Key cylinder won't turn to position III (starting)
#1
Key cylinder won't turn to position III (starting)
So I had to leave my car in a parking lot last night because the key would not turn past position 3. It gets stuck right before you can crank the car.
I read that a piece of metal in the cylinder/ tumbler breaks and causes you to not be able to turn the ignition all the way. I got the car to start this morning by turning the electronic switch while the key is in the ignition.
Is there anyway to rig this or fix it so I can at least turn the key all the way? I would rather not have to pay for new keys and a cylinder/ tumbler and programming
I read that a piece of metal in the cylinder/ tumbler breaks and causes you to not be able to turn the ignition all the way. I got the car to start this morning by turning the electronic switch while the key is in the ignition.
Is there anyway to rig this or fix it so I can at least turn the key all the way? I would rather not have to pay for new keys and a cylinder/ tumbler and programming
Last edited by davidx1994; 03-31-2013 at 02:38 PM.
#3
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My volvo s40 is also in a parking lot too. I also have a problem just like yours. What do i do, i live in florida bought the car a year ago and now i can't get the key to turn pass the first turn. How much did it cost you to get yours fixed. thank you
Last edited by jandvstaley; 04-05-2013 at 09:55 PM.
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#8
My car is currently stuck in a parking lock and won't go past position III (ignition).
#11
I had same issue with my 2004 S40, key wouldn't turn to III and a piece of white metal broke off inside. In my case, I had bought a used complete steering column earlier because I wanted the steering wheel 'cause my was worn. The complete column with wheel, airbag, ignition and key cost me $50.
I still had the column after replacing the steering wheel and took out the key tumbler, did a swap and all is good. Kept original key mechanism.
There is a write/utube vid to remove and replace the ignition, had to drill out a couple of break-a-way bolt heads & drop the column but in all it took 1 hr to complete. Consider getting a whole column vs a new mechanism if you have a similar issue. In reality, my was $0 to fix.
I still had the column after replacing the steering wheel and took out the key tumbler, did a swap and all is good. Kept original key mechanism.
There is a write/utube vid to remove and replace the ignition, had to drill out a couple of break-a-way bolt heads & drop the column but in all it took 1 hr to complete. Consider getting a whole column vs a new mechanism if you have a similar issue. In reality, my was $0 to fix.
#12
Thanks s40_Ontario,
I'm beginning to think its a loose wire in the bundle, because we were fixing it by turning the cylinder, but yesterday I was able to fix it by moving the wires coming from the cylinder. We originally were thinking it was the shifter button, but with my luck its several different things working together to make it hard to troubleshoot.
I'll have to see if I can track one down at a junkyard and get the whole assembly.
TF
I'm beginning to think its a loose wire in the bundle, because we were fixing it by turning the cylinder, but yesterday I was able to fix it by moving the wires coming from the cylinder. We originally were thinking it was the shifter button, but with my luck its several different things working together to make it hard to troubleshoot.
I'll have to see if I can track one down at a junkyard and get the whole assembly.
TF
#13
S40 Key won:t turn to start
Hi Guys,
I am away from home for another week and i sold that car,but i may have the diagram somewhere at home.
If someone wants to send the wiring diagram to me i could decide it easy enough.i am 30 yrs a sparky for a living.
Asone other guy said the pushbutton is in starter only and a quick push and let go while key is on starts car,i had it like that about 2 years no problems.
My email is garygreen3@outlook.com
I am away from home for another week and i sold that car,but i may have the diagram somewhere at home.
If someone wants to send the wiring diagram to me i could decide it easy enough.i am 30 yrs a sparky for a living.
Asone other guy said the pushbutton is in starter only and a quick push and let go while key is on starts car,i had it like that about 2 years no problems.
My email is garygreen3@outlook.com
#14
I've had a recent problem with my auto 2002 V70 T5 (owned for the past ten years) regarding the 'key will not turn past position 2'.
As the battery had gone flat for lack of use, I initially thought that it was the 'system' not now recognizing the key. I tried all off the (ECU) reset procedures without success.
By chance, and with the foreseen tow seeming imminent, I tried to select neutral and the gear lever just held fast. I then associated this with a faulty steering lock, which are knowingly prone to jam.
I simply squirted WD40 into the lock and waited a few minutes, just playing with the gear change until it finally moved.
Key back in lock and with a rather forceful desperate turn, it started!
One now happy bunny as the car was on the verge of being scrapped if dealer had come up with some ridiculous amount to fix.
If this helps just one other person, I'd be happy.
As the battery had gone flat for lack of use, I initially thought that it was the 'system' not now recognizing the key. I tried all off the (ECU) reset procedures without success.
By chance, and with the foreseen tow seeming imminent, I tried to select neutral and the gear lever just held fast. I then associated this with a faulty steering lock, which are knowingly prone to jam.
I simply squirted WD40 into the lock and waited a few minutes, just playing with the gear change until it finally moved.
Key back in lock and with a rather forceful desperate turn, it started!
One now happy bunny as the car was on the verge of being scrapped if dealer had come up with some ridiculous amount to fix.
If this helps just one other person, I'd be happy.
#15
SOLUTION: I don't know the technical terms so bear with me. It's because the starter unit located on the opposite side of the steering column has slipped out of place. If you remove the undercover, it's the big plastic piece covering steering wheel on the bottom. Open that up and you'll see a round metal piece with wires. Turn it slightly in a clockwise motion. Once you get it in the correct position you should be able to start your car.
#16
Ok here we go this is going to be good.i have the same starting problem sometimes it starts sometimes not. Clicks lights come on all that but no start or sometimes no lights no start all the same problems as most of the other ones here.difference in mine is my key is a bolt yes a bolt shaved smoothe on 2 sides and the threads on 2 other sides yes about about 2 inchs is the bolt the original key was broke and this was solution to this key problem seriously i just got the car as payment for my nanny job. Its a beautiful car except the key and all this problem has left me stranded not able to get to the bus stop.no good so i know this sounds dumb but what do i do replace the whole tumbler and get knew key im absolutely not a wrencher im not sure what to do but i do know this dang bolt is all bad. Any ideas
#17
I just so happened to be sitting in front of my e-mail when you hit send. Read the post above yours. I do not know the terms but let me describe it.
The ignition cylinder slipped and you can rig it until you can fix it. It's a common problem with Volvo. On the opposite site of where you put your key, there's a round metal piece. Turn it less than 1/2 inch towards you. You have to remove the cover from under the steering wheel to reach it.
The ignition cylinder slipped and you can rig it until you can fix it. It's a common problem with Volvo. On the opposite site of where you put your key, there's a round metal piece. Turn it less than 1/2 inch towards you. You have to remove the cover from under the steering wheel to reach it.
#18
I just so happened to be sitting in front of my e-mail when you hit send. Read the post above yours. I do not know the terms but let me describe it.
The ignition cylinder slipped and you can rig it until you can fix it. It's a common problem with Volvo. On the opposite site of where you put your key, there's a round metal piece. Turn it less than 1/2 inch towards you. You have to remove the cover from under the steering wheel to reach it.
The ignition cylinder slipped and you can rig it until you can fix it. It's a common problem with Volvo. On the opposite site of where you put your key, there's a round metal piece. Turn it less than 1/2 inch towards you. You have to remove the cover from under the steering wheel to reach it.
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