The sound of the steering lock motor when inserting and removing the key of my '08 TDV8 has changed recently. The whirring noise is deeper and takes a bit longer than it used to as if the motor is having difficulty operating but it does still work. My dealer says the unit can't be replaced without replacing the entire steering column which is 4-5kEUR and as such I shouldn't touch it!

Is there no way it can be lubricated at all or something? Seems unbelievable that such a drastic procedure is the only solution but maybe that's part of the LR ownership experience  2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black

Buy an iid tool and turn off the auto function with the keys in/out. The column will still work when you use the joystick (and lets be honest, how often do you move the column?) but not every time the keys go in and out

Much cheaper option at a couple of hundred quid

A low battery will do the same - have you been doing any short journeys recently?

My unlock time varies greatly if my battery is a bit low.

@Craig: I don't mean the column adjust motor, which works fine, but the the motor that activates the steering lock. Can you get IID tools for the MY '08 FF? I thought they were only available for older models...

@Katash: I had a new battery about 18 months ago so I hope it's not that. Usually my shortest journey is about 60km and I do that about twice a week. I don't use it for going to the shops or any really short trips. 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black

Yes Frank the iid is available for all Fatties now sir

Sorry for the confusion about column