DIY - Steering lock internals workaround for those whose locks have already failed.

Alienpoker

‘09 370Z Nismo owner with the same problem and a few tips.
I got the dreaded Yellow key when driving, and as it went away later, I STUPIDLY ignored it.
Parked my Z at Uni yesterday, and it would Not start after class. Yellow Lock icon. No Acc. No On. Nothing. But my steering wasn’t locked. I was confused. Even more annoying, every-time you open the doors, the window drops down & there’s no way to get them to go back up. Dealership only wanted it towed to them, claimed ignorance of any of these problems (I know the same revision parts were recalled (of free replaced on the Altima) for the same years. So now I have a non-starting Z, and I can’t leave it locked. Great. Called AAA and towed it home to look at it the next day. Needed tools. The fix today:
1. Beat on the Steering Wheel lock box with a rubber mallet as suggested. Nothing.
2. Pulled off the plastic panel under steering wheel, disconnected all wiring except hood release to get it out of the way.
3. Used small wire cutters to take out the break off bolts.
4. Could see the lock was disengaged, but not all the way down. I used a screwdriver to push it down while pressing start. Got Acc, On & it starts.
5. While in Acc mode, pulled the steering lock fuse & buttoned everything back up.
6. Replacement screws are M8 1.25 and 20 or 25mm.

I’m hoping it will not reoccur, but if it does, at least I know what it is and can do a field fix.
I’m not planning to replace the part or cut it open at this point in hopes Nissan will replace these units. According to the above thread, they did issue a voluntary recall including 09-10 370Z, but claimed not to know about it.