Steering lock problem solved (for real)

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!

Baer383

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

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2013 ZL1

754 rwhp 747 rwtq

daisuke149

Hi Frisky Franky

Baer383

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

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2013 ZL1

754 rwhp 747 rwtq

daisuke149

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?

R0bDC

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!

bmarcinczyk14

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

bmarcinczyk14

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

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.

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'10 370z -- '09 Ducati 848 -- '05 Kawasaki 636 Track Bike -- '02 Sentra SE-R Spec V

SouthArk370Z

As far as I have been able to determine, no faults are thrown. Even if it did, so what? Who cares if Nissan or the dealer know? They can't void your warranty over it (except for maybe the warranty on the SLU itself).

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Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

bmarcinczyk14

I thought maybe they could if they find the wire cut? In my experience dealerships will try to get out of anything and save money.

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'10 370z -- '09 Ducati 848 -- '05 Kawasaki 636 Track Bike -- '02 Sentra SE-R Spec V

SouthArk370Z

They cannot refuse a warranty claim if your mods are not part of the problem. Eg, if you put the wrong antifreeze in the radiator, they can't deny a claim on a bad differential. The only thing that the SLU affects is the starting circuit and it is only an interlock for that circuit.
Your warranty is not with the dealership. If the dealership gives you any crap, contact the company that you have the warranty with, ie, Nissan, and/or find another dealer.

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Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma