Re: 2009 xc 70 steering wheel lock (dapamu)
First of all, do you have PCC/Keyless Drive?
I have a 2009 V70 (systems should be similar to XC70) with PCC/Keyless Drive and it activates the steering lock when I open the driver's door after the engine is stopped. If the key is in the dashboard slot when I turn off the engine, then the steering lock is activated immediately after the key is removed.
For cars without PCC/Keyless Drive, the manual states that the steering lock is activated when the key is removed from the slot.
Anyway, when you take the key out of your V50, you can hear a motor whirring noise when the steering lock is activating. You should hear the same noise for your XC70 when the steering lock engages.
The sure-fire method of testing whether the lock is engaged is to do what Needsdecaf said... and you should feel something blocking your movements of the steering wheel. You can try it on your V50 too.
Hope this helps.
Modified by frontwheeldriven at 7:39 AM 6-24-2009