I have a 2004 XC70. I can start the car, key turns fine, but the steering wheel stays locked. Wheels are pointed straight ahead. I can drive back and forth, just can't turn the wheel.

Any thoughts?

 

sounds like you need a new steering column lock - very common on this model. Never heard of it starting although while it was locked. I would recommend only driving on really straight roads

 

Thanks to all who wrote.

What I ended up doing was to drill and cut into the 2 smooth solid bolts holding the locking mechanism into the steering wheel. This was very hard. I used a drimmel tool but there is not much room.

When it got loose enough, the lock released, and I was able to drive the car home.

I have the worry that it will lock again on its own, maybe while I am driving & cause an accident. Is this a possibility ??

What I also found out while calling around is that Volvo provides free life time tow, to tow your car to a Volvo dealer for repairs. This would saved me at least $150.

The bad part is that ALL the shops seems to want to charge $185- 215 "Diagnostic" fee. NOT to fix or repair anything but to tell me what is wrong, I already know what is wrong so not sure what is the point.

Doing this myself I figured saved me around $500 maybe more. But it was a lot of work as these bolts are very hard to drill into.

Thanks.