960 Key Not Turning
 

So I tried to start my 960 a few days ago and the key wouldn't turn. What happened was I put the key into the ignition lock, tried to turn it, and it wouldn't budge. What's the best way to solve this problem?

New ignition lock cylinder and switch. See the dealer.

The dealer will take you to the cleaners if they even bother with a car that old. In the past I have replaced these with used locks/keys. The ones from Volvo 850s will fit the 960 and they are plentiful used if you can't source a 960 or 760 (after 1987 MY) used. You will have to drill the old one out most likely if it won't turn. If you try light oil and with some luck you may be able to get it to turn, then it'd easy to get it out in the ON position. Another reason why I stay away from 960, terrible locks, soft keys.

The dealer will not take you to the cleaners. The dealer is the only way to go with this type of problem. I do not support the use of rigged up used parts.

What does a dealer charge for a new lock assembly, parts and labor?

2/21/2015 - $533 for a 2006 Volvo XC70

The guy has a 960, and it's now 2018, so what does this quote have to do with it? On top of it, the whole 960 is worth less than a grand. May be he should try to go with used parts even if you don't "support" it?

I didn't realize that Volvo made a 960 for the 2018 model year.

Who's on first?

I'm certainly not going to suggest all of the fussing around to swap over used parts that are 22+ years old.

The quote you provide is from 2015, we are now in 2018, the poster's 960 is 1996. Just making the point that your quote is totally irrelevant... Way over your head, unfortunately.

I quoted your comment from yesterday. Maybe its over your head?

Look guy, in this forum we try to help each other solve issues with Volvo cars. You seem to love to get into petty snipes and troll people who dare disagree with your views which are mostly to send owners to the dealer as you obviously have very little hands on knowledge about Volvos. Not helpful!

Not true. Certain repairs I refer people to the dealership since some of the solutions end up being time wasters in my experience. I've operated a licensed repair and sales operation since 2000. For those DIY jobs I quickly point out a way to solve the problem. Keys and ignition switches are, in my opinion, best left to the dealer.

After turning over thousands of Volvos over the years, I've learned a few things but not everything. The original poster is free to choose whatever course he/she wishes. About the time that they spend 15 minutes into the job, they'll probably pack it in and go to the dealer.

I wouldn't recommend a heater core change on a FWD model either to a DIY. Can they do it? Yes, Will it create a burden? Yes.

Why not contact a locksmith for new keys? I think you should approach an auto locksmith, they did not take much time for making new keys. I will suggest https://keyworx.co.uk (working under famous intra-lock brand)

I wonder if he ever did get the car started.