Freelander 2 (LR2) 'Steering column locked' - won't start.

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To be able to think about this more we need peeps to tell us what their FL2 is not doing. And what it is doing. Does the dash light up? Does the interior light come on when opening doors? Does the remote unlock the doors... etc
 
LoopyLou75 said:
My land rover LR2(freelander2) 2008 model won't start and is showing message on screen (STEERING COLUMN LOCKED),
I don't actually think the steering is locked but the car is not starting at all.
Called AA out and he checked battery, fuses,starter motor etc but in vain. I even tried a new battery before calling AA.

Anyone had similar problems? AA advice was take it to main dealer for diagnostics but worried this will cost me a small fortune.
Any help or advice highly appreciated.
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Had the same problem the ecu went in to crash mode ,so it had to go in to be re set ,its a nightmare fault as you cant fix it without the land rover software, give me a defender anyday
 
It looks like there's multiple faults which cause the same problem.
 
Last edited:
GrumpyGel said:
You mean having to spend inflated prices on LR parts and services?
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Not quite. The steering column locked fault doesn't have one particular fix that works every time. There are several possible faults. All of which should be taken into consideration.
 
Hippo said:
Not quite. The steering column locked fault doesn't have one particular fix that works every time. There are several possible faults. All of which should be taken into consideration.
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I loved the days when you could fix your landy on the driveway ,this fault requires towing to a mechanic who has the diagnostic equipment, I'm dreading it happening again I live in the mountains in spain so getting stuck is a worry , I'm going to start looking for another defender or a Santana equlivent a nuts and bolts fix if it breaks
 
Kev67 said:
I loved the days when you could fix your landy on the driveway ,this fault requires towing to a mechanic who has the diagnostic equipment, I'm dreading it happening again I live in the mountains in spain so getting stuck is a worry , I'm going to start looking for another defender or a Santana equlivent a nuts and bolts fix if it breaks
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To make it easier yer can buy yer own diagnostics. Or find a local garage who will read codes with their kit for a small charge. If yer in a club yer could buy something together. Its easier for me as I'm into electronics etc and spent too many years with Freelanders. I can appreciate it's not easy for some peeps. Always a good idea to look out for suitable garages before problems pop up later on if yer need to use them.
 
Same problem. I had left lights on and recharged without detaching the battery (the manual says you should remove the battery before recharging). Suspected program fault and tried different stuff without luck. Solved when I read pccaymans thread. Detaching battery and wait a while fixed it.
 
woollyhat said:
I had this same issue and resolved it with a small hammer!
Remove the plastic steering column cover at the bottom, extend the steering wheel to it's fullest extent and pull it up to give yourself a bit of room and then repeatedly tap the steering lock module with reasonable force whilst inserting the key.
It's a metal (Volvo branded) part which sits under the steering column (see pics).
I've learned that it sometimes seizes and can be freed up again with a hearty tap. The suggestion is that if this resolves it, you should replace the part, which should be relatively straight forward and cheaper than LR's many software related 'fixes'. Or, just carry on driving round with a small hammer in the glovebox in case it happens again!
I had to keep whacking for a good 5 minutes before it worked for me but eventually I heard the familiar Zzzzk sound of the module unlocking when I put the key in one time and lo, the error was gone and the car started.
It has happened again one time since, and a hearty tap, then key out & key in sorted it once again...
I've put a couple of pictures here, taken from the foot-well pointing up at the part in question, which I hope will help.
Click to expand...
This has worked for us so far thank you!

Situation:
Slot key, both keys tried
Steering wheel is not locked,but lock error displayed on dash, doesnt start, ignition and central locking etc working normally. Disconnecting battery didn't solve.
Logically it would seem either the steering lock is very slightly engaged, so sensor thinks it is, maybe a bit sticky, or sensor is faulty, bit sticky.
Have heard lock is hard to remove to clean/oil and replacement expensive and needs programming.
Has anyone tried Steering lock emulator?
 
hello, i have a similar problem,sometimes when i put the fob in the dash it spits it back out and you have to hold it in until it decides to engage,
the the other day i struggled again but this time it accepted the fob but the car would not start, and then everything started to flicker on and off,
it was clicking from the fusebox so i removed the fob and replaced again and it went straight in and then it started ,so i checked all the wiring under fuse box
for broken wires or chafing but found nothing , now i dont like driving it in case it breaks down i can do most mechanical jobs but electrics baffle me.
and it`s a shame because i like the car.
 
I just fixed mine. Bought a £30 steering lock emulator from Amazon and plugged it into the connector for the Volvo steering lock (after making sure the steering lock was not engaged). Mine was an intermittent problem, typically locking when I was miles from home with no tools in the boot. The emulater works a treat but means I now have no steering lock but on a 2007 fl2 I don't really care... Better than shelling out for a new lock!
 
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