New member here but have owned a Freelander 2 for about 7 years with minimal issues.

recently put the key fob in ignition slot, radio etc comes on but no dashboard lights and the steering lock wont disengage.

disconnected battery for a while, reconnected but still wont release steering lock

next day - tried again, steering lock disengaged and car started as normal

left the car with no steering lock engaged but the next time i got in it, the lock had engaged and would not disengage

took battery off again and after a while the steering lock did disengage and car start

anyone come across similar issue before?

There are several threads on this. Try this one 1st

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic39967.ht...ering+lock 2013 FL2 XS.
Defender 90 300 TDi.
Defender 90 300 TDi CSW.
1964 MGB Roadster.
1944 Willys MB "Jeep" with bullet holes. (gone)
17 hand Irish Drought Thoroughbred (mostly lame)
Nagging Old Boiler.

thanks - have read that and a few connected threads
i dont have the issue where the steering lock light comes on , i dont get any lights and the lock is still engaged

the steering lock emulator solution, if i understand correctly, makes the car believe that there is no steering lock on and therefore allows it to start?
will that still work if the lock is currently engaged or does it just stop the lock ever coming on?
if latter is that an insurance issue?
is this just a temporary fix until the wider issue is cured?
thanks in advance

Have you tried cleaning and lubricating the lock mechanism in the steering column? Oil and grease dry out over time and the mechanism is pushed in electrically but only pulled out by a spring. Sticky grease and a weak spring will get you a steering lock that won’t release.

I would try that too but I would also take the bottom shroud off the steering column as a stop gap get a long screwdriver and give the lock a few hard whacks with a hammer.