Wife's car (Volvo V50 Estate) broken... help!

[Bob Fossil]

Morning all

Just got a call from the wife while she was out at her parents this morning to say that when she tries to start the car she gets a "Steering wheel locked - please try again" message on the dash, and the car won't start.

I'm just heading over there now to try the old "disconnect battery and reboot the car" trick, but if that doesn't work, what next?

Like a fool I'd forgotten to register with the AA, so could I sign up online now and then call them out in an hour if need be?

Thanks in advance

BF

[andym1603]

Hi,
I get a similar message on my S60 at times. If you persist and keep trying it will start. I think the car is misreading the key chip and is going into anti-theft mode.
Hope this helps.
Andy..

[T5R+]

Try the spare key.

[Bob Fossil]

So... tried both keys and nothing, ended up disconnecting the battery and restarting, did it a couple more times and then magically restarted. Feel like a hero

Is this a common fault? I'm ok at dealing with broken oily bits, but have no clue with electrics...

[Rockape]

If it's doing it with both keys then it's a ignition switch fault. Try doing this. Insert key in to the ignition by 1/2 (do not push home). Give the key a firm push home. Worked for me.