Warning Steering Column locked...

[mickyd24969]

Hi all,

My D4 3.0 came up with a dash warning "steering column locked". It's happened twice to me. First time I stopped and turned the car off. Second I just kept on driving. Did not seem to affect the car's handling.

My mate also has a D4 3.0 and just this week got the same message. He thinks that the gear box dropped to 1st!!!!

Anybody else had this problem?

Michael

[Disco4SE]

Hi all,

My D4 3.0 came up with a dash warning "steering column locked". It's happened twice to me. First time I stopped and turned the car off. Second I just kept on driving. Did not seem to affect the car's handling.

My mate also has a D4 3.0 and just this week got the same message. He thinks that the gear box dropped to 1st!!!!

Anybody else had this problem?

Michael
Michael, I had this happen at Christmas time. The day after the 'Engine System Failure' red triangle came up on the dash.
Only did it once and there was no change in the vehicle???????????

Cheers, Craig

[mowog]

I seen this a few times as well. I just stop and restart when I see it.

Seems to me it could be a sensor playing up.

[Graeme]

Mine gets the message regularly. It also regularly fails to unlock on 1st start attempt which is starting to annoy me. My D2 started instantly and this D4 takes forever, requiring up to 3 attempts with the mandatory delay in processing the off and on functions.

[Neil P]

That is not acceptable !

[fender-tour]

My D4 3.0 has presented the same problem several times (Steering Locked warning) and also the 2/3 times push to start issue.

I think the problems are related, as the 2/3 pushes of start button manifests itself more often when the steering warning shows - I suspect the system is searching for an "all clear to start".

My vehicle is booked to have the Steering Lock ECU replaced next week and at same time they are replacing the key fobs. (dealer made those decisions at last service and had to wait for parts to arrive.

But I am still waiting for a resolution to clouds of blue smoke after light throttle running. Looks very much like an old Hyundai Excel at times!

Regards,
Adrian

[Neil P]

LR has had years to get it's act together re: parts quality and
CANBus software . It's embarrassing to think this is still happening
on a quality marque considering the D3 launched in Sept '04
I'm not impressed with the Company's efforts on D4 !

[rmp]

Remember that people only tend to post problems, and the vast majority are problem free. That said, I do tend to agree.

For posts that are pure joy look up top for the Stories thread.

[Neil P]

Ron , I used to think that too , but I'm not so sure anymore.
If you saw the faces on the LR Dealer service desk guys at
8 - 9 am , they tell a different story . Low loaders ,
unhappy ( ****ed off actually ! ) drivers , and raised voices
are not rare when I've been hanging around .........
This equipment is getting too complicated .
Do bare in mind that many Forum posters are here before
buying , and give us a real-time view . They've not just
popped-up to bitch . It's disappointing really , and alot
of money.

[Disco4SE]

I agree with Robert re: posting problems.
Similar to if you do a good job, one or two people will know. If you do a bad job, ten people will know.

Cheers, Craig

[mowog]

My D4 has certainly been less trouble than the other cars I have owned. Sure silly things happen but they are not serious.

[Graeme]

I think the problems are related, as the 2/3 pushes of start button manifests itself more often when the steering warning shows - I suspect the system is searching for an "all clear to start".

My vehicle is booked to have the Steering Lock ECU replaced next week
I'm sure they are, but I don't know if its caused by software or hardware/mechanical. I had though it was just software but perhaps not.

[SBD4]

Today I had this problem for the third time since buying the car 18 months ago and for the 1st time in more than a year. Each time it has happened it has been when attempting to restart the car after refuelling. It has happened at two different service stations.

Previously it has taken me about five minutes to get the car started through fiddling about locking and unlocking the car. This time however, took about 30 minutes and the real bugger was that I was stuck right in the middle of the fuelling bay - very embarrassing.

After trying my previous tricks for 20 mins I called roadside assist. A very nice lady called Ellie talked me through a reset process which did not work (everyone out of the car , lock and unlock the car three times). She then put me on hold so she could talk to an engineer who said that a "service provider" would have to be called out and would be there with in the hour - not happy. She was going to call me back once she had spoken with the service provider.

No way was I going to sit there for another hour so I set to working through things again:

1. lock car wait enough time for car to go to sleep - unlock car
2. foot on brake, press start button
3. Error message "Place foot firmly on brake to start"
4. keep holding start button - press harder on brake
5. Error message "Steering column locked"
6. Wrench steering wheel back and forth - steering is not locked
7. Release start button
8. try to turn accessory power on but power will not stay on(goes off as soon as start button is released)
9. repeat 1- 5 but this time try releasing EPB - no response from EBP
10 . retry various combinations of above.

No luck - think carefully about things. I had been sitting in the car from the time SWMBO was filling the car (broke my right leg 5 weeks ago and can't drive or do much else). It dawns on me that, during the whole time through this, I had not heard the tell tale steering lock actuator sound which usually activates after some minutes of inactivity after the car has been switched off.

OK, maybe the car is not going to sleep and thus not resetting. I turned off bluetooth on both our phones locked the car again and waited (while in the car). Sure enough, a little time later, the sound of the steering lock was heard. Immediately unlocked the car and pressed the start button. Success!

Not sure if the bluetooth thing was a coincidence but I do think that the steering lock had not locked as it normally would thus leaving the car in a unknown state i.e. steering unlocked when it should have been locked.

So, when attempting to start, part of the sequence would be to unlock the steering (you can hear this) then start the engine. As the steering was already unlocked, car became confused.

I called LR Assistance back to let them know what I had observed for future reference. What was especially satisfying was that they were now cancelling the tow that the "service provider" had insisted they arrange.

Needless to say I will be asking the dealer to update software and replace relevant components on the next service.

Sorry this is so long winded but thought I should share the details in the hope it may help someone else.

[Graeme]

I fixed mine permanently by using Faultmate to change the car configuration file (CCF) to say that a steering column lock is not fitted. Its never given trouble since!

[SBD4]

I fixed mine permanently by using Faultmate to change the car configuration file (CCF) to say that a steering column lock is not fitted. Its never given trouble since!

In the absence of a proper LR fix I'd say that's a bloody good suggestion.

[Graeme]

Hopefully it will also prevent the lock from being activated during a sudden discharge of the battery due to an alternator short circuit if the software's left hand doesn't know what its right hand is doing (which seems to occur at startup anyway) and decides the ignition is off and the vehicle is parked as it coasts to a stop from high speed, or something similar. Drivesafe's RR incident scared me enough to do something about the lock; the removal of the annoying failure to start was a welcome bonus.

[SBD4]

Hopefully it will also prevent the lock from being activated during a sudden discharge of the battery due to an alternator short circuit if the software's left hand doesn't know what its right hand is doing (which seems to occur at startup anyway) and decides the ignition is off and the vehicle is parked as it coasts to a stop from high speed, or something similar. Drivesafe's RR incident scared me enough to do something about the lock; the removal of the annoying failure to start was a welcome bonus.

Graeme, thanks for the info.

I went on the hunt to find Tims post - Holy cow! What a scary incident:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/130491-most-dangerous-4x4-ever-made.html

Looks like it's time to invest in a Faultmate or something similar.

[Graeme]

Drivesafe's RR detects the key using RF. I suspect the circuit became unable to detect the key as the voltage dropped but with still enough voltage for the lock circuit to operate the lock, hence that particular scenario cannot occur with a D4. However I don't want to risk the lock being inappropriately engaged when it is so easy to make the software think it doesn't exist.

[Learner]

Hi Sean,
Your hotlink is corrupted. It should be:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/130491-most-dangerous-4x4-ever-made.html

Best Wishes.

[oldsalt]

I know mines ONLY a D3 - but I've done 3400 kms over the last nine weeks traveling back and forth to Gippsland getting my old dad to weekly hospital treatment here in Melbourne and it hasn't missed a beat - just got back to Melbourne an hour ago in all the wind & rain .... the D3 ran like a swiss watch, my old dad commented during the trip down to his house that "it"s a wonderful car to travel in" - and I have to agree. Just about to tick over 150,000 kms and still going well. I did a lot of research before getting this vehicle - (much thanks to this forum) and it seems I "got a good 'un" and I'm very happy with it. Sorry to hear of folks having troubles with their D4's, that would be a real bummer.
cheers from a happy Landrover owner :D

[SBD4]

I know mines ONLY a D3 - but I've done 3400 kms over the last nine weeks traveling back and forth to Gippsland getting my old dad to weekly hospital treatment here in Melbourne and it hasn't missed a beat - just got back to Melbourne an hour ago in all the wind & rain .... the D3 ran like a swiss watch, my old dad commented during the trip down to his house that "it"s a wonderful car to travel in" - and I have to agree. Just about to tick over 150,000 kms and still going well. I did a lot of research before getting this vehicle - (much thanks to this forum) and it seems I "got a good 'un" and I'm very happy with it. Sorry to hear of folks having troubles with their D4's, that would be a real bummer.
cheers from a happy Landrover owner :D

Oldsalt, glad to read that all is going well with the D3.

I want to clarify that, while this was a frustrating event, it in no way diminishes my affection for the car - I absolutely love it! Like you, I spent ages researching before buying and have no regrets what so ever.

When I get Graeme's fix applied I wont need to worry about this particular issue. Other than this I can not fault the car.

[Graeme]

A couple of week-ends ago I did an 800 km round trip on the Friday evening and again the Sunday evening - the Discos just eat up the distance.

[elsey]

I have now done a number of 2000kms each way trips to my daughter and son-in-law's in north Qld, twice towing my Bushtracker van. My D4 just eats up the ks whether it is towing or not. I usually do not mess around either as I am intent on getting to my destination. Simply brilliant!

Elsey...

[Celtoid]

I had a couple of starting issues way back, caused by defective batteries. Both were replaced under warranty. LR now fit a new style of battery, as their liquid electrolyte style are a known problem. The new batteries have gel or something, are supposedly more robust and not prone to internal failures as the others were.

The point being, a D4 needs enough power to crank and 'start' all its systems before it allows the car to start the engine. Mine cranked hard like there was plenty of power but apparently there wasn't. Hopefully all sorted with the new battery type. Fingers crossed.

I've also had the steering column problem, that was fixed by LR replacing something....instrument or sensor something. Hasn't happened since. I'd get LR to fix it rather than having to come up with an ad hoc work around.

I love the D4 and would buy another without hesitation. It definately eats the road (as others have stated) especially hill country where the engine really shines. I've never tested it too much off road but plenty of other people have and are amazed at how capable the machine is....even with 19" wheels :wasntme:.
The only major issue I've had is the well covered turbo problem. But I have had a few niggly things. Everything has been easily fixed and since I worked in the city and always got a replacement car, they caused no real inconvenience.

However, it does peeve me that things have gone wrong. This has been made more poignant by the purchase of a Merc about 7 months ago. In that amount of time I'd had to fix several teething probs with the D4. Not a single thing has gone wrong with the merc.

As I said, I love the car (I've had it 2.5 years and 60K), would buy another and will in a year or two but it would be nice if LR could get their ducks in a row completely.

Cheers,

Kev.

[SBD4]

A little update in the steering lock issue...

Took the D4 in for its 65K service and asked to have the steering column lock disabled in the cfg file to avoid the "steering column locked" issue - they refused do that. However, they did say that there was a software fix it.

They have now updated the software for the instrument cluster so we'll wait and see if that has fixed the issue for good. Celtoid, this may have been the fix they applied for you?

As a side note, the the trip computer was reset to MPH which caused the cruise control to also display in MPH. It was was interesting to see that when set in the MPH units cruise control was able to increment in 1MPH increments. This may explain the 2KPH increments we have to accept - 1 mile is 1.609 kilometres - LR may have adopted a round up approach.

[Disco4TT3]

So it's 2018 and this issue is happening to my D4 2010 now...

This thread and other scouring has led me to the following:



my issue occurs when trying to start the car - not while driving
soft or hard reset makes no difference
slapping hands on steering wheel (in frustration) seems to often 'free' the lock


Based on this and comparing to other reports, I believe my issue is due to a failing or sticky part rather than software related. Today while stuck in a carpark for over an hour, I pulled the steering column shroud off and tapped the lock with the butt of my screwdriver (mentioned somewhere).. and it worked. Sherlock says either sticky solenoid or lock?!

So to my questions!



Does anyone know if the solenoid is part of the lock?
Any advice on how to remove/replace the lock?


I believe this is the part:

Land Rover Steering Lock LR014098 | LandRoverParamusParts (https://parts.landroverparamus.com/oem-parts/land-rover-steering-lock-lr014098)

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Graeme]

Note that there are 2 versions of the lock - LR014098 for non-electronic lock and LR014099 for electronic lock, according the Microcat 2012 version.

Can you get silicone spray into the lock?

It appears to be retained by a single, specific bolt from above. QRH100030.

[Disco4TT3]

Note that there are 2 versions of the lock - LR014098 for non-electronic lock and LR014099 for electronic lock, according the Microcat 2012 version.

Can you get silicone spray into the lock?

It appears to be retained by a single, specific bolt from above. QRH100030.

It seems the indicator and wiper control stack is in the way. Can you see if the steering wheel needs to come off to get in there?

I did see two versions of the lock out there but assumed they are for the electronic vs manual adjust columns? I believe they are both an electronic lock though?

[Disco4TT3]

So now I am more confused...

I found a workshop manual here (https://m.mediafire.com/folder/5mhvubw2bens1/Dis4), which says on page 871 that the steering column lock is integrated into the upper column shaft and is not replaceable on its own.

144666

With the passive start system, a conventional steering lock mechanism cannot be used. An electronic system was developed which comprises a steering column assembly locking unit with an integrated control module. The steering lock is operated with the door locks when the vehicle is locked or unlocked. A control module, located inside the steering column, controls a motor, releasing the steering lock when appropriate.

The upper steering column assembly houses the column lock mechanism and control module. The components are assembled with non-removable pins for security reasons and are therefore non-serviceable. Failure of any steering lock components will require replacement of the upper steering column assembly.
The steering column lock comprises a locking motor and locking bolt. The locking motor drives a cam, which moves the locking bolt into and out of engagement with the locking sleeve on the steering column. The locking motor is fitted with a Hall effect sensor, which informs the control module of the position (locked/unlocked) of the steering lock mechanism.

Ouch!

This part looks quite different to LR014098.

[DiscoJeffster]

My Freelander 2 was always saying steering column locked, while I was driving along and quite clearly (as I wasn’t careening off a cliff) it wasn’t.
I just ignored it and it went away, came back a few months later.
In fact, that just reminded me that my Disco 4 did it once as well. I figured it’s a Land Rover thing. Again it was drivable. It’s not come back in the Disco’s case

[Disco4TT3]

I think if it happened while driving I would be a little nervous. Maybe the instrument ecu update might fix this though?

Mine did it again today failing to start 1 out of 4 attempts. I’ve left the plastic shroud off the column for now so I can tap it with the screwdriver left in my centre console.

So far this works with light tapping and almost immediately after the issue occurs - meaning no reset time.

Need to get some sili spray in there somehow!

[DiscoJeffster]

Does the column remain physically locked? E.g. you can’t move the steering wheel? Wondering if it’s the actuation cam or the Hall effect sensor playing up

[Odysseyman]

I think if it happened while driving I would be a little nervous. Maybe the instrument ecu update might fix this though?

Mine did it again today failing to start 1 out of 4 attempts. I’ve left the plastic shroud off the column for now so I can tap it with the screwdriver left in my centre console.

So far this works with light tapping and almost immediately after the issue occurs - meaning no reset time.

Need to get some sili spray in there somehow!

I think I would use Teflon spray rather than silicone spray. The silicone spray will pick up dust/grit and would probably cause even more interfence than you have already.

David

[Disco4TT3]

Does the column remain physically locked? E.g. you can’t move the steering wheel? Wondering if it’s the actuation cam or the Hall effect sensor playing up

So sometimes the steering is not locked when the message appears and when I rock it, it locks. Other times it’s locked. In both of these cases I have to tap the column to hear the the little actuator operate and the engine starts.

I don’t hear any issue when the actuator is operating though. ie it doesn’t sound like it’s struggling to move, etc.

I found a vid of a guy pulling apart an older rangie column and removing the security bolts to expose the lock mech and explaining that for him, the issue was the solenoid.

I’m really quite disappointed at this ‘throw-away’ mentality of many car companies. My secondary turbo waste gate actuator was sticking because it was clogged with carbon and the recommenced fix was to replace an otherwise perfect turbo!

[Disco4TT3]

I think I would use Teflon spray rather than silicone spray. The silicone spray will pick up dust/grit and would probably cause even more interfence than you have already.

David

Good call. I hadn’t heard about that as a spray. I was thinking of using some graphite also.

[loanrangie]

If it has the same type of security bolts , use a dremel or hack saw blade to cut a slot for a flat blade screw driver.

[PhilipA]

There is/was a "how to" video on You tube about a bloke who drilled a hole in his L322 steering column to allow him to spray CRC into the hole and free the lock. alternative was a new steering column.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw3U5yR_Ua0)

Regards Philip A

[Disco4TT3]

Great vid Phillip A! I hadn’t found that one - probably because I was looking for D4. But that gave good insight.

Yep, looks like I’ll need to bite the bullet and pull the column out to take a look. The workshop manual I posted earlier will be useful.

Thanks loanrangie too. I’ll post back if the D4 ones are threadless like shown in the vid for the 322.

[Odysseyman]

Good call. I hadn’t heard about that as a spray. I was thinking of using some graphite also.

CRC make a good one, bought mine at Autobarn. [smilebigeye]

[rambada]

Only anecdotal but this problem disappeared for me when I replaced the battery. I had a few odd 'warnings' and electrical anomalies and they all disappeared with a new battery.

[discojools]

Wife’s Freelander had Steering Lock problem when starting. Turned out to be bad battery. New battery no probs since.

[SBD4]

A new battery may fix it but unlikely, the battery was replaced in my D4 as the first of many items in an attempt to resolve this issue with no luck. I refrained from disabling the steering lock so as to let Land Rover work through its process so they could attempt to identify the root cause... unfortunately it never happened before the end of my lease. It was the reason I replaced it. I am certain that disabling the steering lock would have resolved the issue as Graeme has previously mentioned had worked for his D4.

[Disco4TT3]

Mine was definitely a faulty steering lock. I suspect the solenoid inside of it. I considered removing the airbag, steering wheel, control cluster, etc to get to the lock and then see if I could repair it. But as this is my daily drive, I couldn’t really afford to be without it. In the end, the Brighton Land Rover guys were able to replace the lock only without doing the whole column and at a reasonable price (sub $1k).

Great service from these guys, I must say. Thanks fellas!