My 2007 3.2 petrol auto is currently out in the drive showing no messages on the dash, is not starting and the steering lock did not engage when last shut down.
This is the 3rd time this has happened in 2 years. I put a new battery in at the start of this year when it last occured but this was only a precaution as the fault righted itself after a few days. No clear reason why it worked again.
I've checked and cleared a bunch of error codes which I stupidly didn't take note of however B1026 has reappeared just now which I think is steering lock related.
I have disconnected battery and charged it, no luck.
Tried bumping the steering column and wheel whilst pushing fob in and out of slot, still nothing.

Anyone got any other ideas? Or do I let it sit a bit longer and try again later?

Richard.

Search site under "Steering Lock" I just did and several ideas to check out. Best of luck.  FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Thanks. Have done that, several times this break down and both previous times it happened. Nothing difinitive to say Yep, this is the problem and this fixes it.....

I have been reading. If it was me today in your predicament and with no code reader I would do:

Cheap option, remove column covers and tap/knock locking unit a few times to see if it released.

Not cheap option, fit new locking unit. Likely to be part LR037025 but check for local options as in US they fit whole steering columns ????.

Best I can come up with. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Did the cheap option Yorky and it worked! Gave the locking unit a solid talking to with a brass drift and hey presto!

So, conclusion is that the steering lock mechanisim is definatley on the way out. This break down is stuck in the released position, on a previous break down it stuck in the locked position. Mechanical failure I believe is going to be the root cause of this issue.

Whilst I search online for a suitably price new replacement the failsafe is to leave the lower steering column cover off, which gives good access to the steering lock (with steering wheel at full extension and full up) and to have the lump of brass (gentle persuader) in the drivers door pocket in case of further break downs.

Part numbers directly on the unit are as follows: P30665124 and 6G9N-3F880-DC

Hopefully this will help others find this thread when searching this problem.

Glad it worked, amazing what the threat of a good hammering can do.  FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Interestingly, doing a search on the part numbers P30665124 and 6G9N-3F880-DC in Volvo forums, it is a branded volvo part, I found that they have the identical problem! No surprises there I guess. Seemingly random non start events in conjunction with steering lock errors, again sometimes locked sometimes unlocked but both with the same outcome of not allowing the car to start.

In the Freelander you just hear some relays inside the cabin clicking back and forth which could be mistaken for a flat battery/starter motor type sound the first time you are cursed with it but after the first time you realise that the sound of the steering lock activating or deactivating is missing!

Now to find if anyone stocks said component at 'non gold plated' price...

Yes the Land Rover mark up or is it rip off.

I went to Volvo for my Haldex filter, same thing but cheaper and just as near to pickup.  FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Yorky or anyone else for that matter, can you pm me with any good online shops selling volvo parts? Please

You could see if these guys ship out to your area.

https://www.volvopartsinternational.com/Sh...ts-s/1.htm  FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current