Hi all,

I have a 98 S70 Volvo (bout 100,000 miles) that had an issue with the ignition key just spinning around and around both forward and backwards when turning ignition key. I figured the key cylinder had gone bad and went to order one from the dealer. While there a mechanic nearby suggested I open the key entry with an ice pick and spay a dab of WD 40 in it so as to clean out the dirt that builds up in there over time.

He stated that the spinning of the key was a security feature of the key cylinder and that my symptoms sounded more like a dirty cylinder. So I tried his method and it worked. The key now stops in a 3 positions and does not spin around around and around anymore.

The problem I am having now is that in the "start" or engine crank position of the key......all I get is a subtle "plink or tink" type sound and nothing else. I do get dash lights and the blower from ac/heater (if on) but no engine crank over.

I now went to check out my battery with a multimeter and it is at 13v and draws very little when I try to start the car. This car started up fine prior to the spinning of the cylinder issue and not sure what is going on now. Could it still be the key cylinder and or electronic ignition switch? Or have I just got something else wrong that just cropped up?

Thanks
Mack

 

There is a chance that your starter is locked up. You can jump the starter leads and see if it spins. Another thing could be that your ignition switch could now be bad, since it was spinning around. It goes on the other side of your colum. Cost about $58.