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

Tino2fasT

When mine failed, the LOCK position was the only one that lit up on the start button. Would not go to Acc or On.

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370Z SP 7AT

Dwight Frye

Something I have observed about the lock has led me to a theory regarding the failure. Do you ever notice some "kickback" to the wheel when the lock unlocks ? Like if the wheel is turned slightly when it was locked ?
My thoughts are that maybe this stresses the worm gear or other parts in the lock that fail. While waiting for my warranty to expire and/or adding the lock bypass harness or cutting the wire, I am going to try and be cognizant of not having the wheel turned in such a way that there is pressure on the lock mechanism from the steering gear when it cycles.

ChrisSlicks

A couple of the early failures were people parked flat and level at a gas station, so there should have been zero stress on the steering. Over time though it might have additional stress that could be significant.

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kenchan

one of my theories was that when people get in/out of their car, some use the steering wheel as a oooph-my-fat-arse! handle. that might be putting horizontal stress on the steering-lock's lock pin potentially seizing the lock.

ZMan8

That would be my theory as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

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2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT | Fast Intentions | Swift Springs | SPC | Z1Motorsports | JWM | Redline Oils | 35% Window Tint
2015 Mazda6 | 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

GaleForce

If thats the case, we can expect to see issues with the Rev.D S/L...

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Mike

I don't think so. The steering doesn't immediately lock. I was messing with it while putting in the bypass harness, and it didn't lock until after I shut the door.

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KaienZ34

True, because it shouldn't lock with the door open. I'm not saying it won't stay locked after you reopen the door. Just that it shouldn't lock that first time with the door open.

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jpritche

Problem solved.. Never shut your door.

MyZ4U2C

Miata doors might solve the issue

kenchan

i think we probably will on some cars...might be isolated.

well, if you plan to get in the car next time, then the steering wheel is locked... the oooh-my-fat-arse handle phenomenon is both car entry and exit...

onzedge

I have adopted the "tuck, drop and roll" approach to exiting my 370. I dare not touch the steering wheel.

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kenchan

please post vid.

Dwight Frye

This is why I am against the needless gadgets that car makers seem to think we need. The keyless entry is kind of cool, but a pushbutton start is a dumb *** idea. First of all, if you have a good size bunch of keys plus the fob in your pocket, it's uncomfortable and then you have to find other places for your keys. For the 40 odd years that a steering column lock that you had to insert a key into to unlock and start your car, we didn't have problems. Just wait until all the features like mirrors that automatically tilt or fold up and all of the other gimmicks start to fail while out of warranty.

tjlazer

I agree. And another thing I was thinking about is how well will all these push button cars last in the coming decades? Will they all be failing left and right with all the gizmos failing? I can see it now....

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2009 370Z Monterey Blue,Nismo Conversion,RE-11's, K&N Typhoon intakes,Blue Kickplates,Homelink,FI 18" CBE,ERZ HFCs,Hotchkis sways, Swift Spec-R, EVO-R Highwing, UPREV