V50 Immobiliser fault? Turn steering try start again

[brian1985]

Originally Posted by dsample

I've had the same problem. It happened a week ago as were levering to catch a flight (typical) but worked once I left the car alone for a couple of minutes. It happened again when we returned to collect the car, and this time it just wouldn't start. Note though, that the steering lock was not engaged, so I couldn't 'jog' it, as I had done a week earlier. (We tried for about 15-20 minutes without any luck.

The manager of the carpark and I then watched a YouTube video that showed taking the dash undersides and steering column plastics off to get to the steering lock. Unfortunately the video was using a C30, and their steering lock was attached by T20 screws... The one on my V50 is attached by an irremovable rivet-like bolt.

Fortunately, some other advice said to give the unit a good whack, and after a few good hits it started and got us home.

My local mechanic is going to see what he can find out from a Volvo specialist and some other research, and recommend a proper fix.

Exactly same issue on my C30 last night. Had to have it recovered, as I was on a car park and would have ended up with a parking ticket, so might as well pay to recover it then.

I’ve been told on other forums, that it usually happens in the locked position, but mine was in the unlocked position, so the usual methods of turning steering wheel don’t really work. Tried hitting it hard, but as it’s unlocked don’t think it would have worked, because it was unlocked.

My nearest Volvo dealer is 50+ miles away, so hoping my mechanic finds something else at fault. But, expecting the call to inform me he can’t sort it, and to take it to Volvo.