09AltDawg wrote:Update: The car is at the dealership and the are saying that they need to replace the steering mechanism as it has malfunctioned. I am just baffled as to how this all of a sudden happens. They ran the diagnostic and this is the code they are getting back as the issue. Hopefully this will solve my issue, but it already proving to be too costly for my liking. If anybody out there knows anything about this issue please comment.
Below is what the manual said about the warning light that came on in the car:
NISSAN Intelligent Key
warning light
The Intelligent Key warning light warns of a malfunction
with the electrical steering lock system
or the Intelligent Key system.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
If the light comes on while the engine is stopped,
it may not be possible to free the steering lock or
to start the engine. If the light comes on while the
engine is running, you can drive the vehicle. However,
in these cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for
repair as soon as possible.
See NISSAN Intelligent Key in the Predriving
checks and adjustments section.
HKlyce wrote:Was having the same problem. I got the connector off and used a small screw driver to pressed the clips on the ends of the wire harness deeper into the connector. Works fine now. Thanks!
statikanetik wrote:I got my car to start. I bought jumper cables because I thought it might be a battery issue because of the way the electronics was responding, but I am not sure if that was the problem. While I had the jumper cables attached I also tried the trick to shake the steering wheel up and down and in and out and it started. I tried the shaking method before without the jumpers on and it did not work, but maybe it was just a lucky shake when I had the jumpers on. So, just in case I let my car charge for about 30 minutes, and I drove a few miles. Throughout driving the Electronic Key Warning light stayed solid on. When I parked and hit the power button my car did not turn off, but the warning light went away, ok... So then I hit the power button again and the car turned off. I hit the ignition button to turn it on and it did turn it on fine and I did not see the warning light.
From what I have determined about the Steering Locking device is that there is just a fault in the wiring harness, and it sounds like a connection has come loose. Can anyone confirm this? HKlyce, is this what you were referring too? If this is the case then it should be an easy fix and a complete waste of money to have you car towed and the lock replaced. I am USAF based in England so I don't have the luxury of a US Nissan dealership, yes there is Nissan in England but they don't sell Altimas here so they are unfamiliar with my car, and it would cost a lot more to do the work. Also, my AC is an 08. I found this useful, http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/altima/2 ... -work.html.
09AltDawg wrote:Update: The car is at the dealership and the are saying that they need to replace the steering mechanism as it has malfunctioned. I am just baffled as to how this all of a sudden happens. They ran the diagnostic and this is the code they are getting back as the issue. Hopefully this will solve my issue, but it already proving to be too costly for my liking. If anybody out there knows anything about this issue please comment.
Below is what the manual said about the warning light that came on in the car:
NISSAN Intelligent Key
warning light
The Intelligent Key warning light warns of a malfunction
with the electrical steering lock system
or the Intelligent Key system.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
If the light comes on while the engine is stopped,
it may not be possible to free the steering lock or
to start the engine. If the light comes on while the
engine is running, you can drive the vehicle. However,
in these cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for
repair as soon as possible.
See NISSAN Intelligent Key in the Predriving
checks and adjustments section.
funkee wrote:When you hit the Engine start button, without pressing the brake (or clutch) are you able to change modes? If so, you might be able to reprogram a new FOB (the key). It could very well be an issue with the FOB itself, despite what the diagnostic code says.
how-to-info-reset-ecu-pull-codes-reset- ... 25400.html
Ask them what the OBD II (OBD 2) code is, and research the issue yourself.
Could be an easy fix (disconnect battery for 10-15 min) and try again. If you have a spare key, try that too. If not, they could be right - that it is a steering lock failure. It has been known to happen to Altimas.
You could also try what this guy did with his GT-R... gently persuade the steering lock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBcj5DuqR4Q
If your car is at the dealership, talk to a manager before they replace something expensive. The part itself is about $450-$650. Ask the manager if they are sure that its the steering mechanism, and that they aren't just guessing. They'll of course say they're 100% sure. When they do, get them to guarantee it in writing; that if what they're about to install doesn't fix the issue - you don't pay for that part or the labor (of installation).
Make sure you tell them that you're not going to pay them to do trial and error. Don't be afraid to push them around and ask for your car back - even if it doesn't start. The fact that it doesn't start is leverage for them to do more repairs than might ultimately be necessary. If you're not happy, demand to speak to a supervisor. And you can always throw down with Consumer Affairs - 800-647-7261.
Don't let them sucker you into paying for the parts and labor - only for them to later say it must be something else. If they don't know how to fix something, don't end up paying for their training. And if you can help it at all, go to a private mechanic - unless you have a warranty for them to honor.
Dallman22 wrote:Thought I might chime in here...new user. I just got back from the dealership with my Altima and mine was doing the exact same thing. Intelligent key light would come on but the car wouldn't start or do anything, but the lock/unlock feature would still work. After a short diagnosis, the tech informed me it was the steering lock motor, which is more common than people think...it malfunctioned in the off/lock position. The part was $500 and with labor and a tow bill, the total was $801. The tech said there is nothing you can do to bypass it, just have to replace it. Hope this helps someone.
If you read mid way above there is a recall on this or at least a reimbursement from Nissan for getting this exact part fixed (steering lock). Ask your dealer about this before you dish out any cash!prattmic wrote:Had the same no start problem with my 2009 altima yesturday. Towed to dealer and they are saying its the ignition lock assembly. Close to 700.00 to fix.