Steering lock problem solved (for real)

northben · 01-22-2013, 06:21 PM

I've had my 09 370z for less than one month. I found this thread because I had the Yellow Key of Death last night. After towing to the Nissan dealer and being told it would be $1100 to replace the steering wheel lock, I took matters into my own hands in the dealer service parking lot.

I tried loosening and shaking the steering wheel up and down but that didn't help. I got the tire iron out of the hatch and beat on the lock module for a few minutes, pressing the start button every few seconds. Finally, the ignition went to Acc, and I knew I was golden. I popped the hood, removed the fuse box, and removed the fuse. Now it's as good as new!

Footloose301 · 01-22-2013, 06:29 PM

Awesome

Baer383 · 01-22-2013, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northben

I've had my 09 370z for less than one month. I found this thread because I had the Yellow Key of Death last night. After towing to the Nissan dealer and being told it would be $1100 to replace the steering wheel lock, I took matters into my own hands in the dealer service parking lot.

I tried loosening and shaking the steering wheel up and down but that didn't help. I got the tire iron out of the hatch and beat on the lock module for a few minutes, pressing the start button every few seconds. Finally, the ignition went to Acc, and I knew I was golden. I popped the hood, removed the fuse box, and removed the fuse. Now it's as good as new!

I'm glad I could help you save some money on repairs

daisuke149 · 01-22-2013, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baer383

I'm glad I could help you save some money on repairs

Hi Frisky Franky

R0bDC · 01-22-2013, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northben

I've had my 09 370z for less than one month. I found this thread because I had the Yellow Key of Death last night. After towing to the Nissan dealer and being told it would be $1100 to replace the steering wheel lock, I took matters into my own hands in the dealer service parking lot.

I tried loosening and shaking the steering wheel up and down but that didn't help. I got the tire iron out of the hatch and beat on the lock module for a few minutes, pressing the start button every few seconds. Finally, the ignition went to Acc, and I knew I was golden. I popped the hood, removed the fuse box, and removed the fuse. Now it's as good as new!

I'm happy for you! But can you please call Nissan consumer affairs, or send them an email stating this issue. It would help me if they ever recall the steering lock, and it would definitely help the hundreds of people out there who don't know about this issue.

Thanks, Enjoy your car!

Baer383 · 01-22-2013, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daisuke149

Hi Frisky Franky

I thought I saw you the other day on the corner of Mustang way and White Boss rd.

daisuke149 · 01-22-2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baer383

I thought I saw you the other day on the corner of Mustang way and White Boss rd.

if the person was wearing a white skirt and red tank top, up it was me.

was that you who almost pulled up, but scooted when the cop showed?

bmarcinczyk14 · 01-22-2013, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northben

I've had my 09 370z for less than one month. I found this thread because I had the Yellow Key of Death last night. After towing to the Nissan dealer and being told it would be $1100 to replace the steering wheel lock, I took matters into my own hands in the dealer service parking lot.

I tried loosening and shaking the steering wheel up and down but that didn't help. I got the tire iron out of the hatch and beat on the lock module for a few minutes, pressing the start button every few seconds. Finally, the ignition went to Acc, and I knew I was golden. I popped the hood, removed the fuse box, and removed the fuse. Now it's as good as new!

Wow, talk about just dodging a bullet there. Glad you were able to revive it just enough to pull the SOB fuse!

bmarcinczyk14 · 01-22-2013, 07:17 PM

After snipping the wire or pulling the fuse, even though it doesn't throw a fault code on the dash, will Nissan see any faults through their Nissan scan-tool when I take the car in for service? I know they are able to get more information than the standard run of the mill scan tool you buy at autozone.

bmarcinczyk14 · 01-23-2013, 10:37 AM

Anyone have insight on my question. Otherwise, if it's not known whether Nissan will be able to tell or not I think I'll hold off until my warranty is up.

daisuke149 · 01-23-2013, 10:42 AM

I dont believe they can tell. No ones reported that yet.

but if your really worried, instead of pulling the fuse, take the fuse out, replace it with a blown fuse (when its unlocked just as if you were pulling it).

Then drive around and your lock will be disabled. If nissan ever for some reason looks into it and questions it they will simply just think your fuse blew up. Then when they replace it for you. Rinse and Repeat.

lemon-fresh · 01-23-2013, 11:05 AM

Given that the steering lock has been removed from recent models I don't see how it would be an issue.

bmarcinczyk14 · 01-23-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon-fresh

Given that the steering lock has been removed from recent models I don't see how it would be an issue.

Well I would imagine the ECU on the recent models do not expect to see a steering lock signal. The one on the older models I would imagine expect to see a signal, and by removing that signal just because it doesn't throw a code for us to see, maybe it will be detectable when Nissan does a system check with their scan tool?

Unexpectedfar · 01-23-2013, 11:10 AM

should I try this fix? got a 2010 and still got a warranty. or should I wait until warranty is out.

thanks!

bmarcinczyk14 · 01-23-2013, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unexpectedfar

should I try this fix? got a 2010 and still got a warranty. or should I wait until warranty is out.

thanks!

Yours should have the improved REV. C steering lock like on mine, so it's not as urgent as the earlier REV A or B's. Problems have still been reported with the Rev C's though so it is a good idea to disconnect power to the steering lock. Whether you should do it before or after your warranty is something I myself am debating lol.

01-22-2013, 06:21 PM	#586 (permalink)
northben Base Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: USA Posts: 1 Drives: 2009 370z Rep Power: 12	I've had my 09 370z for less than one month. I found this thread because I had the Yellow Key of Death last night. After towing to the Nissan dealer and being told it would be $1100 to replace the steering wheel lock, I took matters into my own hands in the dealer service parking lot. I tried loosening and shaking the steering wheel up and down but that didn't help. I got the tire iron out of the hatch and beat on the lock module for a few minutes, pressing the start button every few seconds. Finally, the ignition went to Acc, and I knew I was golden. I popped the hood, removed the fuse box, and removed the fuse. Now it's as good as new! Masa and R0bDC like this.

01-22-2013, 06:29 PM	#587 (permalink)
Footloose301 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 2,659 Drives: 40th Rep Power: 21	Awesome __________________ 2010 40th Anniversary 370Z

01-23-2013, 10:37 AM	#595 (permalink)
bmarcinczyk14 Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 505 Drives: 2010 370z 6spd Sport Rep Power: 16	Anyone have insight on my question. Otherwise, if it's not known whether Nissan will be able to tell or not I think I'll hold off until my warranty is up. __________________ '10 370z -- '09 Ducati 848 -- '05 Kawasaki 636 Track Bike -- '02 Sentra SE-R Spec V

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01-22-2013, 07:17 PM	#594 (permalink)
bmarcinczyk14 Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 505 Drives: 2010 370z 6spd Sport Rep Power: 16	After snipping the wire or pulling the fuse, even though it doesn't throw a fault code on the dash, will Nissan see any faults through their Nissan scan-tool when I take the car in for service? I know they are able to get more information than the standard run of the mill scan tool you buy at autozone.

01-23-2013, 10:42 AM	#596 (permalink)
daisuke149 My *** is famous! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alpharetta, GA Posts: 4,849 Drives: 2013 Boss 302 PW Rep Power: 31	I dont believe they can tell. No ones reported that yet. but if your really worried, instead of pulling the fuse, take the fuse out, replace it with a blown fuse (when its unlocked just as if you were pulling it). Then drive around and your lock will be disabled. If nissan ever for some reason looks into it and questions it they will simply just think your fuse blew up. Then when they replace it for you. Rinse and Repeat.

01-23-2013, 11:05 AM	#597 (permalink)
lemon-fresh Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Calgary Age: 39 Posts: 471 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 13	Given that the steering lock has been removed from recent models I don't see how it would be an issue.

01-23-2013, 11:10 AM	#599 (permalink)
Unexpectedfar Base Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Cypress Posts: 127 Drives: 2010 370 Nismo Rep Power: 12	should I try this fix? got a 2010 and still got a warranty. or should I wait until warranty is out. thanks!