I just purchased a 2004 S80 and I'm having problems with the ignition lock. I can insert the key and start the car just fine. The problem is that I can't get the key out as it will not go to position 0. The ignition lock mechanism feels loose and I'm wondering if something is out of alignment in there. I had the dealership where I purchased the car take a look and they did something (feels like they tightened up the mechanism to get rid of the loose play) that helped for a couple weeks. Now the problem is back and the ignition lock feels loose again.

I've done some searches (btw, this website is really great!) and found lots of information making sure the gear shifter goes into P (PARK). My issue is not related to this as I can eventually get the key out by trying many times. I seem to have the best luck when I very slowly turn the key. It just feels like the key mechanism just gets loose and out of alignment. Maybe the original owner had a huge keychain loaded up with too much weight?

Turning the steering wheel left and right multiple times and lubricating the cylinder with graphite powder didn't seem to help at all. I tried having a look myself last night and took off the steering column trim pieces (top + bottom). It wasn't obvious how to tighten the insides of the lock cylinder and have no clue how the dealership did it. Does anyone have any tips on how to do this? Do I need to get a whole new ignition lock? If that's the case, what happens to my old keys?

Thanks!

 

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Crito,

When I had the steering column apart, I found that the "antenna ring" is removable. It's plastic with a green wiring harness on the end and has a couple tabs attaching it to the ignition lock assembly. If the ignition lock does need to be replaced, I'm hoping (and praying!) that the "antenna ring" can be attached to the new ignition lock so that the current keys don't have to be re-programmed.

 

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I stumbled across this website http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/ElectricalIgnition.html which talks about a special set of steps used to remove the iginition lock cylinder (aka tumbler). It basically says the key must be inserted into the tumbler and set to position 2. At that point, a pin can be pressed somewhere to allow the tumbler to slide out. Does anyone know if this is possible with the newer Volvo tumblers? My thoughts are I could take the tumbler to a locksmith to tighten it up or just order a new tumbler rather than a new iginition lock assembly.

Thanks

 

Yours sounds like a cable out of adjustment by the shifter.