I went out to my 98 Volvo v70 and could not insert the key in the ignition. The key will not go in at all. I tried both keys and neither of them work but they both open the doors fine. It feels like I am hitting a wall.

The steering wheel is not locked nor can I make it lock by turning it. I tried squirting some WD40 in it to see if that would help but no luck. Yesterday the car worked just fine and I have never had an issue inserting the key.

I did read some threads on other sites about a plastic dust cover that is in the way but my v70 does not have this, you can see metal when you look into the ignition.

Does anyone have a thought?

Thanks,

Mike

 

Is the button on the shift **** and the shiftlock over ride out all the way?

 

Yes they both seem to be out all the way. I am unable to press in the shift **** and also unable to enable the shiftlock override.

 

But if they are not out all the way they can stop the key from going in.
Is the bottom of the button section all broken up?

 

I just double checked and they both are all of the way out and not broken. Can you think of any other reason why the key in not going in?

thanks, Mike

 

The only thing left of a lock cylinder issue.

 

do you know how to unlock or does it need to be replaced.

Thanks

 

It will need to be replaced.
But good thing is since it is a 98 you can buy a generic one from Volvo and put it in. But you will have 2 different keys. Or you will have to order it from Sweden keyed to your car.

 

Similar thing happened on my 850. There is a small hole with retaining pin that keeps the cylinder in place. From what I figure the retaining pin slipped and the cylinder poped out partway as there is a good size spring behind it. You may try hitting it with something to see if it pops back in. Or you may be able to wiggle it out with a pair of pliers. I got mine out and put everything back and it's been working fine for probably 30k miles. I figure the retaining pin is probably worn and eventually it will hapen to me again.

 

Seamonkey, Question, were you able to see the Ignition cylinder coming out a bit or was it internal. Thanks

 

Ahh, success! I ended up hitting a sharpened screwdriver with a hammer into the keyhole and it separated the 2 pieces of metal that were not allowing the key to enter. They were frozen shut and will likely need some lube. I tried forcing them open yesterday but wimped out on how hard I should force them. I guess brute force is sometimes the answer.

Thanks all!

 

On the S/V 70's the lock cylinder is a totally different design. You cannot only replace the cylinder. You have to replace the bracket to.

 

returning from work this evening, got to my car, opened the door, but I couldn't get the key to go in the ignition. As if something is blocking the key from going in. went online and stumbled on your post...

Is sticking a screw driver in ignition an option here... will it cause damage to the lock, will the issue come back next time i stick the key in?

Thanks