My wife drove the family 2010 Volvo V70 3.2 (~208K miles) the other day, and mentioned the key wouldn't come out. She doesn't drive the car often and tends to stab at things, so I didn't think much of it.

Since then, the car seems to occasionally not want to release the key or won't start when the button is pressed. I've managed to get around it by cycling the key back out or releasing the brake and then pressing it again, etc.

I was wondering if there's a brake-position sensor of some kind that might be wonky or maybe an ignition switch is getting tired (in BMW's, this can make them act possessed...).

I believe the battery is new-ish (won't be able to check until tomorrow) and the starter behaves normally once the car "wakes up" - haven't ruled those things out, but...

Not sure how to go about a DIY diag. on this one. Any tips/tricks/help/suggestions appreciated!

 

You probably have a bad ignition switch. My shop has had to replace several that had those same symptoms. Unfortunately a new switch requires a software download using VIDA to make it work. On the parts page that's what #6 is - SCU (start control unit) reload