1999 Volvo V70 Ignition Switch Problem
A very special thanks goes to my friend Rob at http://www.volvotips.com/ who helped with priceless advice every step of the way.
BRIEF: While you may enjoy reading the full story of my searches for repair/replacement of my 1999 Volvo V70 Ignition Switch and/or Key Lock Cylinder Problem with Key Rotating Freely at 360 Degrees, it is more probable that you want to fix your car first.
The foremost and cheaper thing to do is check the electric part called the Ignition Switch. The ignition switch is attached with two screws on the LEFT side of the ignition assembly costs about $60 from either the store or the dealer (dealer probably will only bit around $10 more expensive but it will be a genuine part) and is recommended for replacement every 100,000 miles.
IMPORTANT: You can still start the car even if the switch or the ignition cylinder or something in the brackets is broken. Unscrew the ignition switch and with a key in the ignition, in POSITION II, insert a flat head screwdriver as shown on the picture below. Twist the screwdriver and the car will start.
The ignition switch comes in at least two versions in the newer models and with our luck came with both version in the 1999 V70 which could be determined by taking it OFF (not apart if you don’t want to break it) or by calling Volvo with your VIN number. The part is also available by BWD via Advanced Auto Parts and/or Autozone, if you don’t want to wait on the dealer. The part is NOT yet in their online catalogue, but it is found in the printed master catalog. 1999 Volvo with chassis starting from CH587537 take Part. No CS1054, while chassis up to CH587537 take Part. No CS1057.
I honestly to this day do not know which one goes on the Volvo with chassis No CH587537 and I do hope that as you are reading this you are realizing this is the chassis number of your Volvo. Anyhow, take the switch out and it will be obvious which one you need.
Finally, don’t try to fix this part, as there is not much to fix as you can see on the picture below. Just get a new one and replace it. I tried to fix mine when it was not broken and promptly broke it as a result. Volvo has done a really Mickey Mouse job on this one.
If you are seeing this part of your switch in photo below, you have done what you are NOT supposed to and opened the switch. It is very hard to get everything aligned back and re-shut. But of course curiosity kills the cat – but this is a $75.33 learning experience. Basically think, if you followed the previous directions and started the car with using a screwdriver, this part works fine.
[…] attached with two screws on the LEFT side of the ignition assembly or steering wheel. See how here: 1999 Volvo V70 IGNITON SWITCH – costs around $60-$75. […]
Hi, I just came across your blog. I have the exact same problem with key spinning 360 degrees, but mine is a Volvo S70 1998. In the end, you needed to replace both the switch and the ignition lock assembly? I’m just wondering if you think there’s any chance mine will be just the switch, which I’m hoping for. Would you mind emailing me? Thanks.
We tried with the switch only (a ~$70 repair) but its was the whole lock assembly – the guillotine inside is the weak part that breaks and then the whole thing has to be replaced.
Only problem is, it has to be programmed by the VIN number which only the dealer could do. Costs about $250 and you can replace it yourself.
This is a step-by-step guide. Hope it helps you some:
http://ourvolvo.com/1999-volvo-v70-ignition-switch-andor-key-lock-cylinder-problem-with-key-rotating-freely-at-360-degrees-part-1/
I have the same problem with my S70 1999 AWD!!!. I was at work and it was freezing -20 night and tried to turn the engine the key doesn’t wanna move at all and then harder I tried it turned 360 degrees!!!! I though the key broke in the switch, but the key was perfect!! today later I wanted to tow the car to a workshop and I tired to run the engine with my key, IT TURNS THE ENGINE ON NORMALLY!!!!!!woooooooo drove the car home but I can’t trust it. It could do the same again!!! I have been using the car within the city for 4 days now and it runs perfect!! but I always leave the steering wheel in a 90 degrees so it won’t lock when you turn the engine of!!!
You guys think I need to replace the whole Volvo ignition lock cylinder? which I just called now and they said will cost 346$ plus shipping and TAXES!!