Steering lock problem solved (for real)

DemandedAce

Interesting, I have no idea how it could continue to function and lock up without the fuse then. Color me perplexed.

jchammond

Ok SouthArk,sounds good.

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SouthArk370Z

Either the wrong fuse was pulled or vibration caused the pin to back away from the switch(es) just enough to cause a problem.

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JARblue

I believe you are correct that it uses the CAN interface. In 370Z's with a steering lock assembly, obviously it must be in the unlocked position to start. But it has to tell the car the ESCL is in the unlock position. So this signal is needed in order to start the car, which is why you can't just remove the ESCL assembly completely. Thankfully, as you mention, the workarounds specified on this forum kill power to the motor that actuates the locking pin and still allow the unlocked signal to be sent to the car.

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DemandedAce

It was definitely the right fuse removed, so must have been something with the latter option I guess.

DemandedAce

Just went out to my car now and it is locked up AGAIN... how is this possible???

POS VETT

You tell us. Which fuse did you pull? What was the procedure that you performed?

DemandedAce

Same as everyone else: banged on the module to get the car into ACC and once it was there I pulled the steering lock fuse. It then worked fine for 5-10 stops/starts and I came back out today and it was locked again. Interestingly enough, I didn't have to replace the fuse in order to get it to release this time - I only had to bang on it softly a couple of times and it freed up.

Sufficed to say, until I figure out what is going on I'm carrying a hammer with me everywhere...

jchammond

I have a question demandedAce;
When you do get the car to start & switch it back off,,,can you freely turn the steering wheel left to right & right to left?
I know this will take some effort, if the Z is not on a lift...(should be able to turn at any given time).
Also,,,after you bang on steering lock;do you here any mechanical slide/scrape noises?
Just trying to help with your diagnosis.

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MazWorx built long block | FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 | IPT built 7A/T

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wheee!

This is a repost of the fuse location... just because.

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wheee!

Reposting the fuse location. Sometimes stating the obvious isn't obvious to some...

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DemandedAce

Def a good set of questions, the first two times I could turn the wheel but yesterday I wasn't really able to (though I wasn't trying to hard and am on a bit of an incline). I didn't really hear any slide/scrape noises since the beeping of the car switching in over the clanking of the hammer was all that I heard, but I'll keep an ear out for it the next time (I'm sure) that it happens

DemandedAce

Haha ty but I got the correct fuse both times, that's the most perplexing thing about this to me

jchammond

When the steering lock is working normal & the start button is pressed; it unlocks the steering,by retracting a locking pin....thus enabling you to turn steering wheel if desired.
When the pin retracts into the lock assembly; it also internally presses against an electrical switch/ activating the ignition.....so when the brakes are applied;results are engine start-up.
Pending that the proper fuse was removed,,,something is internally not making the electrical connection within the steering lock mechanism.
If your steering wheel is locked & doesn't turn-then somehow your lock pin is creeping back out and removing the internal pressure from closing the contacts of the internal switches,that power up the ignition.........To bang on the steering lock w/ fuse out is confusing to me; as it would not have electrical power to retract the pin inside (that performs the locking).
Could be unlocked & banging is causing internal switches to close & power to pass through; so your car starts up.
Interesting/ as I plan to remove mine pretty soon & see exactly how this thing operates & exactly what electrical features are being left on (after fuse removal).
SouthArk has really helped a lot of people w/ this issue & I would like to help him shed some more light on the topic.
Just glad mine isn't a DD or it would make it more difficult to perform .
I will follow up on my findings & report everything (including photos)
Have a nice day & I'm going to enjoy my less than 1" of snow that we are supposed to receive.
Thanks to all for any inputs on this subject. ✌️

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Rocxtar

Just to clarify, this pulling the fuse method needs to be done before the steering lock happens or when it happens? The beginning of this thread it Notes that the steering wheel must be in working condition so I'm unclear. (Sorry for the ignorance on this matter)

1. From what I understand, Steering lock must be working.
2. Turn Key to ACC to unlock steering.
3. Pull out Fuse.
4. You are done.

Is this about right?