn't having it anything but park stop the ignition also?

Bill Edmondson · Jul 16th, 2011, 18:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by hancym

Yes, steering wheel is completely free and the turn of the key to the first position releases it in the normal way and engages primary electrics. The lock has bee WD40'd but to be honest it has never shown any signs of failure at all.

I've now raised and RAC call to get me home (3 hours 'til they arrive) It'll be interesting to see how they get the car on the recovery lorry. Does the parking brake lock the rear wheels also?

I've disconnected the battery for a good 15mins to see if it could have been anything electrical getting in a twist but no joy there.

I can only assume it's purely mechanical so I'll see if the ignition barrel comes off easily and I can do a quick repair of any sorts? Can anyone help here please.

Does anyone know if it's possible just to get a barrel to fit the existing keys and if so what the lead time might be? I can't find this info on a Saturday night and need the car on Monday week to go to a family funeral in Wales. I need to understand what situation I'm in ASAP so I can plan for it

I changed the barrel on my old BMW E34 5series, no small task, and had to get new keys as well. Though that was a 94 car and a different make. Not much help that was it

hancym · Jul 16th, 2011, 18:40

I suppose it was a bit helpful, scared me to death about the prices I might face for something so simple. In all the cars I've had, I've never had a lock fail on me and especially didn't expect it to happen on a Volvo

hancym · Jul 16th, 2011, 19:14

I've just done some reading online and came across mention of the ignition barrel/lock assy. being held on to the steering column by some shear bolts that need drilling out to remove the lock.

Can anyone please elaborate on this? has anyone removed an ignition switch from an XC90? I can see myself having to do this next week and would appreciate some advice.

Jim314 · Jul 16th, 2011, 19:36

If you do have to change the lock cylinder, you should not have to get new keys. The new cylinder should be keyable to the old key.

I don't think WD40 is the correct lube for a lock in a vehicle. Excess WD40 might cause damage to plastic components.

hancym · Jul 16th, 2011, 20:34

RAC man had the Torq drive to undo the plastic and the electrics from the barrel. I'm now on my drive after starting the car with a screwdriver!

Can any one please tell me how to remove the bolts holding the ignition switch to the steering column?

Bill Edmondson · Jul 16th, 2011, 20:44

I am trying to remember getting my Beemer one out, and do remember having to absolutely muller the existing bolts to get the damn thing out.

I also STRONGLY believe this will be the same across the board!!!

It may be time to open your wallet unfortunately.

Sorry

Jul 16th, 2011, 17:08	#1
hancym Master Member Last Online: Feb 25th, 2024 15:40 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Norwich	Ignition Switch won't go past Position I Help please. Just went to get back into my car and I can't get the key to go past Position I. Not given any signs of problems before. Is this some fancy electrical problem of is the locked mechanically broken? What are my options please? Anything will help please as my car is stranded in the street!

Jul 16th, 2011, 17:50	#2
Jim314 Premier Member Last Online: Nov 20th, 2018 01:45 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas, Texas	Have you tried wiggling the steering wheel as you try to turn the key? On my last vehicle (non Volvo) the tab on the end of the lock cylinder broke and it would not actuate the ignition switch behind it. The tab had been broken for some time and it worked but I could tell it was not right. I continued to use the vehicle and it finally chewed up the end of the ign switch and would not work. This could be what has happened with you. Or it could be internal to the ignition switch or to the lock cylinder. Perhaps some powdered graphite puffed into the key hole of the lock would free it. Or some spray lock lubricant like Lock-Ease. Use the end of a straightened paper clip or small flat blade screwdriver to hold open the flap in the key hole to allow lubricant to be puffed or sprayed into the lock. __________________ 2004 V70 2.4 petrol 170 5-spd auto (lost 2016 June, collision with deer) 2007 XC90 FWD 3.2 petrol 6-spd auto Last edited by Jim314; Jul 16th, 2011 at 18:45.

Jul 16th, 2011, 19:36	#8
Jim314 Premier Member Last Online: Nov 20th, 2018 01:45 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas, Texas	If you do have to change the lock cylinder, you should not have to get new keys. The new cylinder should be keyable to the old key. I don't think WD40 is the correct lube for a lock in a vehicle. Excess WD40 might cause damage to plastic components. __________________ 2004 V70 2.4 petrol 170 5-spd auto (lost 2016 June, collision with deer) 2007 XC90 FWD 3.2 petrol 6-spd auto

Jul 16th, 2011, 18:28	#3
hancym Master Member Last Online: Feb 25th, 2024 15:40 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Norwich	Yes, steering wheel is completely free and the turn of the key to the first position releases it in the normal way and engages primary electrics. The lock has bee WD40'd but to be honest it has never shown any signs of failure at all. I've now raised and RAC call to get me home (3 hours 'til they arrive) It'll be interesting to see how they get the car on the recovery lorry. Does the parking brake lock the rear wheels also? I've disconnected the battery for a good 15mins to see if it could have been anything electrical getting in a twist but no joy there. I can only assume it's purely mechanical so I'll see if the ignition barrel comes off easily and I can do a quick repair of any sorts? Can anyone help here please. Does anyone know if it's possible just to get a barrel to fit the existing keys and if so what the lead time might be? I can't find this info on a Saturday night and need the car on Monday week to go to a family funeral in Wales. I need to understand what situation I'm in ASAP so I can plan for it

Jul 16th, 2011, 18:29	#4
Bill Edmondson AV Guru Last Online: Nov 19th, 2011 14:05 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Brighton	Doesn't having it anything but park stop the ignition also?

Jul 16th, 2011, 18:40	#6
hancym Master Member Last Online: Feb 25th, 2024 15:40 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Norwich	I suppose it was a bit helpful, scared me to death about the prices I might face for something so simple. In all the cars I've had, I've never had a lock fail on me and especially didn't expect it to happen on a Volvo

Jul 16th, 2011, 19:14	#7
hancym Master Member Last Online: Feb 25th, 2024 15:40 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Norwich	I've just done some reading online and came across mention of the ignition barrel/lock assy. being held on to the steering column by some shear bolts that need drilling out to remove the lock. Can anyone please elaborate on this? has anyone removed an ignition switch from an XC90? I can see myself having to do this next week and would appreciate some advice.

Jul 16th, 2011, 20:34	#9
hancym Master Member Last Online: Feb 25th, 2024 15:40 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Norwich	RAC man had the Torq drive to undo the plastic and the electrics from the barrel. I'm now on my drive after starting the car with a screwdriver! Can any one please tell me how to remove the bolts holding the ignition switch to the steering column?

Jul 16th, 2011, 20:44	#10
Bill Edmondson AV Guru Last Online: Nov 19th, 2011 14:05 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Brighton	I am trying to remember getting my Beemer one out, and do remember having to absolutely muller the existing bolts to get the damn thing out. I also STRONGLY believe this will be the same across the board!!! It may be time to open your wallet unfortunately. Sorry

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