I have 2006 S40 with 59k miles & it would not start , it gave "key error try again". The steering wheel would not unlock and had to have the car towed to dealer. The dealer said that the steering column, column lock & ignition switch needed replacing. After spending $1880.00 it was running again. My question is is this a common problem & if it is why hasn't Volvo done anything about it. Is it too late to try & get compensated for any of the repairs? Thanks for any help.

 

Hi. This issue should be of the recall variety. I brought my 2008 XC90 to the dealer today for another issue. I sat in the waiting room for 30 min when the service man approached me and asked me if my ignition had ever locked up before. I said no and tried to turn the key myself. Completely locked. The service rep said "I know what it is" as his wife in her Volvo had recently had the same problem. He explained the ignition has a locking mechanism that sometimes freezes in place. The column needs to be dissembled to remove the mechanism. He told me 5-7 biz days to get the factory to custom build me a new one before he can drive the car to diagnose the problem I originally came in for. They won't give me a loaner or rent me a car despite the fact that this issue is "under warranty." I'm very disenchanted with Volvo as, given that this issue has occurred in Volvos time and time again, there has been no recall. I'm shocked that you had to pay for the fix.Please pursue recompense thru Volvo. I will-for my car rental!!

 

It is not as common on newer S40's than on his XC90. Different keys, switches, and locks. There is a bulletin out for the p2 cars now, not your p1. Only seen this a handful of times.


Have you done all your services at the dealer??? assistance may be given. May not of needed everything listed, but im not sure.

 

After finally getting the service manager to review my case he ruled in my favor. It seems the mechanic missed a technical bulletin from February of this year that had a new procedure to remove the column without having to destroy it. I guess persistence paid of because they refunded me the cost of column & labor.

 

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like the key needs to be reprogrammed for sure.