Well has anyone tried this approach: Go into the dealer and tell them that the car has failed to start a couple of times. Tell the service writer you didn't hear the telltale "bzzt" that the lock mechanism usually makes. The them that you have wiggled the steering wheel and column up and down a couple of times and that seemed to jog it loose and the care then started. Then tell them that there are many, many reports of the locks failing and that you want them to replace the lock asap. This is assuming that you are still under warranty. They would not be able to duplicate the problem but if you raised hell, I'll bet they would replace it. If enough of us do that, Nissan might issue a TSB.
What do you guys think of that strategy ? I'm sure going to be pissed if mine fails. It's an 09 with about 23K miles.

I'm in the same boat as you are Dwight. '09 w/ ~23k miles, but I would not be able to bring myself to take that tact with my dealership. I am, however, going to ask that they keep one in stock if possible to minimize my downtime. :)

I think that's going to be very hit or miss, but might be worth a shot. The problem is, I'm pretty sure before providing any sort of warranty service, they need to actually reproduce the problem. Or at least, they are supposed to (they will probably lie and say they did, or get special approval from corporate).

I Got One!!
 

I know a lot of you will think this foolish, but I couldn't stand the thought of being stranded out in the middle of nowhere.:ugh2:
So I bit the bullet and asked our local NAPA dealer to see if he could find me a Rev D. He called Reno Nissan and now, 3 days later I have a new lock! It wasn't cheap, but I think good insurance as I have lenghty spring travel plans.

Z is a 2009, with a Rev B and 12,000 miles on her. No lock issues... YET !! Warrantee expires in Aug. I plan on waiting to see if there is a recall, but will carry the new lock and tools to make the switch on the road if necessary. I'm 75 miles from a dealer and don't want to see her on a flat bed hauler or sitting out in a lot for 3 weeks til the part shows up.:mad:

Just to let people know, they can be had !!

I don't think you're foolish at all. If I had the extra dough to do it I would do the same. But I can't justify it at the moment... I'm sure you sleep much better than me at night knowing you don't have to worry now...

Yeah, it's not foolish. I'm at 43,000 on my 2009, I'm thinking of doing the same thing. It's a tough pill to swallow though.

yah, it was for me too... but it's insurance and you can sell it when you sell the car. so that's a good thing.


i recommend that you guys replace the security screws to regular screws so that it will make it real easy to replace in the field. (get the screws with the regular nut/hex head (now the allen-key hex) so you can keep a simple wrench in your trunk) even if you have RevD, i would still keep your working RevB in the trunk.

Thanks for the words of support. I really thought long and hard about spending that kind of dough, but the fear just over whelmed me. I really love driving this car and am very impressed every time I get in it. :driving:

I have only had the Z for a couple on months now. Found this garaged, PG, 6MT, touring edition, in Sacramento area over the holidays. Except for a little road rash, its in exceptional condition. Have Dynamated the hatch and doors, and done a few other minor mods.

i didn't do much thinking actually... :D if i got stranded for reasons that i knew, i would be kicking myself so it was an easy decision. but the 500 wasn't just pocket change though. that's like 50 charburges and cheeze fries... :mad:

The question looming in my head is this. Has the Rev D unit solved all issues or can this one fail too???

GT-R's had the Units switched out to RevD and I haven't heard of any of them failing.

original GTR recall replaced RevA and RevB to RevC.

we are finding a few with problems on RevC...
RevD is current but i dont fully trust it either.

so, what i recommend is you buy RevD install it using regular screws, but keep your old but still working lock in your trunk + wrench.

I figure I'll be having this problem again even though I have "D" installed.

Update on key reader warning..... got through to a live person at consumer affairs...... made a complaint of course got the run around they said someone
would be contacting me right! she said she was unaware of this issue. but would pass it along.............. good luck for anyone out of warranty..................

yep, considering 2012 Z's are using a completely different steering lock system nissan knowz this design is not fully reliable.