V50 2.0d steering lock intermittent

[Penrynian]

A couple of times when trying to start the car, a message on the dash said to move the steering wheel then turn the key (or words to that effect).

Moved the steering wheel, the car then started and drove fine.

Then yesterday it wouldn't do anything at all.

Moving the steering wheel from lock-to-lock made no difference - just a few quiet clicks from within the dash/column area.

There was a complete lack of that nice, satisfying thunk when the steering lock solenoid opens or closes when the key is inserted or removed.

The AA patrolman (I was 65 miles from home) tried tapping the steering lock actuator with a small persuader, saying that sometimes then can get stuck - this was to no avail. The whole module was red hot as well.

While awaiting a tow truck I tried one more time and it all burst into life, at which point we called the AA and said thanks but no thanks to the relay and drove home.

Questions that have arisen from chatting to my local mechanic;

- is this likely to be caused by the steering lock actuator itself or the ignition keyhole thingy?

- can the steering lock module be replaced on its own, or is it part of a complete steering column swap.

If anyone has any experience with this situation I'd be grateful for a steer in the right direction (pun intended) :-)

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Penrynian

A couple of times when trying to start the car, a message on the dash said to move the steering wheel then turn the key (or words to that effect).

Moved the steering wheel, the car then started and drove fine.

Then yesterday it wouldn't do anything at all.

Moving the steering wheel from lock-to-lock made no difference - just a few quiet clicks from within the dash/column area.

There was a complete lack of that nice, satisfying thunk when the steering lock solenoid opens or closes when the key is inserted or removed.

The AA patrolman (I was 65 miles from home) tried tapping the steering lock actuator with a small persuader, saying that sometimes then can get stuck - this was to no avail. The whole module was red hot as well.

While awaiting a tow truck I tried one more time and it all burst into life, at which point we called the AA and said thanks but no thanks to the relay and drove home.

Questions that have arisen from chatting to my local mechanic;

- is this likely to be caused by the steering lock actuator itself or the ignition keyhole thingy?

- can the steering lock module be replaced on its own, or is it part of a complete steering column swap.

If anyone has any experience with this situation I'd be grateful for a steer in the right direction (pun intended) :-)

you need to get the steering lock changed very promptly , Otherwise you will need a tow truck to take it to the dealer , the column has to come out to change it and the new one will need software loaded .

[Penrynian]

Originally Posted by Clan

you need to get the steering lock changed very promptly , Otherwise you will need a tow truck to take it to the dealer , the column has to come out to change it and the new one will need software loaded .

Thanks for the succinct reply Clan, much appreciated.
So that I fully understand, the column has to come out, the lock has to be changed, then the original column goes back in with the new lock on it?
Not a whole new steering column?
I've never seen one of these naked, i.e. without the plastic trim around the steering wheel are, hence my dumb question.
Thanks again
Phil

[mr tickle]

Mine failed last year in very similar circumstances, eventually got it to unlock and left it with volvo for a replacement module and the required software programming. I'm handy with the spanners, but as it all has to be programmed to the fobs and immobiliser I was happy (unusually) for it to go to main dealer this time.

I think I paid about £240 which included an hour and half of labour although it took them about three to do it.

If the problems go away for now, you can guarantee that it will re-occur in the most inconvenient place too - mine happened whilst we were on a weekend break celebrating our anniversary

[Penrynian]

Originally Posted by mr tickle

If the problems go away for now, you can guarantee that it will re-occur in the most inconvenient place too - mine happened whilst we were on a weekend break celebrating our anniversary

I know what you mean Mr T, we were on a beach in North Devon, luckily it was a nice day and we had food, drink, loos close by so wasn't too desperate a situation. Could have been a lot worse.

Thanks for the heads-up - my local indie garage happens to have an ex-Volvo tech on their staff so I will have to call them and get a price.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Penrynian

Thanks for the succinct reply Clan, much appreciated.
So that I fully understand, the column has to come out, the lock has to be changed, then the original column goes back in with the new lock on it?
Not a whole new steering column?
I've never seen one of these naked, i.e. without the plastic trim around the steering wheel are, hence my dumb question.
Thanks again
Phil

yes , take the column out , drill out the security screws fit the new lock with new screws and re fit the column , less than an hour once you have done one .
It becomes a little more difficult if the lock is stuck on ..

[mypaulra]

A similar thing happened to my S40. Thing wouldn't start but there were lights all over the dash. Sadly a trip to Volvo and almost £600 later... ...

[cwmitch]

Originally Posted by mypaulra

A similar thing happened to my S40. Thing wouldn't start but there were lights all over the dash. Sadly a trip to Volvo and almost £600 later... ...

Same for my old S40, new lock, coding etc, I think it was around £500ish so not cheap!

[Glovemonkey]

Hi I had this issue. Removed the steering lock . Freed the sticky lock using a gentle persuader. I have a video if anyone wants it ?

[Glovemonkey]

https://youtu.be/Hx95njO31yo