\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If the problem stems from debris inside the steering column, thoroughly cleaning the entire column should help. I have a 2013 Nissan Altima with about 60,000 miles on it that has been doing the same lock up on the steering wheel for about 4 months. To avoid breaking the keys off or damaging the steer, do not attempt to push the key or even the wheel by exerting overpressure. All opinions are my own. However, failing to keep up with your vehicles maintenance could also make driving unsafe. If you have sufficient knowledge on how to do them by yourself, all you need is a DIY guide, otherwise you can consult a mechanic to undertake the repair for you. The recall should and must include the front subframe also. Purchase grease at your local auto parts store if necessary. 2015 Nissan Altima the power steering is tight especially a left turn, While driving, 119.00 k, That all - Answered by a verified Nissan Mechanic . In the steering wheel, remove the columns. How to unlock the Nissan Altima steering wheel? It also protects the seals on valves, hoses, and O-rings. But youre having other problems with your steering wheel as well. We hope that you found this post insightful and helpful. Take care to unplug the ignition switch wire connector as you remove the ignition cylinder. At least it doesn't call the cops (save that for a future "Internet-connected" model). This is a safety feature to prevent the car from being stolen. It has been discovered that there are numerous defects in the electronic steering column lock (ESCL) that have caused the push-button ignition to fail in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. It does not require any power steering fluid. In this article, we will first try to describe why the steering wheel of your car is blocked, and secondly, how to unlock the steering wheel of your Nissan Altima. The electronic steering column box replaces the ESCL assembly, but it does not require the steering wheel to remain locked while the car is parked or turned off. This is your final resort though none of the previous options work. The ignition lock cylinder is usually located on the right side of steering . You go out to your vehicle and find the steering wheel is locked up. problem of a key blocked on aNissan Altima, How to turn off Start Stop on Nissan Altima. If you find yourself with a steering wheel that won't unlock, attempt to unlock it using the ignition before contacting a mechanic or replacing the ignition cylinder. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'victoriamgclub_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-victoriamgclub_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Now that weve found out why your steering wheel is locked, were going to check out the question that youre most likely most enthusiastic about, how to unlock the steering wheel of your Nissan Altima? I was able to use the, "My wheel was locked, and slight maneuvering using the key in the ignition and a slight push to the steering wheel, "Method 1, Step 4 worked first try. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Here is how to deal with a locked steering wheel: Top 10 Worst Tire Brands to AVOID Purchasing in 2023. Or maybe you notice some stiffness or resistance when trying to steer in one direction., Unresponsive steering, which often worsens over time, often signals an issue with your. Likely, youve accidentally engaged the locking bolt in the ignition, which is an anti-theft feature modern vehicles with. You need to release your driving wheel immediately. Your regular key might not function properly because it is worn out or damaged. How Much Is A Power Steering Belt And DIY Process Of Replacing It Read Here. It might be worn down from usage, or it could have been damaged if someone tried to steal the car. If you cant figure out why your Nissan steering wheel is locked, youve come to the right place. If it does happen, it's probably due to a failure in the suspension or steering rack or column. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You can also use WD40's canned spray to free the steering lock. Keep reading to learn how to tell if you need to call a technician. As a result, when you insert the key into the ignition, the key will not turn. You might be met with resistance, but turning the steering wheel as you turn the key can help. Turn the key and turn the vehicle in the proper direction when using your key to unlock the door. This substance makes turning the steering wheel easy. How do change side mirror on my smart forfour ? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Had an older Altima (2008) that the wheels would not return when making a turn. Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the Electronic Steering Column Lock (Steering Lock Unit) on certain specific 2009 - 2010 model year Maxima and Altima vehicles. Use canned air to clean out the lock cylinder if this method worked. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Certified Subaru technicians are factory trained Nissan employees. Perhaps your Nissan is becoming difficult to turn. Sometimes your steering wheel locks up as a safety mechanism. How do I fix it? How Long Does It Take To Replace A Fuel Pump? I sincerely appreciate the professional advice I receive as a single woman. A/C fan motors were replaced with recers. This article was co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian. If no torque specs are found, tighten bolts firmly using a long handled ratchet for leverage. Unfortunately, its a very delicate tweak and when the engine dies off unexpectedly while you are driving, so does that pump. Try turning the wheel inside the opposite way and repeating steps 1 through 3, whereas if the wheel wont release and the engines wont start. Nissan owners have been fed up with not being able to start their cars due to defects in the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL). The main purpose of a locked wheel is to prevent vehicle movement when there is no key, or if the wrong key is inserted into the ignition. A steering wheel that locks while driving is likely signaling that you have a major malfunction of the. Its a condition mechanics refer to as sudden lock up and is very dangerous if it occurs while you are driving at a high speed. Why your Nissan steering wheel lock might engage. It was in no prior accidents, has 90k miles on it, I just paid 2000 at a certified Nissan dealer to have the entire steering wheel assembly (rack and pinion and tie rods) replaced. "A snowy morning on my way to work, stopped at the convenience store, came back out and tried to start the car, a key light was flashing on the dash, brake was hard to press. What are some ways to remove a steering wheel lock without the keys? It was in no prior accidents, has 90k miles on it, I just paid 2000 at a certified Nissan dealer to have the entire steering wheel assembly (rack and pinion and tye rods) replaced. savings has the answers. Things To Remember While Releasing A Steering Wheel, Overwhelming strength wont work to release your, What Should Oil Pressure Be At Idle? This can instantly get your steering wheel locked up while driving. You can also expect them to share the same problems. How to connect a phone via bluetooth to volvo v90 ? Unscrew the barrel on your Nissan Altima: The second alternative is that if you have not been able to manage the . Even after the steering wheel continues to lock up, despite being a newer car nothing is under warranty and I don't know what could possibly be wrong. Sometimes keys that are worn dont work as well., If the above tips dont pan out, theres a chance that spraying, electrical cleaner, lubricant, or canned air. Making sharp turns frequently has an effect on your cars transmission system. 23 February 2021. If you are familiar with the foundations of mechanics, this procedure is not extremely challenging. The most common reasons for a steering wheel to lock while driving are a problem with the power steering system, a steering rack/column or suspension issue, a car ignition lock problem, or sharp turns. Check that all clips are completely engaged and that they are securely fastened together. The car would not start, doors would unlock with the fob but the car would do nothing. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. A Problem With The Power Steering Pump. Nissan has sent letters to notify all owners about this recall in t. Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn. At the firewall, the mechanical linkage from the steering column is connected to a cam that drives the power steering.