[Joelhimself]

I have read a number of forum posts and articles written about a common problem where the steering column lock ECU / mechanism fails not allowing the ignition to be turned. To make matters worse Land Rover no longer sells replacement steering columns for the 03-05 model years. How common is this failure?

 

[kg74]

Common enough to be a major topic on the forum. How to address the failure, with a high degree of success, also has many posts.

I don't know how else to answer your question. Forums generally have members with problems so of course the forum will have a large number of complaints.

 

[Chinkyeyes4eva]

I have a similar issue..the difference is my steering wheel has not locked in place it turns as if ignition switch is on...I've tried the battery disconnect..also the fuse it works that 1 time then back to key not turning.. I've saw spray wd-40..nothing I've recently ordered icarsoft..its in route..any similarities..fixes..anything!!! Please help my love hate relationship..04 rr hse/l332

 

[dlimanov]

I have a similar issue..the difference is my steering wheel has not locked in place it turns as if ignition switch is on...I've tried the battery disconnect..also the fuse it works that 1 time then back to key not turning.. I've saw spray wd-40..nothing I've recently ordered icarsoft..its in route..any similarities..fixes..anything!!! Please help my love hate relationship..04 rr hse/l332

Firstly, horrible choice of username, you might want to consider changing it.
Secondly, as kg74 posted above, PLENTY of information on the topic, just search for it. Quick and easy answer to your question: Permanent and Cheap Fix for the Dreaded Steering Lock (Key will not turn in the ignition)

 

[Chinkyeyes4eva]

Firstly, horrible choice of username, you might want to consider changing it.
Secondly, as kg74 posted above, PLENTY of information on the topic, just search for it. Quick and easy answer to your question: Permanent and Cheap Fix for the Dreaded Steering Lock (Key will not turn in the ignition)

First...I'm not on here for user names as it was given to me over 30 years ago in harmless fun ...its not to be taken as a sign of disrespect to ANYONE....second I've researched alot of solutions and none has worked that doesn't pose another threat to damage other parts...but thanks for your advice and opinions

 

[dlimanov]

I'm not sure what threat to other parts you're referring to, but if none of the "workarounds" posted in the archives work for you, the only option is a replacement steering column. The only sensibly-priced option I'm aware of is from Rovers'N'More:

Land Range Rover Steering Column 2003-2005 HSE L322 "1 YEAR Warranty" QMB500711 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Land Range Rover Steering Column 2003-2005 HSE L322 "1 YEAR Warranty" QMB500711 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Chinkyeyes4eva]

I'm not sure what threat to other parts you're referring to, but if none of the "workarounds" posted in the archives work for you, the only option is a replacement steering column. The only sensibly-priced option I'm aware of is from Rovers'N'More:

Land Range Rover Steering Column 2003-2005 HSE L322 "1 YEAR Warranty" QMB500711 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Land Range Rover Steering Column 2003-2005 HSE L322 "1 YEAR Warranty" QMB500711 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Yes ...saw a couple of his videos...in one he was saying lifetime warranty then on Ebay one year...I'm just curious if that's the lifespan!!

 

[dlimanov]

I haven't used his part but factory replacement usually lasts the lifespan of the vehicle. Don't see why his would be less reliable, his feedback would've indicated this by now.

 

[Chinkyeyes4eva]

What year is your rr and I'm assuming the method that you tried worked and still holding true

 

[mikesipos0911]

I was wondering instead of doing a switch to fuse 18 could there be a rig up where wire fuse 18 to lighting fuse such that the fuse 18 circuit is cut off when interior lights go on and fuse 18 online again when lights go out. I saw one video where a guy did that from the steering column controller to interior lights wiring above the pedals but wondered if simpler way to get automatic fix.

 

[dlimanov]

What year is your rr and I'm assuming the method that you tried worked and still holding true

Mine had a replacement column done at the dealer by the previous owner.

 

[Chinkyeyes4eva]

Would you happened to know what the cost was?

 

[dlimanov]

It was at 30-something thousand miles and pretty sure was under warranty and early in car’s life. Out of pocket pice at the dealer would probably 5k or more, is my guess.

 

[hunterp27]

use this. it worked for me

Product: For Range Rover SCL ESL ELV Emulator - Goldcar Electronic Tech

Video:

 

[MARK_C]

Of course that only works if your column has failed unlocked. If the wheel is locked you will have to disassemble the column and remove the locking plate so you can turn the wheel. Seems like a good solution though, whats it cost?

 

[mikesipos0911]

yes mine failed unlocked...bought for 65+shipping here: 2001-2009 Range Rover Vogue HSE Models - SCL ESL ELV Steering Lock Emulator

 

[pontoon]

You cannot fix an electrical issue with wd40.
Had this issues a year ago on my vehicle and the unit failed in the locked position , anyhow it doesn't matter whether it fails in locked or unlocked because when it does truly fail you can't start the car which is what happen in my case. The wire that signals to the ECU to start the car gets its power from that unit.. according to schematics.
I fixed it by removing the unit entirely and locating one in a junk yard that was intact but in a totaled l322 , it took me an hour to remove the junkyard unit , paid $200 for it then installed it in my car , calibrated (rsw program) it and it works to this day. This how you fix the problem. Landrover will try to sell you and entire steering column plus programming costing you over $3k

 

[hunterp27]

Of course that only works if your column has failed unlocked. If the wheel is locked you will have to disassemble the column and remove the locking plate so you can turn the wheel. Seems like a good solution though, whats it cost?

Mark,
I am not 100% certain your comment is correct however I could be suffering from a failing memory at 53 years old. When I installed this thing yesterday I could have sworn the steering wheel was locked and the key would not turn which are both classic symptoms of the condition. When I installed the little box I put the key into the ignition and heard a click sound which sounded as if it was coming from the actual column. Now here is the weird part, the click sound was different than it was previously and it used to sound like it was coming from directly behind the key in the barrel on the dash facia. However, the main thing is the key turns and the truck starts. I gotta tell ya I never thought in a million years this would work but it does.

 

[SkiahMutt]

Range Rover Vogue HSE Models - SCL ESL ELV Steering Lock Emulator - Plug and Play

Range Rover Vogue HSE Models - SCL ESL ELV Steering Lock Emulator - Plug and Play Compatible with 2001-2009 Range Rover SCL ESL ELV Manages bus wakeup, key presence monitoring and key turn enable according to EWS status. 12-pin connector: plugs directly into original connector, pin 1 is marked...

www.uhs-hardware.com

This is what I used to fix mine. If your column has failed in the locked position, you'll need to rectify that first, but once the column is unlocked, this little guy works a treat. Plus he's got a pair of LEDs on him that were helpful for troubleshooting a key issue. Lights up red when it's powered, and the light turns green when the ignition switch sends the signal to unlock the column. Plus, I have the peace of mind knowing that my steering column lock is now incapable of leaving me stranded somewhere. Knowing it's a permanent fix feels good.

 

[dlimanov]

This is a clever little box! Theoretically, can one install it as a preventative measure and if/when your steering column goes, it won't matter? Or there is still a possibility it will fail in a locked position, not allowing you to unlock the steering wheel, even with this box in place?