Recently I have been having issues with the steering lock and the car refusing to start. I have searched for an emulator to solve the issue but that too seems to be a bit of an issue.

Does anyone know/have an emulator that actually works and where did they get it from. My Freely is a 2014 SD4 but the emulator I purchased either didn't have the correct connector or I was trying to plug it into the wrong thing. It may be that the late model of Freelander has not the connector needed or it's hidden away underneath the steering column out of sight so possibly more fittings required to be removed in the pursuit of happiness. Please point me in the right direction if you know!!!

The process of elimination has been ongoing for a few weeks so I think I've finally narrowed it down to the steering lock which doesn't actually lock when it's not working, strangely...
When the cabin gets above 24 degrees the car refuses to start so doors open, let the wind through and hey presto, it starts. Does take a while on a warm day.
Did contact my very reliable indie who stated that getting inside the cars computer to turn off the lock is a none starter, pardon the pun, so I contacted a local fella who, amongst other talents, sells and configures emulators and advises that not even the main dealer will turn off a security feature. So either I find an emulator and the thingy it plugs into or I find £550 + vat to have the steering issue resolved once and for all by the Indie.

Emulators a but cheaper... If it works...

Thoughts and guidance much appreciated.

WTF is an emulator?

In this case it’s an electronic unit that makes the processor in the FL2 think that there is a working steering lock.

Go on Ebay and type in Freelander 2 steering lock emulator. 32 Results 2012 SD4 HSE Orkney Grey

wow I wonder what else I dont know I need to now buy? because the little devil inside will be goading me all day now

You’ll have to remove the steering lock from the steering column if you fit an emulator or run you run the risk of the lock engaging while you are driving. The whole point of the interlock between the steering lock and the ignition is to remove this risk.

Bob,

funny you should say that, the fella who does the electric key coding said exactly the same thing. He was very concerned about the lock engaging whilst driving. Couldn't even imagine that happening!!
Think I'll have to take a day and take the column out and see what I can play with and remove the lock in the progress. There is a post that shows how to do it but it's not micro detailed as I would like but needs must.

There are a load of emulators on eBay (STAY AWAY FROM CHINESE COPIES!!!) and other sites but it's actually getting someones knowledge of it being installed in a late Freelander is the real issue as the connectors do not seem to match those on later models unfortunately.

Today I'll be taking the column apart, after I've fixed the fridge which has packed in at the same time , and having a hoke and a poke!!

Why not get it mended properly, how much would it cost?
I note that you run a HSE SD4 which in good working order must be worth around £9k and worth looking after.

You only live once. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 76k+ miles) (MY2015)

lol Ian, yes it's definitely on the cards to get it done properly but unfortunately it's going to take weeks to get it booked in to the Indie and I needed it done yesterday. When things are working fine you do tend to procrastinate and only worry when it plays up again.
I had planned on "mending" it myself but time has not been on my side recently after major surgery last year.

I had a quick search on the forum and spotted this thread which contains info (and pictures) about the physical side of repairing the Steering Lock.

The initial OP seems to have cured his with a smear of Vaseline.

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic29379.ht...ering+lock

Good Luck FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 76k+ miles) (MY2015)

Thanks Ian

I have that one saved for poke and a hoke this afternoon. It looks simple enough but being prepped for any hazards. First thing will be to disconnect the battery just in case I set off the airbags