2007 Sentra Power Steering Problems!

[mdwarren]

Bought a new 07 Sentra 2.0 in July. About 3 times in August, I would start it and the PS (Power Steering) light would come on and I didn't have power steering. If I turned the car off and back on, sometimes it would go out, other times, I'd have to jerk the steering wheel and it would go out. Last Thursday, I started the car and the PS light stayed on - would not go out - I had to have it towed Friday morning to dealership, thinking it would be too dangerous to drive too far with no Power Steering. Tow Truck driver even had problems getting it up on truck and out of its parking space due to steering. Once the dealership had the vehicle, they called twice on Friday and stated they had no lights on dash, no error codes and car test drove fine! I picked it up Saturday and drove it all day with no issues. Today, Sunday (10/14), I took it out and it was fine. When I went to come home from store, same thing - PS light on - no power steering. Once I got it home, I turned it off and restarted it and it was fine. Tried it again, and the PS light came back on. Anyone have ANY ideas? The car is less than 4 months old! Thanks!

[gotak]

You just have to keep going back. The 2007 has the new electric power steering and in your case it might just be something in that mass of electronics that's wonky.

If it's possible to drive safely to the dealer without power steering it might be a good idea to take it there next time you see it and they are open. Since turning the car on and off seems to hide the problem.

[yourtopdog]

I purchased a Sentra SE R in July 2007 and experienced my first steering problem on December 28-07. I live close to the dealer so I drove the car directly there but after the car was restarted the problem corrected itself and then could not be found. I think if you are stuck, try restarting the car to see if the problem temporally corrects itself.

[nametakennow]

Definitely take it to the dealer next time it happens.

Driving without PS is fine. It makes low speed turning difficult, but as long as the wheels are rolling it's quite manageable. Just take it easy and it's completely safe.

[mdwarren]

The power steering light on my 2007 Sentra stayed on and I was able to drive it to the dealership and they had to replace the entire steering column and power steering motor. But, with new column, it seems kind of clunky when I hit bumps. At least the light doesn't come on and I have power steering. The resolution for the power steering - you have to drive it in with the PS light on and the power steering failing - make sure they do not turn off your car in the service area.

[Sals Dad]

I just got a call from my wife; she got into her SpecV (1000 miles on it) and the power steering didn't work. PS idiot light on the dash was on.

A quick Google turned up this thread, and I suggested turning off and re-starting - it worked!

We'll see what the dealer has to say... I doubt they'll be able to replicate the problem, but at least we'll have it on file.

According to the sales literature, the SpecV has "specially tuned power steering". Anybody know if this is a different unit, or done in the software?

ThanksSal's Dad

[mdwarren]

Mine got so bad that I was finally able, after 3 months, to drive it to the dealership while the light was on. I filed a complaint with Nissan and they contacted the dealer in my behalf, so they knew I was on my way. When I originally had the vehicle towed, it went to a dealer that I did not buy it from and they would not help me - even though it was under warranty AND less that 8,000 miles on it! Which makes me question the reason for warranties if they only allow you to be towed to the nearest dealer - if they aren't going to help you, why are you paying for this?!

In any event, I had to have the entire steering column replaced along with some motor. However, to this day, whenever I hit a bump, make a hard left turn or brake suddenly, the steering column jerks, clunks and makes a strange noise and feels funny. I returned it to the dealer with this issue and they had it for 3 days - the outcome? Bring it back when its not raining - we couldn't really test it in the rain. I think something bigger is going on here!

Another issue - my complete sound system went out. They had to replace the entire CD/Radio/in-dash system - with bluetooth. Again, they had it for 3 days - just for this.

Good luck!

[northhoustonser]

every single sentra has this problem... and nissan will fix it. mine was fixed already. the thing is that you have to make it do the sound when the tech drives it or is in the car with you. what works is if you drive the car and make a left hand turn (turn wheel all the way) and make sure u are going 5mph or less and it will make a humming/rubbing/vibrating sound. that is the only way to make the problem stand out. what it is is the power steering box and they have to replace the whole steering column to correct it since the two parts are attached. nissan should already have a tsb for this issue since so many of them have gotten replaced.

[mdwarren]

Problem is, I did not have this noise or feeling in the steering until AFTER Nissan "fixed" the power steering problem by replacing the steering column and the power steering box. The problem I was having was I had NO power steering and the Power Sterring (PS) light kept coming on when I started the car. Turning the car off and then back on, resolved the problem temporarily until it got too bad and then wouldn't resolve it so I had to drive it without PS to the dealership and they had the car for over a week - replacing the 2 items above. Now, when ever I hit a bump, turn sharp or apply the brakes suddenly, I get this vibration, clunking, noise/feeling in the steering wheel. Maybe I got another bum part? I mean, what does the weather have to do with them not being able to fix this? I was told to bring it back when it wasn't raining.

[Sals Dad]

My wife just got out of the dealer.

They said there is a technical service bulletin, indicating that if the power steering goes out "more than once", the steering column assembly should be replaced.

They have ordered the part ($2,800) and will install it on Tuesday. Hopefully they will have the right (SpecV) part; they will be bummed if they have to do it twice.

Sal's Dad

[Willy Lump Lump]

Well... seems like '07 Sentras are not the only ones with this problem. I have just purchased an '08, I have 1000 miles on it, and it has no PS. Not only that, but I also had to take the car to the dealer as the problem was happening. They will not just take your word for it...

Guess what... I won't be a Sentra owner for very long. I hope they hold thier trade-in value with under 1500 miles on them.

Junk!

[Sals Dad]

had to take the car to the dealer as the problem was happening. They will not just take your word for it...

Well that is BS. Don't put up with it. And make sure you keep a record of every time you report the problem, and they try to find/fix it.

When I called for an appointment, I told the tech that this problem is being discussed all over the newsgroups, and that he should check for a TSB BEFORE the car came in. My wife drove in, described the problem, and they ordered the parts and scheduled the installation, no questions.

Unfortunately, I drove it the other day, and, having fun, turned HARD into my driveway. There was an awful groan/shudder. So first chance I will take it out and see if there is something up.

I don't know about the Lemon Laws where you are, but here, they have 3 chances to fix a serious problem like this, and then the lemon law kicks in. You might check your state AG's website...

[mdwarren]

In Maryland, it specifically states that if the problem has to do with braking or STEERING, they only have to try to fix it ONCE.

"When a new car, light duty truck, motorcycle or multi-purpose vehicle has been "repaired" for the same problem four or more times, or the vehicle has been out of service for at least 30 days for repairs, under the warranty, you are entitled to a new vehicle or a refund for the vehicle you have bought. If the problem involves the steering or braking system, only one attempt to repair it is required."

[nissanpartsguy2011]

I work in the Nissan parts dept for a dealership. This issue is an issue with the electric power steering motor that is ONLY available as part of the steering column. If you have to buy this part it isn't cheap-around $1700 + labor. If you are going to try and get Nissan to warranty it there inlies a problem. They must be able to duplicate the issue and since shutting the car off and restarting it seems to "reset" the system it's tough for them to warranty it. I would suggest if anyone has this same issue they need to try and safely drive the vehicle in, DO NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF and see what happens.