can anybody get rid of the key on an l322?

hi all
as you know i have had rangies for 15 years, this last one for 8 of them.
i want to be able to have a newer one, an l322, but, in landrovers infinite wisdom, they have put the ignition key barrel in the center console, making it extremely awkward for me to get the key in.
any suggestions?

does anyone know, if it can be altered, by anybody, to be back on the column?

i would imagine you can just move it to wherever you want, after all its only a case of extending wires, isnt it?? auto electrician should be able to help

If it's in the centre console it obviously does not directly operate a mechanical steering lock, so as Gav says, you should be able to move it to where you want.

There's a (mechanical) cable that runs from the gear selector lever to the ignition switch for the key interlock mechanism. This prevents the key from being removed in any position other than 'Park'.

Anybody have any clue as to why they thought they needed to move that?

njh2 said:

Anybody have any clue as to why they thought they needed to move that?

Click to expand...

Dunno,but I reckon it was the same clever "Design engineer" that did the rear tailgate latch,twin EGR valves,plastic-geared park brake winch etc,etc on the Discovery 3.(To name just a few....)
LR have made some real corkers where built in failure is bound to be the case.

well, i have found out , that even, motability, have not found a way to move it, yet
damn design engineers,(oops, i was one once)

swap it for a left hooker!!!

theres no way that it can't be done!! i would be able to do it!!! its a case of extending things, i know its not an easy task but the plugs for the unit will be available somewhere, then all you need do is put some wire inbetween!!

the cable should also be easy enough but a bit of fabrication will prolly be needed.

probably not a task for some wit one arm but not impossible!

njh2 said:

Anybody have any clue as to why they thought they needed to move that?

Click to expand...

That's obvious. So the coppers can't reach in and take the key when you get caught drink driving. Range Rover think of everything. Or it could be blatant discrimination against those unfortunate enough only to have a right arm. You could always get a eighteen year old blonde to sit in the passenger set and switch it on for you.

njh2 said:

Anybody have any clue as to why they thought they needed to move that?

Click to expand...

North American market requires an interlock between the ignition key and the gear selector?

wammers said:

That's obvious. So the coppers can't reach in and take the key when you get caught drink driving. Range Rover think of everything. Or it could be blatant discrimination against those unfortunate enough only to have a right arm. You could always get a eighteen year old blonde to sit in the passenger set and switch it on for you.

Click to expand...

Can I have one too (As long as her mouth is sellotaped shut..... On second thoughts..)

eightinavee said:

Can I have one too (As long as her mouth is sellotaped shut..... On second thoughts..)

Click to expand...

Super glue is more reliable

so, i have just found out, i could still have a new range rover, with the ignition key in the column, only drawback is that i would have to lower my standards, instead of a real range rover, i can have a range rover sport.
is it worth the compromise?

al-one-arm said:

so, i have just found out, i could still have a new range rover, with the ignition key in the column, only drawback is that i would have to lower my standards, instead of a real range rover, i can have a range rover sport.
is it worth the compromise?

Click to expand...

nooo, stick with the P38! I guess you are thinking of the Sport on Motability - if so, it's only the SE version so while it's still an 'upgrade' from the P38 it lacks lots of the toys etc. I don't think it comes with side steps either (may or may not be important to you). Take a look at LR's site and see what you think.

-Wills

gavbriggs said:

theres no way that it can't be done!! i would be able to do it!!! its a case of extending things, i know its not an easy task but the plugs for the unit will be available somewhere, then all you need do is put some wire inbetween!!

the cable should also be easy enough but a bit of fabrication will prolly be needed.

Click to expand...

im with you gav, anything can be moved. the only bit that may be annoying is the gear interlock, but its only to ensure you done wander off and leave in in neutral. and as your pretty used to an automatic i dont think that would be a problem. so just leave that disconnected

Nar you dont need to, ive got one( only had it for a couple of months) and keep getting in with the key in my right hand and just lean over and start it with my right hand unless your a right fat B*****d

njh2 said:

Anybody have any clue as to why they thought they needed to move that?

Click to expand...

As an extension to Datatek's answer, I reckon there's a neat bit of cost cutting too. By sticking the switch in the center you can have left and right handers without having to design alternate steering wheel hub housings.