Mine went on the flatbed yesterday, getting new steering installed now. I called Nissan corporate and they will get back to me tomorrow if they will cover it

Let us know how it goes! How many miles in ur car?

Will do. My car is an 09 with 33k miles on it

Yep. Right on schedule. Sorry

Did a little preventative maintenance today and yanked the fuse. Funny how something so small could cost so much to fix! Kinda reminds me of those flyin gizmos in Tron:

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...psbc81afae.jpg

http://digitalmediaservices.files.wo...4/tron_178.jpg

steering wheel lock apply to Nismos too?

Yes

Yes sir. I believe it happened to ScGRacer a couple hours ago. I saw his 2010 Nismo on a flatbed but he hasn't said "why" yet....

Maybe there's a website he could have referenced for this particular problem?

But how would one ever find such a site?

Just finished reading all 44 pages. Fuse is coming out of the Z and the G this weekend. Thanks!

Nissan Steering Control Unit Fuse
 

Hey guy's, I have a question I hope one of you can answer.

I have a 2009 Nissan Altima that I purchased pre-owned 11/28/11. The other day I tried to start my vehicle and of course, couldn't. I had Nissan run a diagnostic on it, they determined it was a "defective" steering lock control unit. Unfortunately, no matter how many claims, complaints, or letters I write they are unwilling to fix the problem.

I read on the forum that you guy's were able to remove the fuse for the unit and your vehicle would work fine with no ramifications, is that the same for any Nissan, specifically a 2009 Altima?

My vehicle was turned off and the wheel was not locked. I have looked inside my owners manual for a fuse schematic and had no luck. I know little to nothing about cars, fuses or mechanical issues and am in desperate need of any assistance you all can give me.

Thanks for reading and responding!

Side note (I have filed a complaint with NHTSA, BBB Auto, Nissan North America, ARFCA Auto)

If not the same SLU, they should be similar enough that the methods on this site should work. http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivet...heel-lock.html will help you find the related posts and DIYs.


Edit: As far as the location of your fuse, look in the owner's manual for fuse block location(s).

Well finally heard back from the Nissan regional specialist and she said they reviewed my case and that they couldn't do anything for me. I said I wasn't satisfied, so someone else will be talking to me later today, I guess it is going to be reviewed again by someone else. Doesn't look like I'm getting anywhere yet.

I heard back from my Regional Specialist yesterday at 1659 hours, after trying to reach her all day. She told me there was nothing they could do and I asked to speak with her supervisor. I was told I would receive a call within 4-6 business hours, so I am expecting a call today.

Pull the fuse. if it doesn't work... put it back, no worries.:tup:

there is plenty of DIY advice on where it is and how to try to make a broken one work by tapping your broken steering lock on this forum. Do a search follow the TONS of advice here, and... good luck.

Well the supervisor called back and basically told me to pound sand. I'm going to write a letter, but it looks like I'm SOL

I learned that nhtsa is responsible for issuing recalls, they have an online complaint form to help them issue recalls. I just filled one out, I recommend everyone that has had this happen file a complaint to try and get this recalled. The website is www.safercar.gov

Does anyone know if these instructions will similar for a 2009 Nissan Altima?

*EDIT* Im going to the dealership after work at 1800hrs and will take a picture of my fuse schematics as well as the interior and exterior fuse box and engine, that way the very mechanical savy people can help me lol.

Basically told me the same thing. I'm also going to write a letter to the President of Nissan. Carlos Ghosn... Nissan North America 685003, Franklin Tennssee 37068.

She basically said, that if I try to write it to anyone other than what she gave me, it will be re-routed to her and she will just continue to deny my claim...

All you need to include in your letter is this.....GTR has same exact steering unit=recalled..........370z same exact steering unit=deal with it ........this is fair how?:confused:

Pain in the a$$ lol this just happened to me, ran in the store and when i came back out the sensor was doneski. Many thanks on whoever had the idea of taking the sensor apart bc i really didnt feel like spending $600. Great thread!

This is a remove the fuse thread:shakes head:

But never the less I'm glad you got your car fixed without spending $600:driving:

Steering lock (s/l) failed last week (3/21/13) on revised part #C. Odd thing about it, is I was planing on removing the fuse today. Oh well, could not have happened any sooner. Been driving on borrowed time. Replaced with CURRENT rev part D. Driving a 2009 sport model with 45K miles. This is the original steering lock. Total dollar out of pocket = ZERO. Extended warranty and towing picked up by extended warranty. Picking up the harness.

Help ASAP! How to open the SL fuse box
 

I'm doing the steering lock fix right now, I got the fuse box out by un clipping the bottom, but now I can't actually open the damn thing to pull the fuse!!! The top two clips don't do ****. Someone call or text me that knows how to open it. 805.509.2679 thanks!

Well, I did mine today and didn't have to remove the fux box; just took off the top and the two clips allowed me to access the box. Fortunately, unfortunately, we bought the Z in 2011, it's an '09, and the fuses for the heated seats and the steering lock had already been removed. Luck for me, but easy to do had it been there. Can't imagine what the prob is with your box.

http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/...psa1033cc5.jpg

Is that the correct fuse that's not showing? If it is, then the previous owner already removed it.

I've been blowin up Nissans FB page, got a response. I saw someone on there too that had the SLU failure on their Altima. I think I'll keep posting pics of my car being towed everyday till i get somewhere

Just out of curiosity, have you been dealing with Beverly?

I filed a claim a few weeks ago myself. Really wish we could just get everyone who has had theirs fail call and file a claim. Just overload consumer affairs with these investigations that they just start settling and reimbursing people and/or issue a voluntary recall/service bulletin. Everyone definitely should go to the NHTSA website and submit a complain.

No I talked to Cindy, and then her supervisor Sarah

I've read a lot of this thread and just to be 100% sure, after pulling the fuse there have not been any reported problems with people getting stranded. Correct?

Have those recently reporting failures above not pulled their fuse yet?

I am seriously considering a 2009 Z and this steering lock thing is bugging me out. I need a new car bc my current car leaves me stranded but I don't want to pay a lot for a car that's going to leave me beached somewhere....but I also dont want to drive around in a kia and I really like the Z.

I have no qualms about buying a Z if all I have to do is pull a fuse to increase the reliability and not get stranded for a silly reason.

Thanks!
Bill

will not leave you stranded if you pull the fuse unless its a unrelated issue to the steering lock.

Haha, man that's me! I was blowing their Facebook up all day long and they kept deleting everything. I finally called I told them I'm now taking screen pics and that I had already shared it on my Facebook where they can't delete it.

Side note- I knew that you were in this forum when I read your initial post on their FB that said "pound sand"

Also, I first spoke to the Regional Consumer Affairs Specialist; Rosa Lincoln. She basically told me to get lost. I told her I wanted to speak with her supervisor. She said it would be 4-5 business hours, (too bad when she called me it was 5pm already...). So the next day I kept calling, probably 8 times and asking them to send a internal message and note that I was without a vehicle and too call me back ASAP even after business hours. Finally the Supervisor for Regional Consumer Affairs; Sarah Pratt. She told me to get lost also and that not matter how many complaints I filed it wouldn't matter. I told her I wanted to speak with her supervisor, she told me she was the highest person in the department, so I told her then get me someone higher in a different department! Then I asked her for the Corporate Office address and owners information because I was writing a letter. I then told her to escalate my case to the Executive level. Once I did that, I started posting on their Facebook. My first post had about 30+ likes and multiple negative comments about Nissan. That's when Kellye L; Nissan Social commented and asked me to PM her my VIN and contact info, so I did. she then message me back 2 days later saying that my case was under review and I could call 1-800-Nissan1 if to speak to an agent on Monday and I would hear back from them within 24-48 business hours. So I was checking their FB and noticed you posted a picture of your car to keep it at the top of the FB page, So I screen shot my initial post and posted it again, by posting a picture I was able to then share the post. Once I started sharing it, about an hour later 17 people had shared it throughout the U.S. and I had about 17 likes and more negative Nissan comments.... then they deleted it! So I kept re-posting it and taking screen shots. I also kept calling and calling every 15 to 20 mins until Elise with the Corporate Office called me back and said they would look thoroughly through my case and let me know the decision before the end of the business day tomorrow. If I get denied I will continue to push and make this go Viral. Im not sure about you, but some people have contacted me about getting information together to go to the Today Show about Nissan.

Correct. Zero verified reports of any side effects.

At one time it was suspected that disabling the SLU could cause a random pause between pushing the start button and the engine cranking, but it was found to happen to those that have not disable the unit.

While it is possible for the electronics in the SLU to fail after pulling the fuse (the fuse only powers the motor to retract the locking pin), I have seen no reports of this happening ... yet. They will eventually fail, but the electronics - so far - has not been a problem. The problem is in two microswitches inside the SLU.

The fix is too easy to let this concern you. Not only can you pull the fuse, you can cut the motor power wire at the SLU or you can install a custom-built harness extension that is being sold by another member.

The fix is really that simple. Get the Z and start having fun. :driving:

For more info see: http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivet...heel-lock.html (I haven't updated it in a while, but there hasn't been much in the way of new info; just rehashes of the same old stuff).

I started posting to Nissan's FB page about the faulty SLUs. Let's see if it gets deleted. Look for Nacho Mahma.
If you see any factual errors, please let me know and I'll edit/repost.

Yeah I'm just gonna keep posting pics everyday. Looks like we are in the same boat. I'm gonna file a complaint with the bbb if I don't hear back from Nissan today. I'm going to write a letter as well. I was going to email the local news hear too. I'm sure they don't like the negative posts on their FB page so if we keep posting hopefully something will happen

If you go to www.safecar.gov and file a complaint, it increases the chances of it being recalled, but they also post a list of all the complaints to http://www.faqs.org/car/Nissan-370z/steering/ I just saw my complaint posted today, I'm going to print this list and use it in my letter, probably paste this to Nissans FB page later tonight too.

Well, some good news and bad news. Spoke with Executive member Elise today who advised that they will not be reimbursing me for anything.

Good news, I complained for a week to the dealership and spoke with the owner also, he contacted his sales rep *Mike Cook, who is supposed to cover the part, they are going to waive the diagnostic fee and I pay for labor.

Yes, I know that's good. But at the same time, I shouldn't have to pay anything nor should anyone else. I'm still going to write my letter and continue to post on their Facebook.

I haven't been part of this community for very long, but we seem diligent in getting something done about a real problem with the car! Keep up the good work everyone. I will post my info the websites, but I don't have Facebook! Keep fighting the good fight all. :)

Nissan called me today because of my Facebook complaints. Same supervisor Sara that I talked to before, told me nothing had changed. I filed a complaint with the department of agriculture consumer affairs. More blasting of Nissan on Facebook when I get home tonight