L322 Key wont turn - steering column issue

Hi,
Recently I've been having trouble starting my 2003 L322 because the ignition key wont turn in the lock. I was just getting clicking noises from the steering column when putting the key in the ignition. After a load of research I found that it was possible to reset the imobiliser by removing fuse 18 in the glove box and replacing it. This would enable a single start or many starts unless you removed the key from the ignition. If you removed the key you would have to repeat the process. I eventually got fed up of this and decided to look further. I took the ecu cover off the steering column and then removed the solenoid and the ecu. I then removed the white plastic cover that holds the steering column locking motor. The black wire on the motor had become disconnected and was therefore preventing the steering column from locking. I re-soldered the wire and put everything back together and all is well.

Well done, that may help other l332 owners.

That is a good find as normally the steering column fault is a pain with a number of workarounds potentially.
Strange how the fuse removal would allow the steering column to work once with the wire disconnected.

The lock motor had failed in the unlocked position hence the fuse 18 method would work. I did also take the locking solenoid out and clean and lubricate that but I don't think that had any bearing on the problem.

jeffers said:

Hi,
Recently I've been having trouble starting my 2003 L322 because the ignition key wont turn in the lock. I was just getting clicking noises from the steering column when putting the key in the ignition. After a load of research I found that it was possible to reset the imobiliser by removing fuse 18 in the glove box and replacing it. This would enable a single start or many starts unless you removed the key from the ignition. If you removed the key you would have to repeat the process. I eventually got fed up of this and decided to look further. I took the ecu cover off the steering column and then removed the solenoid and the ecu. I then removed the white plastic cover that holds the steering column locking motor. The black wire on the motor had become disconnected and was therefore preventing the steering column from locking. I re-soldered the wire and put everything back together and all is well.

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Hi thanks,I've tried the fuse 18 job and key still wouldn't turn,however my steering column lock isn't locked,so I'm going to have a look at the black wire on mine,thanks for the advice,oh and roughly how long did it take? Glen

Hi Glen,
It took about 2 hours. Removing the roll pins securing the ecu cover took the best part of an hour and getting the cover off the motor case also took a while. I still don't know how to remove the bottom half of the motor cover so if anyone does, please chip in! The fix only took a few minutes and I could now do mine again in less than 30 minutes. I secured the ecu cover with a few zip ties for quick access next time. If you're UK based and need a new magnet let me know. I have a couple spare and they don't seem to be available from UK sources.
Cheers,

Swobart said:

Hi thanks,I've tried the fuse 18 job and key still wouldn't turn,however my steering column lock isn't locked,so I'm going to have a look at the black wire on mine,thanks for the advice,oh and roughly how long did it take?
Dave

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Just thought I'd update this to say that since doing the repair there have been no further problems so I'm happy that this was indeed the problem.
If you have any similar problem and happen to be in the South Wales Area I'd be happy to help.

jeffers said:

Just thought I'd update this to say that since doing the repair there have been no further problems so I'm happy that this was indeed the problem.
If you have any similar problem and happen to be in the South Wales Area I'd be happy to help.

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Hi,glad to hear uv sorted it,on reflection I don't think it will be the broken black wire on my 35th aniversary as I don't get a single start by removing fuse 18 etc,I've also tried the plug on the steering column,still nothing! My battery is fully charged,I've also replaced the battery on my key with the recommended one,the remote doesn't work,but it didn't work when I got the rr two and a half years ago,however it locks the doors and arms the alarm when I key lock it in the door,then when I unlock and open my door the alarm sounds until my key touches the ignition barrel then it goes off,then I put the key in and it just won't turn! Also the steering lock is in the off position whether the car is locked or not,do you think it could be the barrel at fault? I've lubricated it etc,and come to think it did stick a couple of times momentarily some time ago when I used to go bottle digging then start it with dirty muddy hands and there was a point when I just used to leave the key in the ignition for fear it wouldn't turn if I took it out! Sorry I've only just remembered this,my memory at 66 isn't quite as good as it was ! Any help would be much appreciated, I live in Scarborough north Yorks I would be happy to pay to get it fixed if any members live close by,or I would give them a Land Rover stand up in tent with the tunnel that I've used once,thanks,Glen.

hello chaps jeffers could help me im having problems with my l322 sounds like the same as you

@simon dearsley , edit your post to remove your number or you could get lots of spam calls

simon dearsley said:

hello chaps jeffers could help me im having problems with my l322 sounds like the same as you. my number is 07966262299

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remove your number or you will @tomcat59alan phoning you at midnight telling you he loves you whilst crying into a triple gin and ..gin