Volvo: igntion switch, engine wiring harness, steering locks

Question
1982 turbo, igniton switch went batty ( think), wife turned it on,
steering unlocks, warning lights and buzzer come on, no start, turn
key off, steering locks but lights stay on, i arrive, key "feels" funny,
no start, lights on steering unlocked, pull it to start it, runs fine,
get home,turn key off, car possessed won't quit, kill engine, pull
ground cable. haynes says to pull steering wheelcovers, top and bottom,
pull connection plug out back of ignition assembly, loosen lock screw and
pull out guts, the question: do i have to pull the dash apart to get to the
locking screw and the connector so i can pull the switch apart.
thanks
joe
ps does it sound like the switch to you?

Answer
It sounds like it could be the switch, especially if it felt funny as you turned the key, signifying a physical problem.  You do have to take the steering covers off, unless you can shimmy your hand in there without doing so.  Generally the Hayne's manual has accurate instructions, I would follow them to the letter in order to avoid removal complications.

If it turns out your ignition is fine, I would look to the engine wiring harness.  Until 1987, Volvo wiring would fall apart after a few years, causing electrical shorts that would manifest themselves like what you described.  I had to replace it on my 1980.  A degrading harness might be the other culprit here, so keep that in mind as you investigate.  Good luck!