I think what you're describing is a feature that enables easier entry/exit. IIRC is within the car's configuration and can be disabled if you so wish. I have it disabled with the column fully retracted and at the uppermost position and give the column motors a workout myself every once in a while instead...

Yes, I have that function on as normal only it’s working the opposite way! Normally it comes down once I put the ignition to pre-start (normally finishes coming down once the glow plugs are warm).

However, now I have been home for a few hours I took off fuse 18 for 10 seconds and put it back - the ignition unlocked - but the car didn’t struggled to start (very much like a dead battery).

So I am now charging the battery up over night to see if that’s been the issue all along (strange as it had no reason to discharge since the car was last used a week ago). The doors open and close like it’s got good battery power.

Can a low battery cause the ignition to lock? I hope so as replacing the battery will be a simpler fix…

The new strange thing from today is the infotainment screen doesn’t come on but it plays the radio!

Wonder what codes it’s throwing up (I don’t have a reader)! May get the RAC out for that alone. 2009 pre-facelift 3.6 TDV8.

Last edited by KitTheRam on 19th Aug 2024 10:01pm. Edited 2 times in total

Does anyone have any knowledge about a message on the dash that reads:

‘Key in ignition lock’.

A quick google says there’s a switch at the bottom of the barrel, may have dirt on it.

May try electrical contact cleaner into the keyhole. 2009 pre-facelift 3.6 TDV8.

Hi,

A battery past its best may cause all sorts of issues. I had my transmission going into failsafe mode because of a weak battery (garage wanted to charge me for a xyz switch at nearly 2K incl. labor lol).

The "key in ignition lock" message is normal and is always displayed when a key is in the ignition barrel in position 1 (radio) or 0 and the driver's door is open.

If it is displayed without a key in the ignition barrel, then there may be an issue with the barrel itself. I haven't tried inserting and leaving a key blade without the immobilizer chip in it to see if the same message is triggered or if it is immobilizer dependent. That could perhaps give you a clue.

Locks are known to collect a lot of dirt and debris over time and are also known to (quite rarely) suffer from internal (wafers) wear. A good spraying with electrical cleaner will help a lot. Remember to use some mild lubricant such as WD40 after the cleaning. It did work for my lock in the past as I was actually having a problem with both the column AND the barrel lock

It started fine after a battery charge.

Can hear a clicking when putting the key in, maybe never really noticed it before but it’s quite loud both on the in and out - maybe normal, just conscious of it now?

Will keep an eye on the battery voltage as not sure why it went down.

The steering wheel locks when off, but only if I move it slightly - this is the same on all my cars so guessing it’s the same on this one?

Still not 100% confident but a good result from a simple battery charge. 2009 pre-facelift 3.6 TDV8.

The working of the column locking arrangement is quite loud, loosely resembling a gun action. If the battery is old or has seen better days, you're better off replacing it anyway to eliminate guesswork in this regard
Having to wiggle the steering wheel a bit to lock, is indeed, absolutely normal.

Never had an issue with it and I believe it’s an oem Excide version. Will check the previous owners paper work (extensive main dealer history in my case) to see when it was last changed.

I will check the voltage later tonight and get a mechanic mate to do a battery test.

Hoping something isn’t draining it.

It was 11.4 volts when I first had the issue, but my mind concentrated on the ignition locking - felt like the main issue at the time but it seems to have been a consequence of the battery dying mid start.

Let’s see how it behaves later. 2009 pre-facelift 3.6 TDV8.