5K on ours. Normally just weekend driving. Going to buy the by-pass kit unless there is a general recall on the steering lock.

I think if it fails the bypass wont help you? Someone correct me if Im wrong?

You need to install the bypass before the steering lock fails.

Refer later to "steering lock cut one wire: switch optional" thread

If, by any means, you can get the car started...see Kenchan's advice how to which includes ...and/or:
Shake the steering while attempting to start
Turn on/off other elec circuits
Operate windows or lights or both,
Tap gently (but mechanically) the lock while doing the above
Add a battery as if you are going to jump start
Do anything to agitate that lock to "do it" one more time and even,
Dis the battery for a few minutes...then re-try the above (Tho you have now lost your window and radio station settings..no big deal).

IF you have got the car to start...do NOT turn it off....If you do then do NOT
get out of the car with the ignition on lock.

Now snip that brown wire: as shown on the thread at the start above.
Problem solved for no cost, but no steering lock.


IF a nogo:
IF you are 100% sure it is the steering lock, remove it (kenchan again who rightly says pliers undo the two thief -proof bolts).

Then admit it is useless and e-mail me for instructions to dismantle it (using your own e-mail address and name). ...

Then there's an excellent chance of fixing it internally but never to be used again as a lock ...... or even fixed 100%, if lucky.

If the lock itself is mechanically dud, the electronics probably are not ..... again I can help.

In all cases you need a few good tools.

Fritz

Why wait for a disaster...Just ordered the bypass harness!

I wouldn't even trust one of the later Rev. C marked locks. At minimum, everyone should remove the fuse as described in a very helpful thread. I didn't like that idea and opted for the harness, installation took just a few minutes and it's also well illustrated in a thread. My '09 only has 27K miles but the warranty expired last month. I would be seriously PISSED if stranded and had to pay $850-$1200 to replace a $500 part (which is ridiculous in itself) plus towing charges. Chances are very good that the part WILL fail, the more lock/unlock cycles it goes through the higher the chances.
Nissan is not going to do a TSB or recall, pull the fuse or spend $50 for the harness and put your mind at ease.:tiphat:

what is the bypass harness that u are talking about? are u talking about this one ?Steering Lock Harness - Car Kit Company because If u are talking about it, Im going to by it too then. I dont want the the steering lock failure happen to my car :tiphat:

Just got the bad news today. I have a 2009 with about 40k miles and the unit is a rev B. I read the DIY thread, but didn't see the photos and am wondering if I should try to tackle this myself as the dealer wants $1,245. Anyone out there done the DIY? Was it really that easy and only 15 minutes? Any pics or advice would be very much appreciated.

Just to clarify, I don't believe cutting the wire, buying the harness, or removing the fuse (what I did) will help if your steering lock has already failed. They're more preventative measures. I have had the fuse out for 4 months now with no issues but my car was running fine when I decided to do that.

My lock failed earlier this year -- it was a Rev C.

This is why I pulled the fuse. I have a warrenty and extended 5 years as well, and still I don't want a minute of trouble. Are they up to Rev D+ yet?

If the car gets stolen, which is unlikely, I have insurance. I wish the part worked properly, as this is the best of all worlds.

Man, this is total bullsh*t. I've counted 33 people (myself included) on this forum that have had this issue and that's not counting people in other threads that I may have missed or others not even on this forum. I asked the dealer if there has been any recalls, and they said no. I see there was one on the GTR. I guess we all didn't spend enough money to deserve a recall. I know someone on the DIY thread provided a link to the NHTSA to write a letter. Does anyone know if there has been any follow up on this? Man, I better check the stickies around here and see what other unwanted surprises are coming my way with this car:shakes head:

I agree...this is obviously a huge issue and it pisses me off that Nissan is getting off scott-free with it and in the mean time making money off of the cumsumer when we we are caught with our pants down. I'm ready to stand outside my local dealership with a sign to warn other buyers to stay clear.

I'd like to know if there are more issues I should be aware of too. Definitely not ruling out trading in the near future. You are absolutely right...this is complete ********!!!

why people arent just pulling their fuse is beyond me. 10 min of work and this is never a problem

Is this steering failure and early 09 issue only? I have an 11 and I've never had any issues..... yet. Crossing fingers... I have warranty up to 100 k miles so I am not concerned about the repair costs if it were to fail but instead, the inconvenience if it were to fail and leave me stranded somewhere.