15 replies to this topic

[Mackiii]

Hi all,

I have a 98 S70 (over 100,000 miles) that had an issue with the ignition key just spinning around and around both forward and backwards when turning key. I figured the cylinder had gone bad and went to order one from the dealer. While there a mechanic was nearby and suggested I open the key entry of the cylinder and spray a little shot of WD 40 in it so as to clean it out and stated that they get dirty over time.

He stated that the spinning of the key was security feature of the key cylinder and my problem sounded more like dirt in the cylinder. So I tried it and now my key no longer spins around and around anymore and appears to now stop at all 3 "on" positions and also at off position. The problem I'm having now is when key is in the start position, all I get is a "plink or tink" type sound followed by silence (unless ac/heater blower is on and then I can hear it). I also get dash lights as well.

So I checked the battery (with a multimeter) and it was at 12.75v and drew very little voltage when I tried to start the car. Now I did notice that the headlights never come on when switched on unless key is in and turned to "on" position but the side amber lights will come without key in by activating the light switch. That may be irrelevant but thought I would mention it.

So do you guys think I still may have an issue with my key cylinder and/ or electronic ignition switch or have I got other issues?

[Fudge_Brownie]

When you originally had the problem with the key spinning freely, was the car able to start? Or was it not starting then either?

I think its possible you have a stuck starter solenoid, especially possible if the car was sitting for a while. Use a piece of wood to hold against the solenoid and tap it with a hammer.

The plink sound when you turn the key is the starter relay clicking over right, confirming that his relay is fine? In that case, if the relay is clicking on, that would suggest the ignition is fine as well? And it is a feature that your "headlights on" position will be off when the ignition is off, but you CAN have the running lights on without the key. No 'symptoms' there.

[scumcity14]

The clink is the solenoid kicking over the bendix but the starter is not spinning ..my guess is it's time for a new starter

[BEJinFBK]

The clink is the solenoid kicking over the bendix but the starter is not spinning ..my guess is it's time for a new starter

Or a relay clicking off under the dash.
My money is on the ignition switch.
Question is, the electrical or mechanical part...?

So - Pull the electrical side off
and check it with a screwdriver.
If it starts OK, you can go from there.

[T5BLACKattack]

If the key turns the full amount, and its a no start, lights come one. The starter selonoid is not able to push out the bendex drive into the flex plate/flywheel. I also agree with scumcity, time for a starter.

[BEJinFBK]

The OP started with an ignition switch problem.
It just makes sense to me to be sure that it's really fixed.

The starter can be checked easily enough, too.
Just jumper at the bendix solenoid connector.

[Fudge_Brownie]

He stated that the spinning of the key was security feature of the key cylinder and my problem sounded more like dirt in the cylinder. So I tried it and now my key no longer spins around and around anymore and appears to now stop at all 3 "on" positions and also at off position.

It sounds like his ignition was a little dirty, and that it was probably fixed. Also, the fact he gets the "plink" when he turns it says to me (and I believe others) that some sort of relay is kicking off. I'm pretty sure its the starter relay, which triggers starter solenoid.

I still think he needs to give the solenoid a good whack, or several.

[BEJinFBK]

It'd sure help if the OP could tell us where the noise is coming from.

[scumcity14]

It'd sure help if the OP could tell us where the noise is coming from.

Yeah...this.

[cn90]

Mackiii,

EXACT same problem happened to me in Nov 2010 (at 12 years 110K miles)
Ordered new ignition tumbler from dealer, so far so good.
You did the right thing by getting a new tumbler.

DIY is here:
http://volvospeed.co...ck-replacement/

[BEJinFBK]

Mackiii,

EXACT same problem happened to me in Nov 2010 (at 12 years 110K miles)
Ordered new ignition tumbler from dealer, so far so good.
You did the right thing by getting a new tumbler.

DIY is here:
http://volvospeed.co...ck-replacement/

The way I read the op's post, he still has the original.
He shot some WD into it and says it seems better.

[64pvolvo1800]

Ignition tumbler IS the problem. Identical to mine when it failed recently. Like someone said, pull the elctrical portion off and turn it with a screwdriver, when it starts, and it WILL, order the $320 tumbler from Germany.

[Mackiii]

Ok guys thanks for all your help and assistance and here is an update. Again, after I first shot a dab of WD 40 in the key slot, I was able to get the key to stop spinning around and around but still would not start. It continues to give me plink type sound when key is in the start position and sounds like it comes from the steering column or the dash area.

I have since tapped on the starter, tapped on the tumbler assembly, and took off the top and bottom plastic pieces of the column to see how the ignition switch and tumbler were mounted and I didn't really see the one way in bolts on the cylinder/tumbler as shown in the diy pics on line. I did see where the ignition switch mounted to it so I may separate it and try the screw driver method to see what happens. Oh and since I took off the steering column plastic pieces........the key started back to spinning around and around again. I bet both cylinder and ignition switch are bad.

Thanks again

[64pvolvo1800]

Ok guys thanks for all your help and assistance and here is an update. Again, after I first shot a dab of WD 40 in the key slot, I was able to get the key to stop spinning around and around but still would not start. It continues to give me plink type sound when key is in the start position and sounds like it comes from the steering column or the dash area.

I have since tapped on the starter, tapped on the tumbler assembly, and took off the top and bottom plastic pieces of the column to see how the ignition switch and tumbler were mounted and I didn't really see the one way in bolts on the cylinder/tumbler as shown in the diy pics on line. I did see where the ignition switch mounted to it so I may separate it and try the screw driver method to see what happens. Oh and since I took off the steering column plastic pieces........the key started back to spinning around and around again. I bet both cylinder and ignition switch are bad.

Thanks again

I have an electrical portion for sale if you need one but I bet it's the actual mechanical failure. ($320)

[Scootdiggity]

Had the same issue and same plink sound, and I was telling myself it wasnt the starter but it was the starter, I tried replacing the ignition switch and relays first. My best advice is tapped on on the starter solenoid with the handle of large screwdriver while having someone try to start car that is how I got my car started while why I saved up money for starter, if the solenoid is completely gone than the screwdriver test wont work

[64pvolvo1800]

A voltmeter is a wonderful thing.