Thread: Warning Steering Column locked...

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.

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...

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 .
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.

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.

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!

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

I believe this is the part:

Land Rover Steering Lock LR014098 | LandRoverParamusParts

Any advice would be much appreciated.

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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?

So now I am more confused...

I found a workshop manual here, which says on page 871 that the steering column lock is integrated into the upper column shaft and is not replaceable on its own.

steering-column-lock.jpg

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.