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

doesntcount

My car didn't start tonight. It's currently sitting in my work's parking lot in the freezing cold: it's -16C tonight

My working theory is that it's the dreaded steering lock failure. However, I want to prove it before I do anything like pay for towing. A couple of things make me slightly skeptical:

1. I can turn the steering wheel. It's not locked.
2. One of the DIY's claims that you have to put your car in ACC. But I can't even get to ACC. It stays in "Lock" mode.

Do either of things mean that it might be something else?

Thanks for the help....

DEpointfive0

Maybe it broke in the open position...

SurfDog

if it is the steering lock, then it didn't break in open but rather in an "almost but not quite open" position. There is a little switch in the lock which is depressed when the lock is all the way open. the (depressed) switch allows the engine to begin the start sequence.

It could be a lot of things, the fact you can turn your unmodified steering lock leads my to suggest it probably is your steering lock. (which because its not locking is clearly malfunctioning)

Unfortunately you do not have an easily diagnosed common mode of failure.

I recommend the standard "emergency fix" of pushing your start button (with your key in the key holder) and tap/bang the crap out of your malfunctioning steering wheel lock hoping it will slip loose from its jammed position. If that works (really stick with it for awhile) then definitely pull your fuse or cut your brown wire once you get the car running BEFORE YOU TURN IT OFF!

good luck, unfortunately you are not talking about a standard (well understood) malfunction.

one last though. Make sure you have a good battery in the key fob or just put it in the little fob holder (if it is dead that should allow a start.)

__________________
09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix

OldGuy

This whole steering lock situation is an absolute outrage. Nissan should be ashamed. Their refusal to take full responsibility and issue a recall is certain to cost them in furture sales. I know they've lost my business. I was waiting to buy my wife the new Maxima coming out next year. Given that it would be a first year model, I now expect as little help from them as possible on a problem like this in the new Maxima. So, instead, I ordered her a beautiful new Volvo and they are paying for the round trip for her and me to take delivery at their plant in Sweeden. Sorry Nissan---you blew it (and I sure hope you read this).

864Zbeast

Same thing happened to me a week and a half ago. It's your steering lock. I read up while my dad came and I told nissan all the symptoms and they told me to bring it in so we got it towed and i diagnosed it correctly before nissan looked at it thanks to the forum. Thankfully my warranty covered the $1100 bill and towing which was only $45 somehow. Best of luck my car was at nissan all weekend because it happened on a Friday and got it back last Tuesday and it runs great. It was sleeting (here in Clemson,SC) when mine failed so I know the feeling. Get it towed and fixed. Good luck.

__________________

cossie1600

When my lock failed, I can turn the wheel. Else I wouldn't be able to get on the tow truck

Anifaust

I was in the same boat a week or so ago. A few questions...do you see the keyfob light on the far left console like the car doesn't register the key is within range but are still able to pop the locks with it? My unit failed with partial engagement, DON'T SPEND MONEY YET! Thank fivepoint for the heads up!

Sent from my Evo-3D without that Taptalk paid B.S. I Swyped every word myself.