V70 steering column lock emulator ??

[Paul Bearer]

Volvo V70 2.4D 2008

I have still a problem with the steering column lock, as its returning a steering column locked error (even though no lock is fitted) it means I cannot start the car

I had a provisional estimate for a new lock, fitting and programming at just over £400, now a fresh estimate (which I need to clarify on Monday) of £618 !!

Having just spent nearly £500 on tyres, oil & filter and MOT I am at the point of considering scrapping it rather than throw more money at it

I have come across steering column lock emulators, listed for many Volvo models, but not the V70, I am unsure why

Has anyone come across these emulators, particularly one for a V70 ?

Grasping at straws at present , I feel particularly let down by Volvo, as far as I can see this should have been a recall, there are many reports out there on these defective locks

[Simmy]

shop around some independant volvo specialists.thats daylight robbery for a steering lock or take the old lock to a locksmith and see if they can repair it there must be a cheaper option...

[Paul Bearer]

I wish there was a cheaper or easier option

There are plenty of used locks on ebay etc, but I am told by everyone you cannot reprogram a used lock, only a new one

My lock mechanically is free and easy, there is a small board within the lock and its that which is the programmable part and what fails

The new lock I was quoted at £194.50 plus 20% VAT, plus £45 for software, plus labour and as the car is immobile you need to have it transported to the Volvo dealer

To make matters worse the lock is back ordered until mid May

Those Volvo independents I have spoken to say what the Volvo dealer said is correct

Originally Posted by Simmy

shop around some independant volvo specialists.thats daylight robbery for a steering lock or take the old lock to a locksmith and see if they can repair it there must be a cheaper option...

[Familyman 90]

Where could you buy a decent car for the £618 (or £200) it would cost to repair it, particularly one with new tyres and a long ticket? Bailing out could be an expensive way to save a few shekels.

It's May next week, so likely the part will be available soon and you'll be back on the road.

[Paul Bearer]

Its a fair point and one I have made myself, better the devil you know and all that but there comes a point when it just becomes to much

As sods law would have it I intended to sell it this month, I thought new tyres etc would be a good selling point

Originally Posted by Familyman 90

Where could you buy a decent car for the £618 (or £200) it would cost to repair it, particularly one with new tyres and a long ticket? Bailing out could be an expensive way to save a few shekels.

It's May next week, so likely the part will be available soon and you'll be back on the road.

[Simmy]

try speaking to loucaz at volvo diagnostics he can reprogram ecus and fix dims and remove crash data from srs crash modules its got to be worth an ask he may be able to re flash a second hand ignition switch for you

[Paul Bearer]

Thanks for that suggestion, where are they based please?

Originally Posted by Simmy

try speaking to loucaz at volvo diagnostics he can reprogram ecus and fix dims and remove crash data from srs crash modules its got to be worth an ask he may be able to re flash a second hand ignition switch for you

[Oak]

Volvo Diagnostic
Unit 9A Clipper Park Industrial Units
Thurrock Park Way
Tilbury
RM18 7HG
United Kingdom


https://volvodiagnostic.com/en/contact-us

[Paul Bearer]

Many thanks I will give them a try

Much appreciated

Originally Posted by Oak

Volvo Diagnostic
Unit 9A Clipper Park Industrial Units
Thurrock Park Way
Tilbury
RM18 7HG
United Kingdom


https://volvodiagnostic.com/en/contact-us

[Paul Bearer]

Just a follow up in case it helps others with a similar problem

To recap my steering column lock had a fault which stopped the car from starting, I removed the lock, and stripped it (easily done by drilling the indents on either side) the mechanical part of the lock was free and moving, the small motor was also okay, which meant the fault was more likely to be the circuit board in the lock

I spoke to Volvo Diagnostic who said if I supplied the old board (properly marked as such) with a used board from another 2nd hand lock, they could reprogram the used board from the old original board for £60 plus postage

This would mean the cost of a 2nd hand lock, plus £60 and postage there and back

So an outlay of over £100 and no way of knowing if it would solve the problem

So in the end I elected to have a new lock fitted and programmed by a Volvo dealership, total cost £650, but as mentioned previously I had already laid out nearly £500 on MOT, tyres and service, so it was either lose the value of the vehicle and £500 or pay to have the lock replaced

So back on the road at last

PS regarding the lock emulator I posted an enquiry about, I did find one supplier who listed an emulator for the V70, there was also a youtube video showing it being fitted to a V70, but all attempts to contact the supplier got a nil response, why the V70 is different to the many other Volvo models that do have an emulator listed is anyones guess, but a risk to test out by buying one

Originally Posted by Paul Bearer

Many thanks I will give them a try

Much appreciated