I've read every post on the Internet that I can find about a 'Key won't turn, no crank' and downloaded the manuals, electrical diags etc.
info:
Key won't turn,
Gear stick in Park,
Steering NOT Locked.
No sound when key approaches or enters lock barrel, ie solenoids not engaging.

History, the FF is used very little, due to Covid and fuel costs etc,.

Batteries, main and 2nd in boot fully charged and almost new, 110ah each.

Speedo and guages needles ticking with sound, 'tick, tick, tick,tick,'......
Pulled fuse 18, no result, key won't turn.
Distmantled column shroud and WD40 + hit 7 bells out of steering lock solenoid, no result.
Continuous ticking from speedo etc.

It looks like someone has been in there previously as both the red/yellow wire and the blue wire on the steering lock solenoid connector show signs of having been cut at some point in time. Now they are repaired as per factory setup. (and have up to now not caused a problem)

Added Steering lock, ESL, ESV GoldCar Emulator.
Red LED on emulator iluminates a constant red.

No changes in symptoms.

Still, key won't turn, needles ticking etc.

Can anyone please help me!

Thanks, Rich L322 3.6 TDV8 Vogue. 07MY
ML 320 7 Seat full leather etc. (The Black Pearl)

I watched a YT video 2 days ago. It seems the column locking is done by a motor driven cam, not a solenoid. The video might show how to get over the problem you have. I’ll try to find it again.

Ahh, here we are:  Ron B. VK2OTC
2004 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

Thanks for the video.
I've re-shorted wires 1&7 (Blue, Red/Yellow)
so at least now I can turn the key and select neutral.

Still no dash lights, no crank, steering still unlocked.

All guage needles still continuously, tick, tick, tick, ticking.

I'm thinking something in the security system might be at fault, ie car not shut down correctly and thus can't wake up.?

any further advice appreciated.

Rich L322 3.6 TDV8 Vogue. 07MY
ML 320 7 Seat full leather etc. (The Black Pearl)