[vtee]

Hi,

New To this Volvo Forum....New to the Volvo ownership and am scratching my head on this one.

Parked my 05' V50 2.4i Wagon the other day to come out to a NO START condition.

What I do have is a display reading to the nature of "STEERING LOCKED" "PLEASE TRY AGAIN" and "PLEASE TURN WHEEL"

What is more baffling to me is that the steering in NOT locked and contrary to many posts that I have read on the "IMMOBILIZER" subject, the key comes out of the ignition without any trouble...

Looking for some advice on the subject..Dealer is a NUT HOUSE AND OVER ONE WEEK FOR ANY SORT OF ACTION..

I have tried to to a SOFT RESET by DISCO of the BATTERY terminal to NO avail..

I cannot comprehend why they (VOLVO) would puit in place an inhibit situation for such a stupid parameter...

PLEASE HELP!

 

[K9Jedi]

Greetings! I too am new to this Volvo Forum.

I've recently encountered the issue that you encountered with the "STEERING LOCKED" and "IMMOBILIZER" messages after I parked my 2006 S40 T5 AWD.

I was wondering if your could tell me what became of your situation.

Thanks

 

[Gregoire]

I'm not sure I fully understand you situation but here is what I know.

The key should never stay locked when turned all the way counter clock wise.
When removing the key from ignition it should indeed lock your steering however I have read some where that when tires are turned all the way to the right or left and perhaps against the curb that it might be difficult to unlock the steering column. That is why it may ask you to turn your wheels.

Also your "FOB" receiver may be broken. The FOB is in your key and has a specific code that links car and key. If the key is broken, the key battery is dead, or the FOD sensor does not work it won't unlock your steering. Well that's all I know.

Good luck...

Greg

 

[K9Jedi]

Volvo told me that I need a new ignition.

How did Volvo solve the problem with your car?

Thanks,

bsc

 

[cmy4x4]

Volvo uses an electric motor in the steering column to lock the steering wheel, it is NOT a direct mechanical connection to the ignition switch. I have heard of a few owners that have had this problem, and it was corrected by replacing the mechanism in the steering column (NOT the ignition switch). Your car should still be under warranty, so find a dealer that will repair it for you.

 

[legenz]

desperately need help! I have the same problem: Steering wheel locked, but actually it is not locked, I can turn the wheel any way, but car still doesn't start. Please any advice on what to do, or which parts to change!!!

 

[Gregoire]

If the steering wheel is not locked it is probably not an key or column lock system problem.
Have you checked your fuses?
If you don't hear a thing when trying to start the car that would probably mean that the engine/ECU system does not get an electric ignition signal which could be a fuse or an issue with the key ignition system.
If you hear some noise and see some light or radio turning off as you try to start the car that would probably mean that it's closer to the engine or ECU.
I hope this helps.

 

[AMMendes]

I had the same problem.
The solution was to conect the car to a diagnose machine and clean all the errors

 

[rocioro]

I am having the same problem. Had to leave my car in the parking lot. The wheel is not locked, I can turn it, but it will not turn on and it keeps on giving me the same message. Steering locked, try again, turn wheel! I don't know what to do! The lights work, the radio works, I tried using the other spare key and nothing. Please help.

 

[ggoodall]

This issue just happened to my wife's car as she was pulling out of the driveway. She started the car as usual (no errors), and started backing down the driveway. When she went to turn the wheel was locked. She was able to stop before any accident occurred thankfully. She was also able to put the car in drive and pull back up the driveway (the error "Steering Locked, Please try again" then displayed).

I have read about others having this steering lock issue, but this is the first I have seen where the car started and could be driven before the wheel was locked and an error displayed. I have filed a complaint to the NHTSA.

Battery voltage with engine off = 12.33v
Battery disconnect (soft reset) did not resolve the issue.
Multiple keys were tried
Moving the wheel while entering the key did not help.

Since this is a serious safety flaw I hold Volvo of NA accountable for picking up the repair costs.

 

[Platypup]

As you mention, ggoodall, this is a serious and dangerous fault. Below I have copied information from Volvo's description of the S40/V50 electrical system which indicates the steering lock only engages when the car is not in motion and the engine switched off. Your car had both the engine running and was in motion so obviously there is a worrying design fault. Possibly there was a mechanical jam in the steering lock mechanism. Nevertheless this should have been sensed and the car not allowed to start for safety. Could you please keep this forum informed of your progress with this problem?

"Steering Column Lock (SCL) communicates with
the CEM via LIN and is installed on the underside
of the steering column.
Electric motor
Spring bolt
Micro-switches
Transponder (communication circuit)
The lock is only active when the car is not in
motion and the engine is switched off. While
moving the SCL is monitored by the CEM. This
module contains software which must be
downloaded when replaced."

 

[ggoodall]

Yes I will let you know what happens.

Where did you get the info provided below?

QUOTE (Platypup @ Jul 10 2011, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>As you mention, ggoodall, this is a serious and dangerous fault. Below I have copied information from Volvo's description of the S40/V50 electrical system which indicates the steering lock only engages when the car is not in motion and the engine switched off. Your car had both the engine running and was in motion so obviously there is a worrying design fault. Possibly there was a mechanical jam in the steering lock mechanism. Nevertheless this should have been sensed and the car not allowed to start for safety. Could you please keep this forum informed of your progress with this problem?

"Steering Column Lock (SCL) communicates with
the CEM via LIN and is installed on the underside
of the steering column.
Electric motor
Spring bolt
Micro-switches
Transponder (communication circuit)
The lock is only active when the car is not in
motion and the engine is switched off. While
moving the SCL is monitored by the CEM. This
module contains software which must be
downloaded when replaced."

 

[ggoodall]

BTW here is a video of the problem we are having. This is right after my wife started the car, pulled out of the driveway and into the cul-de-sac and then tried to turn. She pulled back up the driveway and asked me to take a look which is where the video starts.

 

[Platypup]

If you click on the following link to an earlier entry in this forum and then open the appropriate attachment (I quoted information from "electrical") you will find a lot of detailed information on the various systems. I originally grabbed these attachments from the Swedespeed forum. Your youtube video indicates the car will now not start at all and the noise seems to indicate a fault in the engagement of the starter pinion or possibly a relay vibrating.

http://www.volvo-forums.com/t23563-for-the...ally-minded.htm

 

[ggoodall]

Car is back and fixed, here is what happened:

Issue: Steering locked while vehicle in motion & running. Once stopped, the car displayed the "steering locked, please try again" error. Prior to this we had never had a "steering locked" issue, but we had experienced 5 instances where the car would not unlock the steering or start due to a "Key error, please try again". The key error would eventually go away after numerous attempts.

Actions Taken:

• Filed NHTSA complaint # 10411674
• Called Volvo Corp to complain and request "good will" repair since issue was a serious safety hazard. They were not helpful and said the warranty of 50k miles was to "protect me", and after that they were not accountable for issues. They said goodwill would not be offered unless all maintenance had been done at an authorized dealer.
• Emailed Volvo Corp with the same details as above and got a similar response as when I called. I replied to their message and emphasized the serious safety risk this issue posed, and was clear that I would be very vocal about this issue if they didn't make it right. They were more engaging the second time around...they recommended i take the car to a dealer and have them request goodwill on my behalf.

Resolution:
Car was towed to Sandberg Volvo north of Seattle, WA. I was very pleased with their service. They requested goodwill from the regional manager who offered to cover the parts (but not labor). In the end the Steering Column Lock (SCL) unit (goes on the underside of steering column and requires programming so you can't easily do this at home) and the ignition were replaced. The ignition was replaced to hopefully resolve the "key error" issue. In the end I paid 600 which was for labor and towing. Volvo covered the parts which were ~400.

Overall I was very pleased with the dealer, and am glad Volvo paid for the parts, but feel more should have been done. I doubt they will take any action on the safety risk. I was also displeased that I had to be so aggressive to get any attention from Volvo corp. It also sounds like the issue with this part has not been resolved, so I may run into this again in 50-100k more miles.

 

[rob41M]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and new to Volvo ownership. Two days ago I was half way to my appointment and stopped to get a coffee. My C30 wouldn't restart with the error message "turn wheel and try start again". I could turn the steering left and right as it was not locked.
I noticed that the usual zzzzrrpp noise wasn't made when the key went into the ignition. The key turned and all the dash lights and other things worked. The road service guy reset the computer codes and disconnected the battery and still no start and same error message. I had the C30 towed to SVM Volvo dealer in Chatswood. Their report said that there is a mechanical fault in the steering lock it will need replacing. The key and ignition are OK. So I'm waiting for the call to pick it up and terrified at what it will cost.

I had this error message about two weeks earlier but when I turned the wheel the car started. So maybe if you get this message at any time have it checked out before it becomes a more seriuos problem.

 

[volvos40owner]

My Volvo had this problem yesterday. Steering wheel lock, please turn wheel. The car radio would come on and the wheel was NOT locked, but the car would not start. After multiple times of trying to start it after turning the wheel, my friend turned the wheel and held it in place while starting. That worked. I was really close to calling the tow truck. I drove the car home, but am now afraid of driving it anywhere. I looked in the owners manual and it didn't suggest that the steering wheel lock code was a reason to have it serviced. However, after reading the posts on this site- I am freaked out. Any suggestions? I don't want it to lock up while Im driving. Is this a precursor for bigger problems?

Thanks

 

[Platypup]

There is likely to be a fault in the sensor in the steering lock that indicates that the lock is disengaged. This will then prevent the car from starting. Moving the wheel must have helped the sensor to work correctly. Try jolting the wheel back and forth in the locked position or thumping underneath the steering column and this may help to free up the sticky sensor. Otherwise a new steering lock will be required as has been the case with other forum users.

 

[volvos40owner]

Thank you for the advice. I haven't driven it anywhere since it happened. I don't want to get stranded anywhere. Should I get it serviced? Has anyone had it lock up while driving? That's my fear..
I was going to call the Volvo dealership and ask, but figured they would suggest bringing it in. I probably will, but wanted to see if anyone had other thoughts. Thanks again!!

 

[gfotios]

Hi there. Had the message turn steering try again last night. Tried to start the car but no luck. No ignition at all. My mechanic this morning gave a few hard hits under the steering from inside the car and the problem solved. He told me is the lock sensor at the steering column that need to be replaiced. Called volvo will have the parts next monday. Part and laybour 240 euros. I live in Greece. Update when i have more news