DIY: Replace dreaded steering-lock on 2009s and early 2010s.

akmofo

I'm confused. about this part:
Are you saying it doesn't prevent the car from starting? Or that the steering lock no longer works? I would expect the lock to not work anymore if you pulled the fuse.

I think the fuse just powers the motor that spins the gear and raises/lowers the lock. Cutting the wire does the same thing, just at a different point in the circuit.

My girlfriend's car has the little yellow light on as well, but it doesn't seem to affect the ability to start it, which is the only thing I cared about.

bhk1004

yes, the light is on, but the car starts perfectly fine. I was wondering if there is a way to get rid of this stupid light... as I am sure there will be questions when I am either selling the car or trading the car in which will become a headache...

BTW awesome info on the new bolts to replace the headache security bolts... gonna go get me some tonight!

akmofo

Thanks! Wait, I just realized you said you have a GTR. Aren't you eligible for the recall?

DIY: Replace dreaded steering-lock on 2009s and early 2010s.

bhk1004

called the GTR hotline, what we consider a recall and what they consider a recall are 2 completely different things. They say officially that is only considered a technical service bulletin and are refusing to fix it FOC outside of warranty. and the part doesnt fall under the drivetrain warranty... i woulda thought steering wheel would be part of the drivetrain? lol. oh well.

oh and my car didnt fall into the catergory for the TSB either... due to this was to replace the unit for the C model. and my car already came with the C so I am assuming thats why my VIN wasnt included in this.

akmofo

Is it a 2009? I would print it up, go dealer to dealer until one will do it for you.

It says pretty clearly:

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/d...lockrecall.pdf

OWNER’S LETTER
Dear Nissan Owner:
Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction. We believe that our current and future success depends on your continued satisfaction with Nissan. With that in mind, we want to bring to your attention important information regarding the Steering Column Lock System in your 2009 Nissan GT-R.

REASON FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN
Your 2009 GT-R is equipped with an Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) that locks the steering wheel when the vehicle is parked and turned off to help prevent theft. On some 2009 GT-R vehicles, excessive oil within the ESCL may cause the On Board Theft Deterrent System to prevent the engine from starting. To avoid any such occurrences, Nissan will replace the ESCL Assembly.

WHAT NISSAN WILL DO
Your Nissan dealer will inspect and if necessary, replace the Electric Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Unit free of charge for parts and labor. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Contact your Nissan dealer at your earliest convenience in order to arrange an appointment. To ensure the least inconvenience for you, it is important that you have an appointment before bringing your vehicle to the Nissan dealer for service. Please bring this notice with you when you keep your service appointment. Instructions have been sent to your Nissan dealer.
If the dealer fails, or is unable to complete the service free of charge, you may contact the National Consumer Affairs Department, Nissan North America, Inc., P.O. Box 685003, Franklin, TN 37068-5003. The toll free number is 1-866-668-1487.

Is that the 866 number you called?

bhk1004

yup. but the problem is, they are replacing the earlier A and B units for the C unit. My car already had the C unit from the factory and my car is outside of the VIN numbers that are covered.

oh and if you call them, they still maintain this is not a recall, and is only a technical service bulletin. lol.

akmofo

Lame. I'm still waiting to hear back from Nissan as I've asked them to foot the bill since I have a B unit, but I have a 370z (like it matters, a bad part is a bad part).