car wont start- steering wheel not locked
My fiance's car won't start. It's either a 2007 or 2009 altima. Has the intelligent key. Keyless entry still works doors & trunk, But, when I get in the car with the key, and push the start button, it does nothing. Doesn't even go to ACC- On. Stays in Lock mode. Brake lights are working. But, I noticed that the steering wheel is NOT locked.
Back story: Yesterday morning I got up early to start her car and defrost the windows. It started perfectly. I defrosted everything and turned the car off, AND left the key in the car (my fiance thinks I messed it up by leaving the key in the car). When she went out to start it again, it would not start. Is there a possible DIY fix for this problem, or do we have to get it towed to the dealer??? |
Don't know about the Nissans, but my Cadillac has a push to start button and will not start if the battery in the fob is weak. It has a little slot in the console to slip the fob into to start. It happened to me and after I replaced the battery in the fob it started normally.
SugsPa |
Check the famous brake light switch. It is also possible that the battery in the fob is weak, but you can insert the fob into the slot in the lower left dash even if it is.
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The batteries are okay. I tried the other key/fob that I have, but nothing different. I also tried putting the fob into the slot to the left of the steering wheel, but nothing different.
I believe the brake light switch is okay, since the brake lights do come on when I push the brake. |
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Thank you! Nissan dealership confirmed that the steering lock mechanism is the problem. |
steering lock bypass method
So today my wife informed me that we have this issue on our car. After researching this part is not needed, I found a temporary, (or permanent if you dont care) fix for the problem. You can take the part off by removing the two screws on the right side with a pair of needle nosed plyers. Then take a screwdriver and push in on the lever from the top, then wedge it in place. Close then open the door, and that will reset the sensor, and allow you to start the car. With the lever inside wedged down, it sends the signal everything is legit, and allows you to start the car. I put a 1/4 inch piece of carpenter pencil inside, and wrapped it with a long zip tie through the screw mounting holes, and then zip tied it to the frame on the left. Now I dont have any problems, and It did not cost me the 1200 that the dealership quoted to fix this piece that does nothing for you, and causes your car to fail for no reason whatsoever. Good luck!
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I'll have to remember this one just in case. Thanks!
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My car did the same exact thing yesterday. After towing it to the dealership and having them run a diagnostic on it, they determined it was the steering lock control unit (2009 nissan altima) and that it would be $70 for the diagnostic and $717 parts and labor. I called Nissanusa customer service and am filing a claim, since the repair isn't covered under warranty nor insurance. I figure, if there are TONS of people in many different models that use the same part having this trouble, they need to do a recall for that part. Why one hasn't already been done is crazy. So I will keep you updated on what they say to me tomorrow, the Regional Adviser Specialist will be talking with me about it tomorrow.
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Good luck with that. They arnt going to freely fix faulty issues unless they are made to under actions. They stand to loose billions recalling vehicles and sole reason they will down play even safety related issues until they are forced to fix them...They will pretty much run you around in circles,tell you this and that but in the end you will have to collect like cases and prove its a issue with massive proof(they will hide all repairs they have completed under warranty or costs to owners).You may want to pack a lunch,several because they rather waste billions in attorney fees then fix them freely......Sad but this is what people we elect into office do , waste millions in elections and people think they will spend tax payers money honestly once elected...yea ok..They will even offer to fix yours at some point if you get to much ammo just to shut you up.Many have opted to shut up for a free repair because in end its just about them.....Should you be someone that cant be bought,You have a long road ahead and may want to get the fund raiser started...
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thanks substandardsoldier!
Thanks you were right on the money. You saved me a bundle. Got my car started and I didn't need to put a temporary fix in like you explained... it simply started working again. It may go out again... but i'm carrying a Philips and needle nose and i know what to do. :yay:
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Thank you to the gentleman with the information about how to take apart the assembly and wedging the plug. It worked! I was preparing my wife to spend $700-$1000! Great info and definitely give it a try before going to the delearship!
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the lucky thing about this problem is at least there is a DIY fix for it.
Thanks to forums like this we can figure things out without losing to the dealers. |
Need more steps and details
I really appreciate all the info posted in this forum, but I need a little more detail. My steering lock control unit just went out on my car too. Just as if timed by Nissan, the warranty expired last year and the parts and labor as stated are ridiculous at the dealership. So I went with a used part for a fix at a cheaper rate (I was 4 hours from home), was up and running, got home and after 6 hours of it being fixed was back were I started. So after reading this post I'm fully ready to DYI and get back in motion... just need a lil more details on how... Any info is greatly appreciated!
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I tried this DYI attempt to no avail- I wedged the lever down and closed the door and only the key symbol and lock on the ignition button come on. Then I unhooked the battery to allow the internal computer to reset and still nothing. Car still won't start and that's after changing the part for another used sterring lock control unit.
What else am I missing? It's going on a month without my car and I'm getting deseparate. Please help! |
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