370Z 'locked'

SuperZeto

Right before I pulled into work, and parked, I accidentally 'killed' it by taking my foot off the clutch a little too early while it was in 1st, I didn't think much of it so I just lifted the E-brake and went inside...

At lunch I went out to start the car ('09 370Z MT) and it wouldn't do anything. I tried putting the little key in the slot and proceeded in pressing the 'start' button, it just stays in 'lock' mode and won't even go into ACC.

I did get something in the mail about a week ago saying my car has a recall, I do believe it had something to do with this... Is there an easy way for me to just do it myself so I can leave? I read up on an article (on this forum) saying to tap the steering-lock-box under the wheel with a mallet until it breaks free and then I can get in into ACC and then starting it?

Any quick responses or ideas? Should I un-hook the battery for 10 minutes and try?

Thanks

diddy535

Unhooking battery won't work. Mallet option works. It's your steering lock and there was a recall so it should be covered by Nissan.

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SuperZeto

When it comes to using the mallet, on what spot do I hit the box? Just the box in general till I hear something while pressing 'start'?

Jasonle

Oh man that sucks. Sounds like steering wheel lock.. Tow truck will probably be your best help to the dealership

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diddy535

Do a search on the forum I personally haven't done it but read people who had. My steering lock went a couple years ago. The recall is for this part with our 09s and early 10s.


Once you do get your car going, go get the new part at the dealer. It's free and you don't have to worry about this situation happening.

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SuperZeto

Thanks for the advice! Ill try getting it to start then immediately drive there.

diddy535

No problem. If you can't you'll have to get it towed to a dealer like Jason said. Based on the fact that the product was recalled your tow might be covered through Nissan but don't quote me on it.

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ZCarMan

Okay, I just realized someone already said this, but you can also tap the steering wheel lock with a wrench or something. That has been known to work for some folks who have had the steering wheel lock problem. Gets you going until you can get it to the dealership.

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Jon

JARblue

The tow should absolutely be covered by Nissan. In fact, there are forum members whose ESCL failed prior to the recall and were reimbursed for their entire expense of towing, ESCL replacement, and dealer labor (upwards of $1500 for some) by Nissan Corporate after the recall was issued.

If it's not too much of an inconvenience to tow it to the dealer, I would do it just to make Nissan have to pay for it. Make sure you get a flatbed, though. I know a guy who recently needed his Lotus towed, and his roadside assistance sent a wheel-lift tow truck first

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SuperZeto

Tow truck is on the way, I have AAA so I'm good with that part... Hopefully it IS just the lock problem, I mean thats what its doing, all the symptoms and such... I told them it was lowered on coilovers, I'm sure its a flatbed.

NickTurnon

Tow truck is NOT always covered by nissan. But this is steering lock. NOTHING on the car should work and car shouldnt go into acc or ON mode..

My front scraped up the tow truck because I was low and he had to drag me up the bed...

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diddy535

Yeah wasn't sure. My tow was covered and it was a couple years ago before the recall. But then again I went to Fusz.

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SuperZeto

It was a recalled problem. It was fixed for free! I forgot to update you guys.. Sorry!

It was the steering lock. Also, I had a bad fuel pump.