Hi we have a freelander 2, great car love driving it, but we have a problem that has stumped two landrover dealers, the car will randomly fail to start, the key fob goes in the button lights up all the correct lights, but you can just hear relays clicking and the dash lights up with 'steering lock on'
The first dealer said it would be a software upgrade, charged up 100.00 and we thought great, then it happened again, and again etc, each time we had the car towed, it will always start when on the wagon or when off loaded, the fault does not log on the system so its proving very difficult to live with.
Main points, the dealers both said that the new battery we had fitted was under the amp hour recommended but did not seem to think it would make a difference, I have heard of the additional earth strap would that work?

Timmy,

Use the search function and type in "steering lock on"
You will get loads of returns on here about it and plenty ideas to read up on.

Our beasts are a never ending source of joy but for this one I don't think there is an easy one answer for all fix.

I had it and ended up replacing the lock unit module (which then needs coded to the car and I got the Software upgrade at the same time). I thought it had cured it but occasionally, (if I don't use my work-around) I still get the warning on the dash and it refuses to play. What I have found to be a work around is to put the key fob in the slot and push the start button without pushing the clutch. Wait till the lights go out after the self check, then push the start button. Doing this it fires up every time and has been like that for over a year. Sometimes I forget and just push the button and it fires but most times it reminds me who's really in charge and I have to eject the fob and be patient with it...

Jimmy 09 FL2 GS TD4e Current
16 DS HSE Black Current
13 FL2 GS TD4
11 FL2 GS TD4
10 FL2 XS TD4
56 FL1 TD4
72 S3, 6cyl 109 Truck Cab

I need to search as well. My Discovery Sport is doing the exact same thing. The dealer told me I was pushing the button for too long but I think that was rubbish!

As an addition to my last post...

I did read somewhere that you can get the steering lock totally disabled using OEM Autologic so then it definitely cant give you any grief. I guess that depends on personal preference as to whether you want less security in your car, and finding someone who would do it for you?

Assuming it can be done of course?? 09 FL2 GS TD4e Current
16 DS HSE Black Current
13 FL2 GS TD4
11 FL2 GS TD4
10 FL2 XS TD4
56 FL1 TD4
72 S3, 6cyl 109 Truck Cab

Timmy too wrote:

Hi we have a freelander 2, great car love driving it, but we have a problem that has stumped two landrover dealers, the car will randomly fail to start, the key fob goes in the button lights up all the correct lights, but you can just hear relays clicking and the dash lights up with 'steering lock on'
The first dealer said it would be a software upgrade, charged up 100.00 and we thought great, then it happened again, and again etc, each time we had the car towed, it will always start when on the wagon or when off loaded, the fault does not log on the system so its proving very difficult to live with.
Main points, the dealers both said that the new battery we had fitted was under the amp hour recommended but did not seem to think it would make a difference, I have heard of the additional earth strap would that work?

LRJimmy you are a star, just tried your fix, and it started no problem, fantastic thank you very much

No Problem Timmy but just don't count any chickens, like I said it is a work-around as we shouldn't really need to do this.

The FL2 does like its battery to be in tip top condition as I know they suffer electrical gremlins whenever there is any battery depletion. Like you mentioned in your first post a second battery earth wire can make a huge difference too, but depending on the age and model you may already have one. Mine is a 2009 stop / start so they all had the second earth as standard.

It would be great to know exactly why they do this but for now I'm thankful that this seems to be working pretty reliably...fingers crossed  09 FL2 GS TD4e Current
16 DS HSE Black Current
13 FL2 GS TD4
11 FL2 GS TD4
10 FL2 XS TD4
56 FL1 TD4
72 S3, 6cyl 109 Truck Cab

Think the earth strap was fitted on my10 model. If it wasn't so bad it'd be funny.

🐑
Freelander 2 HSE auto 2014 ( Florrie ) ..... Try again.
Freelander 2 GS 2012...... Gone.