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

Alienpoker

Actually I sourced the $62 part I’m recommending, Nissan had nothing to do with recommending it. I did the research, and happily paid a discount Nissan reseller I trust online for an OEM part that I took a chance on. And it worked, without reprogramming key fobs or any other hassle. Took me < 30mins to fit, put the fuse back and check the car started. It has been working happily ever since, about a month.

I DID notice a starting delay Several Times after I ‘banged on the old box’ and then pulled the fuse to prove the ESCL was my issue.

It’s definitely not an ‘empty box’. The box ‘makes the noise’ and (I assume) still closes the switches. But as it doesn’t move a metal deadbolt every time you get in & out of the car, it should last the life of the car. I have NO startup delays now. I prefer this fix for $62 to others (especially Nissan’s recommended fix) as my car works Exactly as it did before. Plus I won’t be stranded and left banging on a faulty metal box trying to get some switches to close again. Time will tell. I’d be comfortable selling the car with my solution fitted.

OK. So here’s MY rant:

I bought my 370Z Nismo from a Nissan dealer in CA, and until this situation I had always serviced it where I bought it. I complained to Nissan as far up as regional customer service manager and was offered nothing. I complained to the owner of the dealership where I bought the car and was only offered to ‘waive the $140 diagnostic fee’ IF I repaired the ESCL as they recommended. Which is BS as I knew what the problem was because every Altima, Maxima, ..., GTR and 370Z with the early ESCL units are failing. It’s very widespread across the *whole* Nissan range.

For the record this is what my Nissan dealer quoted me to replace the failed part with one that would probably fail again:
Labor 1.5 hours @ $170.00/Hr = $255
Parts needed 48700-9N00B $452
Tax total $36
Total repair charges = $743

... and probably a lot more if they decided thst they needed to ‘reprogram the key fobs’ - Some people have paid for that as well. Totals to over $1,200. Now that IS a ripoff.

Will I ever take my 370Z Nismo to a Nissan dealer again? No. Even for an ester oil change or service? No. Would I buy a new GTR from them or a 400Z when that comes out? No.

Everyone is welcome to modify their 370Z car as they choose. If you find a happy solution, go for it. Luckily you have gravity on your side as the deadbolt is unlikely to move back upwards, if the gears are trashed in your faulty ESCL.

I was just trying to be helpful and offer new alternatives for those like me who are only now having this issue.

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‘It’s like deja vu all over again’
2010 370Z Nismo Magnetic Blk 6MT
‘73 240Z White 2.6L 5MT