'95 940 Key stuck in accessory position

[JaimeMedina]

Very recently started having issues with the ignition cylinder being a bit stiff to turn, didn't think much of it until now the key is entirely stuck in the accessory position. I can still turn it over to start, but can't turn it back to the 0 position to take the keys out. The key itself is a tad bit bent, but it never had any issues in the past with going in/out of the cylinder. Wouldn't mind replacing the cylinder altogether but from what I have seen on the forum, removing the cylinder with the keys still in is a real pain. Any advice on how I can potentially get it unstuck?

 

[MasterBlaster]

Sounds more like the electrical switch than the lock cylinder.
Happened to me a few times.
First one lasted 25 years (I assume) with your symptoms.
Replacement lasted 1 year.
Next replacement lasted a whole 4 months.
Went with OEM Volvo, 8 years so far...

It seems to be either the spring-loaded "detent" ball carving a too-deep notch in the cover that it can't climb out of, or the contact "flappers" digging into the nylon cam wheel instead of slipping over the humps. It's only held to the far end of the ignition cylinder by 2 awkwardly-placed upside-down screws, so not completely impossible to remove.

 

[JaimeMedina]

That seems very likely given that I replaced the switch with an aftermarket one not too long ago after the OEM finally gave out on me. Definitely going to try removing it and see if that fixes the issue, I feel like that's definitely it. Do you know where I can source an OEM switch? Only decided to go with aftermarket after having a hard time finding OEM with 10 pins.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Volvo Ignition Switch 9447805 – OE Supplier 9447805 OEM 04 8281 21

eEuroparts.com is the premier supplier of European auto parts for SAAB, BMW, Volvo, VW, Audi, Mercedes, and other European car brands. Since 2000.

eeuroparts.com

Volvo Ignition Switch Electrical Portion Only O.E.M. 04 8281 21 9447805 04828121 04.8281.21 04-8281-21 | Pelican Parts

O.E.M. Ignition Switch Electrical Portion Only $128.75. Call (310)626-8765. May Qualify For FREE SHIPPING. Parts# 04 8281 21 04-8281-21 04.8281.21 04828121 9447805. 940, 780, 760, 745, 740, 240.

www.pelicanparts.com

1995 VOLVO 940 2.3L L4 Ignition Starter Switch | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

(and several others, according to Google)

The cheap one at Rockauto is, of course, Beck/Arnley.
The brand (or just the crappy parts reboxer/reseller) that failed me twice.
Both made in Korea, and the only one (locally) at our shop's parts suppliers.
The current one just says "04 8281 21" and "9447805" on the bag.
"Made in Czech Republic".
Hope it doesn't die too!

 

[h20ham]

DuraLube is great, where the key slots in. Or bike chain wax, graphite powder etc

Is it more a case of poorly engineered mechanics inside the switch. Ie the plastic as shown by zamastrblaster? “can't climb out of, or the contact "flappers”

My 88 was the same, tilt column. Ended up hanging dirty underpants around so no one wanted to look at the key in receiver. OEM went another 200k or 8 years

 

[JaimeMedina]

That makes a lot of sense, the replacement switch I bought was a Beck/Arnley as well. Once I can confirm this is the problem I'll definitely give one of those other ones a try. Thanks a bunch for the links

 

[oldnfast]

That makes a lot of sense, the replacement switch I bought was a Beck/Arnley as well. Once I can confirm this is the problem I'll definitely give one of those other ones a try. Thanks a bunch for the links

I had back luck with aftermarket before going Volvo but it looks like OEM Volvo is discontinued. Watch out particularly with the one offered from E euro it kinda implies it’s Volvo but it’s not