My original problem with the key was that after you started the car the key would not "spring" back into the on position. Also, the key had quite a bit of resistance when turning. I went ahead and changed the ignition switch and this fixed the spring back effect, however it did not fix the high resistance when turning the key. Now the problem has progressively gotten worse and the key will sometimes get stuck when the car is on. It will not allow me to turn the key to the off position. My gut feeling is that the key tumbler/cylinder is failing. It seems that the only thing you have to do on the 850s is remove the cylinder by turning it to I and using a punch on the top of the part to remove it.

I've seen a couple of other tutorials for another car (S70?) where they have to remove the entire assembly that fits over the steering column. This doesn't need to be done on the 850 correct?

Any advice would be helpful, especially if you think the problem is caused by a different mechanism besides the tumbler/cylinder. Thanks.

 

Did you try lubing it with graphite?

 

If you replace the electrical part of the switch than the only remaining part that could be giving you a problem is the lock cylinder. Have you tried to lube it?

If you have than replacing the key lock cylinder is due.

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...ic.php?t=13514

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/key...help-asap.html

 

Thanks for the quick replies. Turns out my new switch was actually defective. Removed it and tested the key cylinder and it operated perfectly fine. Took a screwdriver to the switch and was barely able to turn it. Replaced the switch with another new one and that solved the problem. Thanks again!

 

If you end up needing or just wanting a spare key I found this on Ebay. I thought it was too cheap to be believed but $11.50 cut and delivered to my mailbox and it looks and works perfect.

This listing is good for the next twelve days
Volvo Keys New Factory 850 960 S90 V90 S70 | eBay

After that you can go to their site and select the key for an 850.
eBay My World - superiorvolvokc

 

Wow, that's an insanely good price for the keys. Thanks for the info!

 

My 98 S70 GLT key does not come out of the ignition switch. I have made sure that the button on the shift **** is not stuck. Any quick fix to release they key? I have rocked the car back and forth and started the car and put it in neutral and that did not work either.

 

It shouldn't come out in the "neutral" position. It should start but not come out.

My guess is it's not going all the way into park or the interlock isn't getting to the position the ignition switch thinks is park when the shifter is all the way forward in park.
You might end up having to adjust that interlock.

 

What is involved for adjustment of Interlock? Any reference to videos or pictures or diagrams. What should I expect cost-wise if the ignition switch or adjutment is required for Interlock?

 

RSPI posted a number of links in the #5 response.

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...uestion-51169/

 

If you look at this thread (960 similar problem), you may be able to do the same thing. Look near the end of the thread.

Shift lock repair instructions for a Volvo 960