Steering Column Locked, clicking from passenger footwell

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Sd57FL2

New Member
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7
Location
Gloucester
Hi everyone,

I’m new here, first time posting!
First time owner of a 2007 Freelander 2. Had it since September with no problems.
Drove to the supermarket yesterday, went to drive home and car wouldn’t start, error message saying ‘steering column locked’ and clicking sound coming from passenger footwell. Had to be recovered home (with my 3 kids which was awesome lol)
I’ve done some ‘googling’ and tried some of the remedies suggested, disconnect battery, hitting the steering lock a few times but no joy. Was hoping someone has recently had this issue and had any advice?!
Thanks in advance!!
 
Really it needs a diagnostic read, to see what the issue is.

First off, you need to work out if the steering is actually locked. Or it is unlocked, and the CJB (body computer) doesn't register the steering as unlocked.
If the steering is locked, sometimes jiggling the wheel from side to side whilst inserting the fob could help release the lock.
If the steering is unlocked, then there's a fault with the lock assembly, which needs replacing, and probably programming too.
Alternatively there's a box of tricks available which links out the steering lock.
 
Nodge68 said:
Really it needs a diagnostic read, to see what the issue is.

First off, you need to work out if the steering is actually locked. Or it is unlocked, and the CJB (body computer) doesn't register the steering as unlocked.
If the steering is locked, sometimes jiggling the wheel from side to side whilst inserting the fob could help release the lock.
If the steering is unlocked, then there's a fault with the lock assembly, which needs replacing, and probably programming too.
Alternatively there's a box of tricks available which links out the steering lock.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your reply!
I don’t think the steering is actually locked as we (I say we loosely) managed to get it on to the recovery truck!
Do you mean a steering lock emulator?
 
Sd57FL2 said:
I don’t think the steering is actually locked as we (I say we loosely) managed to get it on to the recovery truck!
Click to expand...

That seems to be the normal failure mode.
If mine goes wrong, I'll pull the lock assembly apart to see if it's repairable.

Sd57FL2 said:
Do you mean a steering lock emulator?
Click to expand...
Yes that's it. It tricks the CJB into seeing the steering is unlocked, even though the steering lock is disconnected completely.
I don't know where you stand with the insurance, as the steering lock is part of the security system. But if its only temporary solution, I can't see an issue.
 
Nodge68 said:
That seems to be the normal failure mode.
If mine goes wrong, I'll pull the lock assembly apart to see if it's repairable.


Yes that's it. It tricks the CJB into seeing the steering is unlocked, even though the steering lock is disconnected completely.
I don't know where you stand with the insurance, as the steering lock is part of the security system. But if its only temporary solution, I can't see an issue.
Click to expand...

Thank you!! I will order one and pray that it works!
This may be a stupid question, but is there any way of actually just turning the steering lock off?! Removing it maybe? Literally just so I can use my car until the emulator arrives?
 
Sd57FL2 said:
This may be a stupid question, but is there any way of actually just turning the steering lock off?!
Click to expand...

I think there is a way, although not without diagnostic equipment.
I believe I've seen an option on my diagnostic tool where the steering lock can be disabled, so presumably this would remove the issue where it's seen to be locked. I've not played with it though, as mine works ok.
 
Nodge68 said:
I think there is a way, although not without diagnostic equipment.
I believe I've seen an option on my diagnostic tool where the steering lock can be disabled, so presumably this would remove the issue where it's seen to be locked. I've not played with it though, as mine works ok.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I really appreciate your help!!
 
Sd57FL2 said:
Thank you! I really appreciate your help!!
Click to expand...

You're welcome.

I've just looked on Freel2, and there is a way to fix the issue, but it does involve removing the lock assembly and taking it apart for some "maintenance", basically it just needs some lubrication in the correct places inside.
A mechanical engineer or competent DIYer could do it.
 
Just went out to my car and thought I’ll just give it a try, what’s to lose, put the remote in, heard the click of the steering lock.....warning message gone! Hurrah!
But, now it won’t start :rolleyes: it’s ticking over and a battery warning light comes up, I’m guessing I did something wrong when I disconnected it or put it back (women!) so husband is coming home today with a new battery just in case - pretty sure it needed replacing anyway.
Hopefully, this will be problem solved!
 
hmm, i noticed something recently with ours by chance.
I got the spare key up and running and swapped it over with the main one to get it charged up.
Before this i had noticed the key was not ejected as smoothly as it used to from the key slot.
With the spare it was fine and when i used the main one on its own it basically got stuck.
The main one is worn at this stage with the buttons swelled up a bit, is it catching in the dock and putting extra stress on the mechanics?
writing this down, its a totally separate issue i think? lol
 
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