XC90 2016 won't start, locked in park

[gaby]

The gear selector is in the Auto position?

[nu11eaf]

And foot pressed on brake pedal.

[RinskyJinsky]

Following on from my previous post, we finally got our car to an authorised Volvo service centre where they were unable to diagnose the issue so it went to a Volvo dealership. There they did some kind of connection between the car and some service centre in Sweden to allow them to remote connect to the car and do some advanced diagnostics.

Turned out to be one of the control modules - specifically the one relating the immobiliser that had failed. This had meant the car wouldn't receive the command to release the immobiliser when the ignition was started, even though he key was recognised. Evidently the handbrake is also part of the immobilisation system on the XC90 as the handbrake couldn't be released and the only way they could tow the car was on skids for the back wheels.

Once the control module had been replaced the car has been running fine ever since.

We had one of those after-market warranties with the car so we didn't have to pay the invoice which came to about £1,500 for the repairs and I didn't get a copy, but I will contact the garage and see if I can get a copy to post the exact description of the issue on here in case it helps anyone else.

[dgomes]

Same problem here, just last week.

All the same symptoms.

The tow truck was able to load it on the platform with skids and off to the dealer.

Steering Column Lock Module (SCL) replaced and SCL Load software loaded/run.

Working fine now, but it seems to be a common problem. Found it was a common problem on previous models too (like the XC70).

In those cases, more skilled users were succesful in recovering / make the SCL work again by accesing the SCL Module (removing the cosmetic covering on the Steering Wheel) and:
1. Lightly hitting the SCL module with a hammer (!); (I guess it works if it is stuck), or
2. Taking the SCL Module of and lubricating it; (I guess it works if it is stuck), or
3. Opening the SCL Module up and replacing the small 12v electrical engine which was faulty;

I guess the above may work if it is a mechanical failure on the SCL Module, but it also has an electronic circuit board on it (I opened up my allegedly faulty one, which was returned to me after the replacement). So, if it is an electronic problem or some deliberate "safety" feature of the car, I guess the only path would be to replace the Module.

The SCL Module cost about USD/EUR 200 and the software you have to run so the car recognizes the new module cost about USD/EUR 70-100, plus labor...

I also found this: XC90 Steering Column Lock Simulator

Which apparently tricks the car in to thinking the SCL module is fine allowing it to start and then drive the car to a garage / dealer and replacing or fixing the SCL Module.