Steering Lock: Do not turn that little screw.

[fritz]

There's one external (only one) screw on the lock. Do NOT loosen or tighten the screw.
Don¨t even think about it!

It looks as if it holds an inspection cover in place but does not really do that).

It is a "trip wire" or "sucker" screw dreamed up by our protectors to protect you from something unforeseen .....or increase lock manufacturer or Nissan profits.
If touched, the lock will go to "locked" at the next cycle and you will be stuck.

You would then blame me...or the harness that folk have ordered...and all you did was
twist that screw !

Getting out of the drama caused by nudging the screw is intended to be impossible.

If fitting a harness check the harness works OK before cutting (or adding the switch).

Fritz

[kenchan]

are you talking about the hex screw on my pict at the top?

[azn370z]

Yeah I think that's the one.

[kenchan]

damn... they can't even make this thing correctly yet put a trap? wtf-..

[fritz]

Originally Posted by kenchan

are you talking about the hex screw on my pict at the top?

Yes,...(as long as you are not referring to the two mounting bolts in the pic) and that pic is how a new lock would appear...the locking element being about an eighth+ of an inch recessed.


Fritz

The screw is connected to a spring and plunger near the "hex" (aka "philips" or "cross-head") screw...which are also connected to a long piece of spring steel riveted to the inside of the "freefall" cover. Movement of either the screw or the cover unloads the plunger which is driven
into the lock element to hold it in place, immovable.

Undoing or tightening the screw to correct matters will get you nowhere
without extensive butchery.

For those who have touched the screw the locking element is probably already sticking proud of its housing and, even if pressed against its spring, will return outside the housing; if not now , then at the next "cycle" of the lock.
To test, just connect the lock electrically...hanging on the harness....when you'll see it operate in and out when cycled. If it does so, it is OK.
When "in" the lock element is recessed about an eighth+ of an inch into the cover (as in kenchan's pic)....and best left that way when fitting.

Fritz

[gy954]

It seems to me that once I buy a car, I should be able to play with it without triggering an irreversible lockout. I'm no lawyer, but I bet there is case law that covers this--anyone out there know for sure?

(I once worked for a company that added a test to a mother board which disabled the device if clone parts were plugged in. The test was later removed before the company got slapped with a restraint of trade lawsuit. Not exactly the same thing as we're talking about here, but close, no?)

[pwrhsms]

+1 Rep for fritz! Should this thread be a sticky??