DIY: 2009 - 2010 Steering Wheel Lock Fix w/ Pics!
 

Figured I would create a master DIY thread for the different steering wheel lock fixes. As most are aware, the steering lock mechanism on 2009/early 2010 models are susceptible to failure leaving the car inoperable until repaired by the dealership. If taken to the dealership, this can be upward of $500 for the fix.

fritz's thread that originally sparked the research for a non-$500 fix..
http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...-optional.html

bdl99's awesome plug-and-play harness for those that would rather not cut the wire and risk voiding warranty..
http://www.the370z.com/1738578-post306.html
Steering Lock Harness - Car Kit Company

Baer383's fuse removal fix..
http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...lved-real.html

rhd's thread on cutting the wire..
http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...g-brownie.html


I opted for cutting the wire. Here is my DIY with pics..


Put the car in ACC (pushed start button once) and listen for the steering lock to disengage. Leave the car in ACC mode while working.

Slide the drivers seat back and place a cloth on the kick panels and one in the floorboard if you'd rather not lay your head on the dirty mats ;)

This is your view from under the steering wheel. Looking up at the lock, the top of the picture faces the front of the car.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_1336.jpg

Slide the white connector out of the steering lock mechanism.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_1339.jpg

The brown wire is the one you're after.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_1342.jpg

Snip the brown wire in half.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_1343.jpg

Rather than trying to individually wrap each wire, I pressed the harness side wire back against the group and taped it down.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_1344.jpg

Then pressed the connector side wire against the group and taped it down.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_1345.jpg

Plug the connector back into the steering lock mechanism.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_1346.jpg


No more steering lock sound or worry about being stranded! :tup:


Would love to get this thread stickied if possible. If anyone else has other information to add to this post, let me know!

Eric

finally, with good pictures. Thanks

No problem, pictures always make things easier! :tiphat:

Don't cut the wire, just remove the 10 amp fuse. I did this yesterday, took me about 10 minutes. No more worries.

my 370z helllp
 

Hello guys anyone help me, i got stranded my car wont start it would just show the key warning nothing more i dont know what to do, i saw the posts to remove the 10 amp fuse but it didnt help because the wheel is locked in the system.:confused:

thanks

Some guys have been able to temporarily unlock it by hitting the Steering Lock module. It's worth a try.

put the fuse back in and try and get it to work again.if it does,THEN remove the fuse.gl

what fuse? sorry for the noob question I haven't followed this issue too closely.

nvm I'm reading Baer383's thread now.

Solid idea.

So which is the better option? Cut the wire or removing the fuse?!?!

I like the fuse idea best. It's the most minimal, easy, cheap, and non-invasive option. Took me all of 5 minutes from the time I got my *** out of my computer chair to closing up the hood again, and it's easily reversible. No problems with it since.

Looks like I'm doing this when I get home.

so where is the fuse?? ive been reading different threads ALL day and cant find an explination. Im getting pretty frustrated, after seeing the price of a new steering lock assembly and my z has been sitting at the store ALL day. Also, are there any other sites that sell the steering lock assembly besides courtesy?
:mad:

This is probably the post you're looking for. It's a few pages down within the fuse thread, has pics of the fuse box (which is near the battery under the hood, and has a diagram on the cover that points out which is the steering lock): http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...ml#post1741419