Ignition locked

So my ignition is locked in my Freelander 1. I have read lots of freelander 2, but not much one. Does it have an immobilizer? I tried taping.

Help. Was going to be transported but couldn't steer. Do I really need to drill out the ignition.. my key fob is suspect.

If you put the key in the ignition you can release the steering.

Yes it has an immobiliser, the key needs to be in the ignition - but the immobilier doesn't lock the steering - it will just stop the engine cranking or starting and a LED will illuminate on the dash.

So you can't turn the key, that is mechanical on the steering column. You may need to remove the ignition to free it.

GrumpyGel said:

If you put the key in the ignition you can release the steering.

Yes it has an immobiliser, the key needs to be in the ignition - but the immobilier doesn't lock the steering - it will just stop the engine cranking or starting and a LED will illuminate on the dash.

Click to expand...

The key won't turn

J_D said:

So you can't turn the key, that is mechanical on the steering column. You may need to remove the ignition to free it.

Click to expand...

So drill out the attachments?

If you insert the key and wiggle the steering wheel as you turn it, I'm sure the key and steering wheel will turn.

That's the way steering locks on that and previous generations of cars have worked.

The immobiliser does not stop the key or steering turning. It's pure electronics, so if you try and start the engine the starter motor won't get any power or the fuel injectors.

It is possible that the barrel or key has worn so the key won't turn, but as you are looking in the wrong direction when you consider this (or think about drilling it out!), I think the steering lock being triggered and wiggling the steering wheel while you turn the key much more likely.

I don't know why you are so keen to drill out the lock. If it is faulty, why can't it just be removed?

If it does need removing, and I think likely it won't, then have a look at the workshop manual, I'm sure it will tell you how to remove the lock...


If you do change the barrel and get 1 from a breakers yard with its key, you will need the original key taped near the lock as the immobiliser chip is in it and the new key will have a different ID/code.

The barrel collapsed on my D2, which I had to change but this wasn't sudden. It became Increasingly difficult over a few months.
Removed shroud and drilled bolts out from above to change.