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

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.

Have you tried the other key? Failing that there is a steering lock module that gives grief

freelance said:

Have you tried the other key? Failing that there is a steering lock module that gives grief

Click to expand...

Tried both keys, neither works. What is steering lock module? Thanks.

Take it to the main dealer or a good LR specialist with proper diagnostic equipment as there was a software update to assist with this issue

Also have you tried moving the steering wheel while inserting the key in case the steering lock is on and can't release as it's under tension

td4van said:

Take it to the main dealer or a good LR specialist with proper diagnostic equipment as there was a software update to assist with this issue

Also have you tried moving the steering wheel while inserting the key in case the steering lock is on and can't release as it's under tension

Click to expand...

Many thanks - it's gone to main dealer today. Steering lock wasn't actually on - just as well as I would have never got it off the drive and onto the tow truck.
Thanks again for advice.

and the AA man left you like that?

Had the same problem with my le2 last night tried all the things others have put on here still no luck spoke to landrover who were as much help as a wet paper bag saying book it in and we will sort it in five to ten days after plugging it in cane Home today and put battery booster pack on and it started straight away will see if it happens again over weekend landrover don’t know of any software update or just trying to scam more money out of us

Del Wiggins said:

Had the same problem with my le2 last night tried all the things others have put on here still no luck spoke to landrover who were as much help as a wet paper bag saying book it in and we will sort it in five to ten days after plugging it in cane Home today and put battery booster pack on and it started straight away will see if it happens again over weekend landrover don’t know of any software update or just trying to scam more money out of us

Click to expand...

Is it time for a new battery ?

any update on what was the fault? I have a 2008 with the same fault.

Have you tried waggling the steering wheel whilst trying the key (yes at the same time)

Del Wiggins said:

Had the same problem with my le2 last night tried all the things others have put on here still no luck spoke to landrover who were as much help as a wet paper bag saying book it in and we will sort it in five to ten days after plugging it in cane Home today and put battery booster pack on and it started straight away will see if it happens again over weekend landrover don’t know of any software update or just trying to scam more money out of us

Click to expand...

hello, I have this same steering column locked error and the car wouldn't start. any solution you can share?

All the clues are there, battery, steering wheel under tension, software update

freelance said:

All the clues are there, battery, steering wheel under tension, software update

Click to expand...

Hi there. Apologies if I'm missing things here - despite all the clues, I'm not quite sure if the software update was definitely the resolution (by itself) and whether it's something an independent could carry out?
I have the same issue. The steering column is not actually locked (can waggle and turn the wheel, and the car won't start...

Try the software updates first and they can be done by an independent if they have the right kit. They’re the “cheap” fixes.

If that doesn’t work then it’s possibly a new steering column lock which is the expensive fix.

I just posted a new thread with identical problem. Only fix found is to take off pos battery terminal (key out of ignition). Leave it a min of 5 mins and then re-attach and it starts. No OBD error codes come up and no sw fix that we can find. Used a $4k scan tool and it showed nothing. Any ideas out there if its a SW issue what version sw update it needs? Every week or so it happens and I have to go through the whole process each time with the battery terminal.

dhcayman said:

No OBD error codes come up and no sw fix that we can find. Used a $4k scan tool and it showed nothing. Any ideas out there if its a SW issue what version sw update it needs?

Click to expand...

The Gap Diagnostics IID in Bluetooth form will do software updates on all CAN bus LRs.
https://www.gap-diagnostic.com/products/iidtool/

dhcayman said:

I just posted a new thread with identical problem. Only fix found is to take off pos battery terminal (key out of ignition). Leave it a min of 5 mins and then re-attach and it starts. No OBD error codes come up and no sw fix that we can find. Used a $4k scan tool and it showed nothing. Any ideas out there if its a SW issue what version sw update it needs? Every week or so it happens and I have to go through the whole process each time with the battery terminal.

Click to expand...

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.

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...

Thanks very much. I have a mechanic that I am collating all the info I can find on the issue or him to filter and try.

Did yer resolve this?

Nope. Hours of research and tried most suggestions and still unresolved. Most frustrating