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

BlueDog007 · 01-10-2017, 02:58 AM

Here's my situation. My battery seems like it's been dying for several weeks. I had it tested about a week ago and Autozone said it was bad. Last night, it was 25 degrees and it wouldn't start. The yellow key signal on the left side of the steering wheel is on. I tried to jump start it with my Tundra after charging for about 15 minutes and get nothing. No sound of turnover or anything. The steering wheel isn't locked as I had to move it our of the driveway so I could get another car out of the garage. I can turn the wheel manually in both directions. The windows will not roll up or down, the lights DO work, the radio does NOT work, the lights above the review mirror do work. When I push the start button, nothing happens.

My first thought is to change the battery. I took the FOB to a battery place today who tested the FOB battery and said it was about dead and they put in a new battery. I certainly hope my only issue is the car battery and not the steering lock issue talked about on this thread.

At this point, what should I do? I definitely don't want to take it to the dealer and shell out $1,400. Does the car need to be running to remove the fuse mentioned in this thread? Also, it doesn't look real easy to replace the battery. Does anyone have any advice on how do do it? Or have a YouTube video or something? I'm all about saving money to get the Z running again. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

jchammond · 01-10-2017, 03:40 AM

after thoroughly testing all of your fuses; Try smacking the steering lock with a rubber mallet,etc...while simultaneously pressing start button w/brake pressed.
sounds like your ignition is not powering up & could be the internal's in the steering lock not letting it power up.
Does your fob lock & unlock doors?
have you removed key from fob & tried inserting it in slot on left side of steering column?

BlueDog007 · 01-10-2017, 10:27 AM

Yes, my fob will lock and unlock the doors. I did put the entire fob in the key slot but didn't remove the key from the fob. Will that make a difference? Also, where exactly is the steering lock I need to smack?

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

BlueDog007 · 01-11-2017, 09:12 PM

Update: I put a brand new battery in the car today, but I still have the yellow key icon showing up on the left side of the steering wheel. I can't get the car to ACC. Do I have to get to ACC in order to remove the fuse? Or can I pull the fuse and bypass this BS? Also, now the windows are falling about 1 inch everytime I open and close the door. And I can't roll them back up. This is a MAJOR pain in the Arsenal. Please help!!!

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

jchammond · 01-12-2017, 12:29 AM

Ignition has to be turned on before removing fuse, windows will work up & down,radio will work,dash light icons will illuminate.
As JARBlue put it (beat that steering lock like it owes you money).
Be sure key fob is near & you are pressing start button while simultaneously beating on steering lock.
Hopefully it will power up & then remove fuse.
Then you'll have to retime your windows.

BlueDog007 · 01-17-2017, 09:17 AM

Well, I ended up having to shell out about $1,200 to get this fixed. I have a whopping 1 year warranty on the new piece too which makes me feel real comfortable (lol). How can I tell if I have a newer unit which will not give me issues in the future? And does anyone have tue contact information for Nissan? I'm going after them to get my money back.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

SouthArk370Z · 01-17-2017, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueDog007

... How can I tell if I have a newer unit which will not give me issues in the future? ...

IIRC, Rev D is the latest version of the ESCL. The revision letter is printed on the label on the ESCL - stick your head under the dash and have a look. But it is also prone to failure, so pull the fuse.

JARblue · 01-17-2017, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueDog007

How can I tell if I have a newer unit which will not give me issues in the future?

It doesn't matter what revision you have; they are all prone to issues. That's why Nissan removed it entirely in 2011. There were instances of the Rev D units failing even before Nissan issued a recall for A, B, and C revisions.

If you had a new unit installed, then it was a Rev D. Pull the fuse immediately

karthick · 03-05-2017, 07:36 PM

Guys, I just sent a demand letter to Nissan about my steering wheel control lock unit, which just died. They have 10 days to settle the matter, before I take the case to small claims. Wish me luck.

dbw · 04-27-2017, 12:13 PM

My 370z according to Nissan Canada falls outside of the range of cars affected. That said it happened to me last winter and left me stranded in -11f weather. After waiting for the better part of 2 hours a tow truck took me and the car to the dealer. It took close to a week to get the parts and have me on my way. I called Nissan Canada and was told my car was not one of those affected. I suggested politely that they were wrong as my car was in getting fixed for this issue. They came back and said again my car was not one of those affected....they would not acknowledge what I said as to my car being in the garage.

Either the person was sampling our prime ministers favorite new product or I was speaking with the janitor.

I am still pissed about this. In this part of the world should it fail in winter it could lead to fatal consequences should there not be appropriate survival gear in the car....and the majority of people do not carry this. My understanding is that the latest iteration of this steering lock did not fix the problem.

blackbird · 04-28-2017, 01:36 PM

Is there a Nissan North America?If so, go yell at them.

JARblue · 04-28-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbw

My understanding is that the latest iteration of this steering lock did not fix the problem.

Correct. The best solution is to disconnect the ESCL entirely regardless of what version is in your car. Even the cars that are on the recall list get the shitty Rev D module (probably the exact same revision that failed on you).

As a thank you to Nissan, you might consider hurling the failed lock through one of your dealer's showroom windows ala that Discount Tire commercial from the 70s.

EazyD · 04-30-2017, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

The best solution is to disconnect the ESCL entirely regardless of what version is in your car.

What's the intended purpose of the ESCL? Security? Theft deterrent? What are we losing if we disconnect it?

SouthArk370Z · 04-30-2017, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EazyD

What's the intended purpose of the ESCL? Security? Theft deterrent?

It's a theft deterrent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EazyD

What are we losing if we disconnect it?

Other than locking the steering column, absolutely nothing (say it again, huh).

omgzmbz · 12-21-2017, 10:26 AM

My husband ran into this with the 2010 370z he just bought. He couldn't get it out of lock mode and he made a video of his fix for this:

01-10-2017, 03:40 AM	#452 (permalink)
jchammond A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Carolina Age: 57 Posts: 15,204 Drives: 13’ 370Z TS 7A/T Rep Power: 2684394	after thoroughly testing all of your fuses; Try smacking the steering lock with a rubber mallet,etc...while simultaneously pressing start button w/brake pressed. sounds like your ignition is not powering up & could be the internal's in the steering lock not letting it power up. Does your fob lock & unlock doors? have you removed key from fob & tried inserting it in slot on left side of steering column? __________________ MazWorx built long block \| FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 \| IPT built 7A/T http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...s-musings.html

01-12-2017, 12:29 AM	#455 (permalink)
jchammond A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Carolina Age: 57 Posts: 15,204 Drives: 13’ 370Z TS 7A/T Rep Power: 2684394	Ignition has to be turned on before removing fuse, windows will work up & down,radio will work,dash light icons will illuminate. As JARBlue put it (beat that steering lock like it owes you money). Be sure key fob is near & you are pressing start button while simultaneously beating on steering lock. Hopefully it will power up & then remove fuse. Then you'll have to retime your windows. __________________ MazWorx built long block \| FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 \| IPT built 7A/T http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...s-musings.html

03-05-2017, 07:36 PM	#459 (permalink)
karthick Base Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 11	Small Claims Case Guys, I just sent a demand letter to Nissan about my steering wheel control lock unit, which just died. They have 10 days to settle the matter, before I take the case to small claims. Wish me luck.

12-21-2017, 10:26 AM	#465 (permalink)
omgzmbz Base Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: USA Posts: 8 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 8	My husband ran into this with the 2010 370z he just bought. He couldn't get it out of lock mode and he made a video of his fix for this: The BlueMax and Knio like this. Last edited by Trips; 12-22-2017 at 10:42 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DIY: 2009 - 2010 Steering Wheel Lock Fix w/ Pics!	AUtigers370z	DIY Section (Do-It-Yourself)	65	09-21-2022 06:06 PM
Attention Owners of 2010 370Z - Clunk Noise from Rear of Vehicle	jgalloner	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	50	10-22-2016 04:43 PM
car wont start ipd steering lock	maciaqua	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	35	03-18-2013 03:50 AM
Steering wheel lock failure 2010 Nismo	Sidz	Exterior & Interior	10	01-07-2013 05:43 PM
2009 Steering Wheel Lock; anyone issues?	Mikes350z	North East Region	2	07-09-2012 04:38 PM

01-10-2017, 02:58 AM	#451 (permalink)
BlueDog007 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 35 Drives: Not yet Rep Power: 13	Here's my situation. My battery seems like it's been dying for several weeks. I had it tested about a week ago and Autozone said it was bad. Last night, it was 25 degrees and it wouldn't start. The yellow key signal on the left side of the steering wheel is on. I tried to jump start it with my Tundra after charging for about 15 minutes and get nothing. No sound of turnover or anything. The steering wheel isn't locked as I had to move it our of the driveway so I could get another car out of the garage. I can turn the wheel manually in both directions. The windows will not roll up or down, the lights DO work, the radio does NOT work, the lights above the review mirror do work. When I push the start button, nothing happens. My first thought is to change the battery. I took the FOB to a battery place today who tested the FOB battery and said it was about dead and they put in a new battery. I certainly hope my only issue is the car battery and not the steering lock issue talked about on this thread. At this point, what should I do? I definitely don't want to take it to the dealer and shell out $1,400. Does the car need to be running to remove the fuse mentioned in this thread? Also, it doesn't look real easy to replace the battery. Does anyone have any advice on how do do it? Or have a YouTube video or something? I'm all about saving money to get the Z running again. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

01-10-2017, 10:27 AM	#453 (permalink)
BlueDog007 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 35 Drives: Not yet Rep Power: 13	Yes, my fob will lock and unlock the doors. I did put the entire fob in the key slot but didn't remove the key from the fob. Will that make a difference? Also, where exactly is the steering lock I need to smack? Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

01-11-2017, 09:12 PM	#454 (permalink)
BlueDog007 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 35 Drives: Not yet Rep Power: 13	Update: I put a brand new battery in the car today, but I still have the yellow key icon showing up on the left side of the steering wheel. I can't get the car to ACC. Do I have to get to ACC in order to remove the fuse? Or can I pull the fuse and bypass this BS? Also, now the windows are falling about 1 inch everytime I open and close the door. And I can't roll them back up. This is a MAJOR pain in the Arsenal. Please help!!! Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

01-17-2017, 09:17 AM	#456 (permalink)
BlueDog007 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 35 Drives: Not yet Rep Power: 13	Well, I ended up having to shell out about $1,200 to get this fixed. I have a whopping 1 year warranty on the new piece too which makes me feel real comfortable (lol). How can I tell if I have a newer unit which will not give me issues in the future? And does anyone have tue contact information for Nissan? I'm going after them to get my money back. Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

04-27-2017, 12:13 PM	#460 (permalink)
dbw Base Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 37 Drives: 370z Roadster Rep Power: 14	My 370z according to Nissan Canada falls outside of the range of cars affected. That said it happened to me last winter and left me stranded in -11f weather. After waiting for the better part of 2 hours a tow truck took me and the car to the dealer. It took close to a week to get the parts and have me on my way. I called Nissan Canada and was told my car was not one of those affected. I suggested politely that they were wrong as my car was in getting fixed for this issue. They came back and said again my car was not one of those affected....they would not acknowledge what I said as to my car being in the garage. Either the person was sampling our prime ministers favorite new product or I was speaking with the janitor. I am still pissed about this. In this part of the world should it fail in winter it could lead to fatal consequences should there not be appropriate survival gear in the car....and the majority of people do not carry this. My understanding is that the latest iteration of this steering lock did not fix the problem.

04-28-2017, 01:36 PM	#461 (permalink)
blackbird Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 179 Drives: 09 370Z BLk GTM TT Rep Power: 16	Is there a Nissan North America?If so, go yell at them.