Key sticking in ignition lock 1998 V70 Auto

[SteveSarre]

Hi all,

Lent my 1998 V70 to a friend for a few days.

The ignition key (original) works as normal in the driver's door lock. There is no apparent damage to the key.

But a couple of times recently it has been difficult to insert and remove from the ignition lock. Yesterday the gearshift was left in D and the Shift lock was used to remove the key.

Currently the key will insert about 2 cm into the ignition lock (but it will not go fully in). But it will then turn easily and starts the car as normal. But it is difficult to remove. After a bit of jiggling, shifting the gearshift lever, pressing the shift-lock button, the key comes out.

No excessive force has been used so far.

Obviously I am concerned that soon it will remain stuck in.

I have sprayed halfords lock de-icer into the lock (this is usually pretty good at cleaning up dirt and grit in a lock), but no change.

I have also tried with the second key, but the symptoms are the same.

Any ideas?

Steve

[SteveSarre]

Ah, I forgot to look at the shifter release button

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS-NijPOZEc

Will check and report back. But I am not sure how that would affect the key insertion.

[SteveSarre]

OK, gear shifter button is operating normally.

(and the button is not cracked).

I am still unable to insert key fully.

Steve

[SteveSarre]

OK, now I notice that the Shift Lock override button is not fully up (in fact is slightly down and tilted to one side).

I will look into freeing that up and report back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEh4bVRBHCQ

Is WD-40 spray the best way to do that?

Steve

[volvo again]

I wouldn't use WD40 in locks it can dry out and turns to goo, I've always used a graphite lubricant, or dry graphite powder, this doesn't attract dirt like oil or WD40 does.

[SteveSarre]

Hi Volvo Again,

Yes the WD40 was used in that YouTube video just to free up the ShiftLock Override button.

I use lock deicer then graphite powder in lock barrels.

I have freed up the ShiftLock Override button (with brake cleaner then silicone spray), but the key will still only go in one inch, and is difficult to remove.

Next I will trace the shiftlock override cable back to the steering column, and I think I can then disconnect it to isolate the problem.

Steve

[SteveSarre]

Hi all,

OK now fixed.

Another symptom was that, with the key removed, I could move the gearshift lever from P through all the gears.

With a bit more fiddling the ShiftLock Override button popped fully up, and everything is back to normal now: key goes in and out freely, shifter stays locked in P when key is removed.

Pressed the button multiple times to make sure it was completely free and trustworthy.

Rather than follow the "never press the ShiftLock Override button again" advice, from time to time when in a safe and convenient situation, I would press that button repeatedly to retest that the button works.

Lube as you see fit.

HTH

Steve

[Derek UK]

GT85 a good spray lube. Cheap in Asda.