I have a 2003 V70, the key all of a sudden will not turn at all. I dropped the steering column cover and removed the two torn screws on the left of the ignition switch which allows me to start the car with a screw driver.
Now the car starts and runs but I can not shift into gear. Any help please!!

 

When you insert the key does it turn to the first position?

 

No, the key will not turn at all

 

I don't want to insult your intelligence but when my car does this I have to move the steering wheel. All my cars do this (not just Volvos). If there is a load on the steering wheel lock I cannot unlock the steering wheel unless I unload it.


If that isn't the problem and you just want to get it out of park, then of course you'll have to fool the shifter lock. It is cable operated and the button on the console does not override it (as you know by now). If you take the console out you can at least get a good look at how it works.

 

Yes, I had to release the steering wheel from under the column. The steering wheel is now free moving however the key still will not move. I will check the cable... thanks

 

Try this . On a side note, this is the first time I've seen a white guy speak with an Indian accent.

 

Does it move into the the first position and stop?

 

No, it won't turn at all

 

This might help you:
Go to the post "autopsy of a lock" in the thread http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...ic.php?t=13514 and you will see the part that breaks. I used this info to get some understanding of how the lock works, and I used this to formulate a plan which did produce a working lock.

I did this with the lock in place on the steering column. First I removed the so called relocker pin (spring loaded) behind the small metal cap, but this did not free the lock and I later decided this was not the problem. So I don't recommend this.

I drilled into the soft pot metal just off the rearward end of the steel plate and pried it loose. It will not come free so just pry until it gets loose. When I did this the lock became free to turn and the car would start and run. I did pry until I got enough of a gap (maybe 1/4") so I could look into the space and I saw the chip lying on the underside of the steel plate and I hooked it out with a wire.

 

The ignition switches on these fall apart. Basically, you have to grind off the two safety bolts that hold the ignition switch on and replace the assembly. At the dealer, its a $600 job.

 

My 2004 V70 started doing this as well. My solution: I have to hold down on the bottom/right of the steering wheel as I try to turn the key. When I do that, the key cranks each time. If I do not, then it seems "locked" and I cannot get the key to turn the ignition. Not sure if this will help you (if it is a similar issue), or if I just made myself sound like a total newbie, but there ya go

 

Mine did this about 6 years ago. I was out of town and there were no local Volvo dealers. I forced mine. I gradually kept increasing the force until something broke. It has worked perfect since. I know I just got really lucky so hard for me to recommend this.

 

If you're handy, you can order an ignition unit from Genuine Volvo Parts Online | Volvo Parts Webstore for under $300. With your serial number, they will key it to match the doors, too. It's unfortunate that these fail, and the drilling trick that I mentioned in the above post makes a cheap albeit less secure alternative. Good Luck!