Ignition key wont turn to position II - Volvo C70 2001 - Drove out to the country (remote location) and when returned to car the key would not turn further than position I. Tried every thing- even checked battery, rocked car, swore.

Eventually got a lift to a friend where we checked the internet and saw this forum - somewhere here is a post from someone who had a similar problem and who described how to remove the steering column cover and disassemble the ignition assembly (on left side of column away from the (mechanical) ignition assembly (on the right side of the colum - its the one you actually put the key into) so that the car could at least be started using a screw-driver to turn the ignition assembly. Small correction suggested to that article - it stated you needed anti-tamper screwdriver 25 - in fact it is size 20 - but the point is you do need the anti-tamper tools.

NOW - getting the car started this was is all very well - what about rectifiying the problem - look at the rest of the posts on the forum and they all go the wrong way - one even suggested hydraulics as a problem
NO - MUCH SIMPLER - and this suggestion was proffered by a very helpful Volvo technician - the mechanical ignition assembly does have an electrical switch that will prevent it being turned if the safety checks fail - new assembly (if the electrical part is faulty) costs $700!!!!

HOWEVER he suggested it may be a simple lubrication problem and for less than $20 I got some graphite power and worked some into the lock assembly and Hey Presto - problem solved!!!!!! I keep the graphite power in the trunk "just in case" but the technician suggested that one lubricated properly in this manner it would last for years.

I salute the technician for listening, analysing and for practicality and good sense....

Afterthought: Graphite powder is$%#$% messy stuff!! Make sure you cover EVERYTHING withnewspaper, old towels etc. Grapite power is extrememly fine-grained and very difficult to remove from leather seats, carpets etc. Not easy either to squirt into the ignition assembly - that sprays it every too - i used the key as a ladle and by inserting it many times after coating it in graphite seemd to be the best.

 

Just so you know it doesn't work in all cases and your problem might come back again soon and that might not fix it.

Just trying to prepare you for it if/when it comes.

I have had a few like that but they only returned a couple of weeks later and needed the new assembly.

 

2004 S60t: same problem this morning I encountered. Wouldn’t turn past Position 1. Felt as a though a mechanical/physical block that key was hitting after Position 1.
Removed the bottom plastic column cover (3, t-25 torx screws), and gently tapped on the underside of the silver colored metal ignition assembly with a hammer about 5-6 times (tapped all around the underside where the gold colored plate is in hopes to free-up whatever my be hung-up inside and blocking the key from turning).
Put the key back in, and it easily turned right over all the way, and car started. What a relief, for the time being. I have ordered a new lock assembly for $276, and expect to wait 5-7 days for it to arrive.
Have shut off, and restarted the car 5 times now, and not a problem at all.
I recall on my 240s that a heavy key ring seemed to wear away the lock assembly. So, guess Volvo hasn’t quite figured this problem out yet.