Nissan Altima - Maxima steering lock failure - DYI fix & recall
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- On models Nissan altimas and maximas 2009-2010 the steering column lock box (ESCL) fails. Nissan has sent letters to notify all owners about this recall in the United States. Not all owners will get it service before the due date. The steering wheel will not lock again, but the car is equipped with an anti-theft system.
You can easily get this fixed by:
-Replacing the faulty ESCL.
-Pulling the steering lock fuse.
Hammering on the bad steering lock box until the box unlocks the steering wheel.
-Servicing the vehicle in the Nissan stealership by towing the car if nothing works.
-Get a knowledgeable, honest, and clean technician with a fancy scan tool.
For DIY'ers tools needed:
-Disconnect the battery before trying to fix this!!!! I mean it!
-Brand new ignition Switch Steering Lock Box KIT for Nissan Altima Maxima comes with new easy to install bolts
(www.ebay.com/i... )
-Fuse puller.
-Nose pliers to loosen the brake-away bolts.
-Plastic trim puller.
-10mm socket wrench.
-Philips screw driver.
-Think car OBDII dongle scanner (yearly subscription sucks on this one, but it is a semi pro scanner you can try for one specific vehicle).
LINKS:
Official recall info from Nissan: www.nissanassi...
-Owner Notification letter: drive.google.c...
Small Mods is not responsible for injuries that might be caused for the improper use of tools or chemicals showed on this video. It will be responsibility of the user/viewer to practice safety at all times.
The results may be different depending on the variables on the user vehicles, and the information on this video is not a warranty.
This is the most clear video on this issue. One thing to note though is that it's best that the car is running when you take out the fuse. I don't understand the point of this module as you still need the key to start the car. If someone wants to tow your car away, that won't stop anyone. Another thing to note though, is that you can still start the car with this old module, you just need to take it out, and push the metal bit in to unlock it while attempting to start the car normally. Eventually it will start. That's when you pull the fuse.
So cool! I had my Altima for 3 years and never knew I could do all this. I only read my manual when something's not working right. This was very informative!
Awesome content! We need more videos like this on UA-cam
Can a 2009 Nissan Altima steering lock fit a 2008?
Yesterday I have the key sign
But my car still works if I remove the fuse what gonna happen because I don't want to buy or fix the steering wheel lock..
So if I just remove the fuse is there any safety dangers? Or it will just permanently go away the problem
Good question, this part can be used on 07-13 Altimas, 09-10 Maximas, 09-12 370z, and 09-11 gtr.
The first Time it happened i found the hack, then got the recall "electronic" part and it failed after some yrs, when i saw the light again i immediately looked for this module, it made a sound but the light was still on took the fuse out an disconnected battery, light still on and shift dash light is @ the R position when gear shift is at the P, whats your best advice?
@@gilg5019 try to pull the codes to get a better picture of the problem.
@@simplemods will do as soon as I can, much obliged!
Thanks for your video great video! I don't know if this is my problem but my maxima doesn't want to start or crank has the red illuminated car with key light, I plug my obd scanner and it can't connect to the ecu no signal please help
You can pull out the steering wheel control module fuse to start.
I tried it after I seen your video and it still doesn't start was trying to look for a fuse that powers the ecu but the only one I found was good it wasn't blown
@@topbarber312 check the fuses at the battery terminal positive cable, if the steering wheel unlocks when you turn it on to the acc, then the problem is not your steering lock module.
The positive terminal fuses are good, I'm stuck might have to head to nissan dealer smh
@@topbarber312 had that same problem with my 2010, what was wrong with your car. Is it still running?
too late for to get the recall... never buying a nissan again
Same just happened last night
well these where the older nissans with this system. they quickly removed steering locks from all vehicles. give nissan another try newer nissans are really great cars! nissan is now under new control and are reversing what that carlos ghons guy did to the company its a shame really he made nissans cheap and unreliable for a time. but now nissan is getting things back on track. trust me when i say nissans are becoming better and better.
I'm having the same issue, can you give me some insight on where to start, my car wont start, it has the light on for not recognizing the key, can i pull the fuse with the car off so it disables the steering lock control module and try starting it, the tab is stuck down in the steering lock module, the wheel is unlocked, i can get it to start sometimes if i jam a screw driver in between the tab but it doesnt always work, so can i just pull the fuse while its off or will i have to have the car running, what are some ways i can get around this!! Desperately need to get my car running again, please help
Pull the fuse when the vehicle is off, if the problem continues, please scan the vehicle.
Did the new steering lock module require reprogramming from the dealership?
No, it does not require reprogramming.
3 years later I was coming to ask the same thing. Couldn’t get the lock to depress to get a start so I ordered a new part and was worried about needing it programmed
Does this happen to cars with a chip key instead of key FOB? I’m having intermittent starting issues with an 09 Rogue but has a key not FOB and push button start.
Thanks for your question. This problem is a steering column lock. In your case it can be an electrical problem or something related to the key identifier/ key switch.
Car key maker here... So, while we were trying to program, the steering lock decided to stay unlocked and would not "relock" after failing to program our aftermarket key.. I know, I know, spare me please... But what we're thinking is that we need to possibly replace the steering lock because of too many tries maybe wore it out? Does that sound possible?
The old module locks up, while the new module will sound but it will not lock. It is redundant to have the steering wheel locked, since these vehicles have a proximity sensor & locking system that makes it a deterrent for thieves. Besides we are talking about altima and máximas that have a low to no existing theft rate compared to civics.
I have 2010 altima 2.5 cvt and this key warning appeared 4 years ago but my car working good 👍🏼 do i need to fix it?
You can check the type of module you have first, the key warning light on your dashboard may also mean other things.
@@simplemods that’s confusing me more 😅 ok another question do you think risky if i keep it without fixing? And thank you for teaching me 🙏🏼
@@mrmazeneng not risky, it will become a pain in the ass to fix it if you get stranded. Fix it soon so you don't have to worry about it in the near future.
@@mrmazeneng scan it with an obd2 scanner n see wat it says
I got stranded, had to tow the car home. Next day used a hammer to the module and my car started, but the key light is still on. Should I pull the fuse, while the car is running, or replace the module (expensive)? Thanks!
What if my 2011 altima doesn't hav that device or a plug that is visible? My vehicle turns on but does not accelerate appropriately
If your vehicle is able to start, this module is not the issue.
@@simplemods I learned that this model does not hav that mechanism but the dashboard lights don't come on nor do the gauges work. It runs but wont pick up or drive as normal
@@jodybsosucio yours might be a performance issue or a transmission issue. You probably need to assess the modules of the car with a non basic scan tool.
If I'm not a mechanic nor familiar with cars, what should I do?
@@jodybsosucio two things, you can do: send it to a mechanic and pay a small fortune, or you can learn through youtube/forums and save money. The second one is a lengthy process.
My 2012 Nissan Micra 1.5 won't start.The error B26EF steering lock relay off appears after scanning.How can this problem be solved?
Check out the fuse.
@@simplemods : Only key symbol and parking light icon comes on the dashboard.
Great video and really supportive 👏
Thank you.
If I disconnect the steering lock fuse will the car still start? Even if it’s too late and it won’t start?
The removal of the fuse will only control the mechanical function of the module,thus the steering wheel will not engage or disengage, and the vehicle will start only if the steering module is in unlock position. However, starting from it is a good way to diagnose and isolate the issues your vehicle has.
@@simplemods I need clarification. Have 2009 altima, light is on. Car runs/drives great. if I pull the fuse NOW, will that prevent the LOCK and not start? I assume the light will stay on until fixed and fuse replaced.
@@greggseager4632 the fuse will only disable the module. It make sense to disconnect it when the car is unlocked only.
What model scanner did you use ?
It's thinkcar, I use it because it can scan modules separately, including tpms. It won't cost beyond $400 like most pro scanners these days.
@@simplemods thinkcar which model ??
Is it the thinkdiag?
@@tlalok87 yes, thinkdiag is the newer version of thinkcar
@@simplemods thank you really appreciate your help
Having the exact same issue here with my 2009 Nissan Murano...
Had it towed to the local Nissan garage so hoping it won't be too expensive...
I'm not sure if that model was covered by this recall.
how much was it after all?
This happened to my sister Nissan the other day and I had to repair it. After I told her not to buy a Nissan they're crap cars quality been dropping on them for years.
All cars are crap! They're made to break down, so you can continue to buy. Kinda like Harley-Davidson Crapcycles!
Smart, n to the point...
🎉🎉
That didn't work
Yes my 2021 Nissan Altima was stolen in i have both set of keys. They broke the steering collar wheel. Nissan had a recall 2020 & 2021. Is this call save i say no because read the article you have know control of the steering wheeler and just think they broke in the steering to still the car. Question the insurance company send papper work of totally loss i signed power of attorney for transfer of motor vehicle over to Progressive Insurance and release of ownership to them, i filed a claim 3 days thinking the car would show up car stolen 12/15/2021 filed claim 12/18/2021. Would you want that stolen car back covid and broken steering wheel. They need to stick to totally a loss 12/31/2021. The car was recovered 1/3/2022 i haven't seen it. What do you think i don't want the car and go by the documents that was presented and signed back to them. What's your opinion?
lmfao
I can’t even get the car to start FML
It won't start until you swap the module.
Did you ever get your car fixed, and what was wrong with it
@@luv_a_nurse8960 it’s that steering lock module under column i remove it and pinned that locking tan down. Reinstalled
It’s like 600 bucks and screw that. I got a key light always on