ATTENTION!! 2009-2010 owners with steering lock/wont start issues

Ziggyman

Thanks SouthArk, I get it now. The fix was that they removed the lock device.

Fountainhead

I would advise anyone with this SWL to either cut the brown wire (I did) or remove the fuse. It's not a question of if, but when, and usually at the worst possible time. My 2009 started showing the key/bat symbol in my orange LCD panel so when I got to work I turned ACCY on with start button, heard the SWL gear grind, - verified with turning steering wheel that it was indeed unlocked - and then got under the dash/SW and cut that brown wire. Haven't seen the error since and no other alerts on dash.

My SINCERE thanks to everyone on this forum that contributed to this solution. Very grateful to have saved 1000 - 1200 dollars for a wire snip.

doesntcount

I got Nissan to cover my steering lock as well, even though I was outside of warranty. Here's my story:

My Steering Lock Experience

Thanks to everyone on this forum (and in this thread) for your help.

glockman

I just want to say thanks to whoever came up about the info on taking the fuse out for the steering lock that sure saved a lot of grieve for those that got to it before it failed.

Fountainhead

oops double post sorry!

ryan0

Mine just did the "not locked, but wont start" in a parking lot.

Banging on it isn't worth the effort.

Get some needle nosed pliers.

On the right top of the lock are two safety bolts with rounded off heads. Take the pliers and loosen them like 1/4 turn. They aren't tight. I was shocked at how easily they turned. The rest you can do with your fingers.

The lock falls out. Push the mechanism all the way down. It clicks. Car starts.

Put the lock back and finger tighten the bolts so you can get home.

__________________
... needs more NOS.

lylecrocodile

Well I'm glad this forum exists. I have a 2010 370Z Roadster, out of warranty and of course, it would not start yesterday.

It's an automatic, so the tow truck driver had to unlock the transmission to even tow the car. Took it to the dealer, they determined yes, steering lock malfunction and charged me $1200 to fix it. So I had no choice- what are you supposed to do with a car that will never start unless you fix this?

I've contacted Nissan Support via phone (and Twitter AND Facebook) and as of now I have a "case number" and am awaiting their response. I have to say that both Nissan Twitter and Nissan Facebook are monitored really well, as they messaged and tweeted me back within 15 minutes. So far they've listened and been pleasant. But I'm afraid they'll just say "sorry".

I have owned six Z-cars, as well as an Xterra. Does anyone have any helpful hints on this situation, what I should say when Nissan calls back (how do they determine whether they will cover the cost, if any?), etc.

R0bDC

How many miles does ur car have?

Sh0velMan

This doesn't usually work as it isn't the locking bolt that depresses the interlock switches. It's a notched wheel attached to the servo drive gear.

Glad it worked for you, but it must have been just barely out of position to press the micro switches and jostling it about happened to move the gear a little to press the switches.

Most aren't that lucky lol.

__________________
Buy My Car! | Build Thread

ryan0

the servo drive gear moves the locking bolt, and that's attached to the notched wheel... no?

__________________
... needs more NOS.

Sh0velMan

The locking bolt is linked to the gear that draws the bolt down, yes, but it's not hardfast connected to it, there's a spring loaded mechanism that allows the bolt to be pushed down further than the gear would move it, and for the bolt to be pushed in even when locked. Presumably so that the unit can be installed in either the locked or unlocked position, or so that while locked, the bolt can be spring loaded against the steering shaft until the wheel is turned far enough for the bolt to drop into the hole.

Otherwise you wouldn't be able to move the bolt at all, because it's a gear attached to a worm drive gear. You can't turn a worm drive gear by turning the driven gear, only the other way around.

Look at this photo:


A servo motor turns the worm gear (A) which in turn spins the driven gear (B).

But by their very nature, you cannot turn A by simply turning B, as the gear will simply bind. It is a one-way linkage. This effectively LOCKS B in place if A isn't being motivated by the electric servo.

Make sense?

EDIT: Oh and the "notched wheel" as I dubbed it is actually the 'B' gear in that diagram. It is just overly thick and has some depressions cut into the bottom of it that interact with the microswitches.

Attached Images

worm_gear.gif (46.5 KB, 127 views)

__________________
Buy My Car! | Build Thread

DangerDanJD

Here is the complaint I sent to Nissan resulting in a partial reimbursement (just over $500) after my Z had the failure at 48,000 miles. I also did not have to sign any type of release and am still eligible for reimbursement/repair, etc. if there ever is a recall.

Note: My letter just included the links as text, aka "http://www.the370z.com. . . " the website puts them in hyperlinks in the post.

Dear sir or madam:

My name is _______________. I am the owner of a 2010 Nissan 370z with approximately 45,000 miles. This weekend I experienced a catastrophic failure with my vehicle. My car refused to start and the key light was illuminated. I had to have the car towed to my local dealer, ____________ Nissan in _____________, Tennessee.

When I called and spoke to a customer service representative from ___________ Nissan service department, I was informed that my vehicle was the second that weekend to be brought in with the same problem, what turned out to be a faulty steering lock mechanism. I was told that their service department was aware of the problem and that while no recall had been initiated “yet,” I should contact Nissan-USA customer support to request coverage for the repair. I though it strange that they said there was “no recall yet” which suggests a recall in the future is at least anticipated by the service department.

Upon doing some research, I discovered that this is a well documented and continuing problem. It is my understanding the problem affects 2009-2010 Nissan 370z as well as some models of the Altima and GTR. I believe that a voluntary recall may have even been issued for the GTR’s. It is my understanding that since late 2011 or early 2012, Nissan no longer put this part into new vehicle. I am also aware that a number of other 370z owners have contacted Nissan and put them on notice of this issue. Some of the stories of 370z owners discussing the issue on the community website “www.The370z.com” are below.

Intelligent Key System Warning Light...

DIY Replace dreaded steering-lock on 2009s and early 2010s.

She's Dead, Jim

Those of you who have had Steering Lock Failure

Z Looked Awesome on a Tow Truck (Sarcastic)

I am formally requested that Nissan-USA cover or reimburse me for the costs of the repair of this defective part as well as to provide a rental vehicle or reimburse me for the cost of a rental vehicle during repairs. I am awaiting a call back this afternoon from my local dealer. They will let me know the total cost of the repair as well as the availability of the replacement part. Apparently, the part has been on backorder for some time due to the number of defective and/or failed units exceeding the manufacturer’s ability to produce new units.

I would ask that someone please contact me as soon as possible regarding this problem at ___________. Thank you.

__________________
l 370z 2010 PG Sport l

asdfsammich

Given the low sales numbers for the Z I bet the fail rate % is atrocious.


Phone Tapatalk *nix ...

R0bDC

So many are failing, Its like we get one every day. ******* Nissan is pissing me off

shorty1001101

As of today on 3/7/2013 Nissian has issued a TSB for a RECALL on the steering lock issue. They will replace this under warranty! Please contact your dealer to see if your vehicle is eligible. This recall affects 22000 vehicles, please pass the word on!!