Steering lock on Volvo V50 (54 reg)

[daveytan]

The steering lock on my V50 was stuck in the on position twice today. Whatever i did, I could't get it to unlock, so I phoned the AA. I got fed up waiting for them, so had another go at the steering wheel and lo and behold it unlocked and I was able to drive home without incident. Now it has stuck again. Is this a familiar fault and how can it be resolved?

[grass hopper]

the ignition switches caused problems and the steering lock itself,if there's no warning messages shown i would say replace the ignition switch first.

if the lock fails there's usually immobiliser fault shown on the display.

[daveytan]

There is a steering locked turn wheel message, or steering locked try again. Trouble is, nothing is happening when I turn the wheel. Is it possible to disable the steering wheel lock?

[jasonb]

I had a Steering Locked, try again / turn wheels message last week on my Volvo V50 1.8 2004/54.
The car was immobilised completely and not amount of wheel turning would work.
The steering lock was not engaged either.
Speaking to an independent Volvo garage in Bristol, I was lead to believe that the ignition module had failed and needed replacing at £106. Plus there was two hours labour at £100 and the advice of doing a computer diagnostic prior to confirm the failure. This was another £50. When you add VAT etc to the total, the cost mounts up.
The problem could also be related to a steering lock motor in the steering column which is about the same price but three hours labour to fix.
I had no chance of driving the car so my plan was to get the AA to recover the car to the garage. The AA demanded an initial inspection before agreeing to relay to the garage.
After 15 mins (yes, this is true, they were that quick) the AA arrived and set about trouble shooting the problem. Disconnecting the battery negative, disconnecting both leads and connecting them together, checking fuses, checking their tips database, calling fellow colleagues....A hour went by and no progress but the AA were trying hard so no complaints from me.
Just as the guy gave up, his colleague called back with information about a similar problem the very same day.
Solution:-
Place key in to the ignition barrel less than half way in.
Firmly "whack" the key home and the problem should be resolved.
Guess what happened next....it worked, the computer error went away, the steering lock started to work again and the engine started :-)
Well done Mr AA, you saved me about £300.
Hope this helps others out there.

[Clan]

well you had your warning :-) make sure you dont ignore it or you will be let down again , change the SCU ( Ignition switch ) ...

[nicklloyd1980]

I also had a Steering Locked, try again / turn wheels message today on my Volvo V50 2.0d 2007.
I spoke to the main dealer and they said that it would cost approximately £500 (inc VAT) to replace the steering column lock motor as it also need to be programmed in using the Volvo software.
I spoke to a friend who works at this dealership and he said that it happens and try removing the cover under the steering wheel and tapping the motor with a hammer whilst inserting and removing the key. hey presto, this worked. so for the time being I can drive the car.
just looking around for a cheaper price from a Volvo specialist that can change this component.

[martinandbaby]

Hi Nick, following your lock failure did you eventually find a cheaper place to have it replaced ? I am having the same issue and need it fixing. Is it not possible to remove and strip down and grease up to prevent the fault ?
I'd appreciate any help. Thanks

[tommor]

I had same problem on my V50, error message "Steering locked." Put key in half way, then shove in hard. Solved problem. (touch wood).

[Marty Dolomite]

First thing I'd do is check the key blade is clean and using a small amount of WD40 clean out the ignition barrel (using the key to pick up any debris that sticks to the WD40 soaked key) just a tiny bit of debris can cause these issues.

[Bendolfc]

There isn't really a blade on a v50/s40 key.