The steering column lock on my 2008 Tdv8 seems to of failed but in the unlocked position so the wheel is free and the key turns fine (better actually as I don’t have to wait for the steering lock to open first). I’ve read through lots of threads about the issues but can’t find an answer, I just want to know if it’s safe to leave it like that? I’m just worried it might operate again but then get stuck in the locked position leaving me stranded.

Thanks,
Alex

Or worse still, engage whilst driving? Not that I have heard of this happening but! If it can fail in the open position, surely it can do the opposite???

I don’t think that would be possible as it only operates (or not in my case) when the key is inserted/removed, not to mention an enormous safety oversight although I wouldn’t put it past LR.

What worries me is that you can still turn the key. I haven't heard of anything similar, which makes me wonder if there's something more to consider before you can safely drive itlike this. I'm having my column repaired tomorrow (stuck unlocked but can't turn key unless fuse is removed) and I could ask whether your case could be something dangerous or nothing to worry about.

Thank you that would be great if you can ask your mechanic.

I thought the way it works is, you put the key in, then the ignition barrel reads the chip in the key, then sends signal to steering lock to unlock, once the steering lock is in the disengaged position it sends a signal to the key barrel to allow the key to turn. So I’m thinking it just sees the steering lock is open and allows the key to turn.

Are you certain your steering lock is physically stuck and it’s not a fault on the ignition barrel, a circuit board/ecu in steering lock or the wiring between them?

Yes, that's how it works. However, every time the key is removed and re-inserted, a full cycle has to be registered by the immobilizer i.e. lock->unlock confirmation before the key can be allowed to turn.
Removing the fuse (No 18 in 02-05 cars) will force the immobilizer to start from scratch and "read" just the current state of the lock i.e. unlocked and allow ignition.
If your lock had never been working in the first place, I would be inclined to check the wiring and if there is an emulator fitted. Otherwise, if it suddenly ceased working and still allows you to start, I would like to confirm that everything is safely where it is supposed to be and rule out the however remote possibility of the column locking when not supposed to.
I'll ask today and let you know.
As far as I can tell, mine is 99% the column because it bears the marks of hammering on the ECU box and seems to be responding well to my rubber mallet I also get the "securing magnet fault / locking operation error" on the IID tool so we pretty much have a diagnosis...

IIRC the later post 2005 cars have a "better" system in that it doesn't go looking for an unlock signal from the steering column before it lets you turn the key, I remember wishing fatty offroader had a later system...

Again IIRC the steering lock pin has a spring to hold it open and will only lock when asked to via a solenoid...

Took me hours of googling to find any decent info though...

I suppose it depends how much you like playing Russian Roulette....  Pete

__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

My employer's 2008 SC had exactly the same symptoms as mine i.e. key not turning and the same "securing magnet fault/locking operation error". From what his mechanic told me, it's all the same as the 02-05 BWM derived barrel and column system, the only difference being the barrel installation position.

Mine failed in the locked position, fortunately I was parked up at home, I've disabled it so that it now cannot fail again, but in doing so have no steering lock

Mechanic said it should be checked, as it's being able to start after removal and re- insertion of key, without pulling the battery negative or the fuse (?) does seem awkward. He wouldn't go into further details as they're having a very busy day with a dozen range rovers inside and outside their garage.

They do seem to have fixed my column as it now locks and unlocks with a positive click. If you have some local garage that will do a refurbishment, it's worth every penny. It set me back some 350 euros or 300 quid. Money well spent imho.