Hi Forum, I’ve seen a few threads on this which are really helpful but I have reached a dead end in my journey. Basically, my son managed to somehow damage the ignition barrel so the key will not turn past position one. I’ve managed to take it all apart and get to the switch at the back so that I can start the car with a screwdriver. But this seems to have opened all sorts of electrical problems, sometimes things don’t work and this morning the car thought the brakes had failed when they hadn’t. So I managed to get a replacement barrel and separate key from a breaker. Before I take on the smooth headed bolts, I thought I would plug in the new barrel and turn it over to make sure I’m barking up the right tree. Obviously, I kept the old key near the ignition so that the transmitter/transceiver whatever you call it would recognise the key. Although the new Key and barrel turns on all the lights, it won’t turn over the engine. Can’t quite figure it out. Any geniuses out there?

many thanks for reading
Brad

 

It is a common failure for the steering column lock on the 01-07 SVXC60/70/80 cars to fail in that manner. The key will not turn to the start position. (so I doubt your son had anything to do with the failure, other than simply using the key)

I used to have at least 3 of those cars a month towed in - because the key would not turn.

The solution - was to order a new steering column lock from Volvo using the VIN. It would arrive in a few days with a precut tumbler matching the existing key and after installation - the problem was solved. This would prevent having 2 different keys to be able to unlock and start the car. (and having to trick the immobilizer by having a key close enough to the antenna ring - if that even works)

"I can start the car with a screwdriver. But this seems to have opened all sorts of electrical problems" Yes there is a button on the ignition switch that is pressed when the column lock turns it - that turns on many electrical things such as windows and maybe climate system. When you use a screwdriver - you're not pushing that button in.


Others have solved the problem by moving or removing the steel plate on the bottom of the column lock.

 

Many thanks for the feedback on this. Much appreciated. You guys offering free advice are one of a few good things about the Internet! I will pursue these leads and hopefully there is a sensible solution.