I had the common issue with the steering column error on the dash and the car refusing to start.

I eventually got it going by hitting the Volvo unit under the steering wheel with a spanner.

Anyway, slightly concerned it will happen again.

I asked about the emulators on Facebook and I got my post taken down and a warning ⚠️

Anyway, I would like to check my understanding of how the system works, as there is a lot of misinformation out there about the steering lock coming on whilst driving if you use an emulator. I can't find any evidence of this actually happening.


My understanding is that the car only checks the steering column lock status on start up.

My understanding is that the Volvo box contains a motor and worm drive which engaged a pin to lock the column.

I think that you unplug the Volvo unit when the worm drive is wound out (disengaged) and plug the emulator in which just gives the correct unlocked signal to the car.

If the emulator ever failed and gave the wrong signal surely it just wouldn't start up, it isn't possible for a failed emulator to power up an unplugged motor to engage the steering lock.

So, what would the issue be in using an emulator?

I fitted an emulator quite a few years ago it solved the problem never had the lock come on while driving believe me the locked column will happen again.