Do I need a new steering column lock?

molamann · 01-04-2013, 11:05 PM

Currently my Z is stuck overnight in some underground gym parking garage because the tow truck was unable to tow my vehicle due to my front bumper clearance.

So now I'm pretty much in a position to fix it myself and after a little bit of research, I've narrowed it down to a steering column lock problem. However, I can't seem to decide whether the cutting one wire would remedy my situation or if I'm forced to go buy a new steering column lock. To narrow my symptoms:

1. Since I wasn't sure which 10a fuse I was supposed to pull, I've checked all the 10a fuses in the fuse box next to the battery and they all seem to be good. Unless I missed a whole set of fuses elsewhere that I was supposed to check...

2. The steering wheel is completely locked and the ignition button is also stuck on "lock", not able to go to ACC. Brakes are also fully pumped.

Thanks.

R0bDC · 01-04-2013, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molamann

Currently my Z is stuck overnight in some underground gym parking garage because the tow truck was unable to tow my vehicle due to my front bumper clearance.

So now I'm pretty much in a position to fix it myself and after a little bit of research, I've narrowed it down to a steering column lock problem. However, I can't seem to decide whether the cutting one wire would remedy my situation or if I'm forced to go buy a new steering column lock. To narrow my symptoms:

1. Since I wasn't sure which 10a fuse I was supposed to pull, I've checked all the 10a fuses in the fuse box next to the battery and they all seem to be good. Unless I missed a whole set of fuses elsewhere that I was supposed to check...

2. The steering wheel is completely locked and the ignition button is also stuck on "lock", not able to go to ACC. Brakes are also fully pumped.

Thanks.

Sounds like the Steering lock Fuse, not a car expert so im not 100 percent sure

chops · 01-05-2013, 12:49 AM

your steering lock is stuck. theres only 2 options now. unstick it by disconnecting it, banging on it, and reconnecting it or buying a new lock. now that it is stuck in the locked position, cutting the wire, or removing the steering lock fuse wont do a damn thing. you're out of luck

chrischhorn · 01-05-2013, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chops

your steering lock is stuck. theres only 2 options now. unstick it by disconnecting it, banging on it, and reconnecting it or buying a new lock. now that it is stuck in the locked position, cutting the wire, or removing the steering lock fuse wont do a damn thing. you're out of luck

yup, if the knockin the **** out of the wheel till it unlocks doesnt work, you're gonna need to resort to removing your front bumper and letting the tow truck take it that way. If you're lucky enough to get it unlocked, pull the fuse ASAP! The fuse isn't blown, the lock is just stuck. The mechanism itself is broken.

molamann · 01-05-2013, 02:33 AM

I'm gonna try the tapping method tomorrow, if that doesn't work looks like I'm going to be out about $600.

Mt Tam I am · 01-05-2013, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molamann

I'm gonna try the tapping method tomorrow, if that doesn't work looks like I'm going to be out about $600.

Yep.

ADMIN: Can this topic be placed first (sticky) on the forum so that we can stop reading this story, over and over.

geddy lee · 01-05-2013, 03:32 PM

^ What he said, there are so many people buying 370Zs that have this happen prior to knowing about pulling the fuse . Its a shame. Just think of the number of steering lock failures happening to owners who are not on this forum. Its such a simple fix if you don't want to deal with dealers etc. Never liked the idea of the steering wheel locking anyway. If someone really wants to steal your car, they will find a way around a locked steering wheel.

IDZRVIT · 01-05-2013, 04:07 PM

IBTL!

Trips · 01-05-2013, 04:30 PM

I've created a sticky thread for all who find themselves with this problem

http://www.the370z.com/exterior-inte...rt-issues.html

01-04-2013, 11:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
molamann A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,666 Drives: 370Z with NAVVVVV Rep Power: 284	Do I need a new steering column lock? Currently my Z is stuck overnight in some underground gym parking garage because the tow truck was unable to tow my vehicle due to my front bumper clearance. So now I'm pretty much in a position to fix it myself and after a little bit of research, I've narrowed it down to a steering column lock problem. However, I can't seem to decide whether the cutting one wire would remedy my situation or if I'm forced to go buy a new steering column lock. To narrow my symptoms: 1. Since I wasn't sure which 10a fuse I was supposed to pull, I've checked all the 10a fuses in the fuse box next to the battery and they all seem to be good. Unless I missed a whole set of fuses elsewhere that I was supposed to check... 2. The steering wheel is completely locked and the ignition button is also stuck on "lock", not able to go to ACC. Brakes are also fully pumped. Thanks.

01-05-2013, 04:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
IDZRVIT A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Halifax Posts: 1,659 Drives: '13 CTS-V, '76 Vette Rep Power: 27	IBTL! __________________ "America.... still builds rockets!" Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp '13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

01-05-2013, 04:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,730 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	I've created a sticky thread for all who find themselves with this problem http://www.the370z.com/exterior-inte...rt-issues.html __________________

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01-05-2013, 12:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
chops A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NA Posts: 1,732 Drives: NA Rep Power: 22	your steering lock is stuck. theres only 2 options now. unstick it by disconnecting it, banging on it, and reconnecting it or buying a new lock. now that it is stuck in the locked position, cutting the wire, or removing the steering lock fuse wont do a damn thing. you're out of luck

01-05-2013, 02:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
molamann A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,666 Drives: 370Z with NAVVVVV Rep Power: 284	I'm gonna try the tapping method tomorrow, if that doesn't work looks like I'm going to be out about $600.

01-05-2013, 03:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
geddy lee Base Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: delaware Posts: 161 Drives: 350Z Rep Power: 13	^ What he said, there are so many people buying 370Zs that have this happen prior to knowing about pulling the fuse . Its a shame. Just think of the number of steering lock failures happening to owners who are not on this forum. Its such a simple fix if you don't want to deal with dealers etc. Never liked the idea of the steering wheel locking anyway. If someone really wants to steal your car, they will find a way around a locked steering wheel.