L33T Z34 wrote
Nice write up Fritz! Repped. F**7( Nissan for not initiating a RECALL for this problem.
Many thanks for that: Apparently Nissan hands are full with other models with the same lock. We are (apparently!) bottom of the food chain. Recalls involve safety so Nissan can slide out of this as there's no danger element, yet.
Further:
The EEC, and here, have comprehensive vehicle inspections. Steering locks are included, starting in May for UK.
So do not massacre the lock casing!
a) It is easy to put together if you took it apart as posted, but the details of doing so are long.
(Tape will not do the job as the electric motor produces a lot of torque and the cover must not lift... but tape is AOK as a get you home if the electric motor is not in the lock and the lock element and plunger are free to hit the microswitches.
b) Enabling/freeing the lock plunger is available from me by e-mail only.
c) It has two internal springs which fool you into thinking it can retract when It can't.
Within a week or two I'll have a tested system whereby the whole lock gets occasional use only (like once a year for test ?)
A secret switch will render the whole assembly out of circuit, but not immobilised, until needed.
The lock gets a lot of use (it gets a lot of use!) to build up silica deposits on sliding contacts.
And, the lock plunger makes direct contact with the microswitches but, with wear, will place a lateral load on them: probably undesirable---they're fragile.
Shaking the lock is known to get you out of trouble but each shake probably also puts a lateral load on the switches...which, long term, may not help.
What a breedin' drama !
Fritz
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