This is what I have read from another volvo owner,


I got the ignition locked changed. It took a week to get the lock and one false start when I discovered I would need a long T30 socket to get the airbag off. The short socket will not fit and I couldn’t get enough leverage with the T30 screwdriver. The VADIS highly discourages stripping those bolts and I agree, I would hate to have to drill them out. For those who don’t know, they are on the back of the steering wheel, one on each side. To get them out (disconnect the battery first) start with the wheels straight and turn the steering wheel 90 degrees left for one and 90 degrees right for the other. The bolts stay with the steering wheel and the airbag pulls straight out with one wire connector to remove. Put the airbag front side down (connector up) out of the way and in a safe place, away from pets and children.

You will need an 18mm socket to remove the nut holding the steering wheel on. That size doesn’t seem to be included in most socket sets so make sure you have it before you start. Mark the steering wheel and column so you can put the wheel back on in the same place. I just scratched a line. There is a small screw inside the wheel attached to a plastic ribbon, remove it and screw it into the hole in the clockspring. Just look where the wires go and you should see where it goes. This keeps the clockspring from moving with the wheel off. Don't turn the steering wheel at this point. In my case the clockspring mounts were destroyed so I put a new one in. The new clockspring comes centered already. The wheel pulls off easily, just make sure to guide the wires through the hole. Once the wheel is off, remove the 3 bolts holding the clockspring, disconnect the wires and remove it.

You have to remove the turn signal and wiper stalks, two bolts each and very easy. Just let them hang. Also remove the electrical part of the ignition switch, also two bolts.

Now for the fun part. The two bolts holding the ignition lock must be drilled out. I read where someone used a dremel and cut a slot for a screwdriver. That might work, but I didn’t try it. It would help a whole lot if you had a right angled drill because the dashboard is in the way of a normal drill. I couldn’t drill the left side bolt from the top at all. Yes, I pulled the wheel out as far as it would go. I started on the right side and easily drilled a small hole. I thought I would try an easyout to remove it but it broke off. Further drilling proved fruitless. Don’t use an easyout. Drill a small hole, then a larger hole. If you can get straight down on it you shouldn’t have too much trouble. I left the right side bolt alone and tried my hand at the other one. The left bolt can be reached from the bottom so I drilled it out from there. It took a little while but it worked. Not knowing what else to do on the right side I got a small crowbar and just pried the left side open, breaking the lock body on the right side. I was replacing it anyway. It did no damage to anything else and it was fast. Make sure you vacuum up all the little shavings from the drilling.

The shift lock cable has to be removed and you will need to turn the key to get it out (and back in). The ignition lock bolts back on easily enough. You’re supposed to break off the head of the bolts after installation but I just left them. Put the turn signal and wiper stalks back on and install the clockspring (Don’t forget to connect the wires first). It should already be centered (you did put the bolt in, right?), but if not just turn it clockwise all the way, then turn it counter-clockwise while counting rotations. When you get to the end, go back halfway. I think it’s 2 1/3 turns. It must be centered or you will break it while driving.

When I installed the electrical portion of the ignition switch I discovered the holes were not threaded. I don’t know if that was normal or not but I put a little pressure on the screws and they self-threaded. Put the steering wheel back on, carefully guiding the wires through the hole. Tighten the nut and remove the bolt from the clockspring, putting it back in the hole it was in. Connect the wire to the airbag, snap it in place and tighten the bolts. Make sure no one is in the car when you connect the battery, on the off chance the airbag explodes.


When you’re done put the covers back on and grab a beer. All told, it took me 3 hours, but that included breaks and some head-scratching.
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I am an avid back yard mechanic with small home shop. Any thoughts greatly appreciated, from dealing with diagnosing the problem to getting the parts and doing the repair. I have not removed the steering column cover yet.

Thanks Donny

DON'T DO IT. DON'T TOUCH IT, IT'S FINE!

The ignition switch is designed to spin when the steering lock is is engaged. It's an anti theft feature. If the lock is turning just turn the steering wheel away from the lock stop slightly to relieve the pressure and turn the key again.
I hope I caught you in time. :57:
Cheers