02' Infiniti ignition switch locked and car won't start

[shunjohns]

I have searched the forum and couldn't find a solution. I drove my car home from work and parked it. The next morning, my ignition switch was locked. When I inserted the key the steering wheel and driver side seat adjusted but the key wouldn't turn. I disconnected the positive post from the battery, in an attempt to reset the system. Now the steering wheel and the seat has stopped responding. However, I did notice prior to this problem, it started to drag upon starting as if the battery was becoming weak, due to cold weather. Please help me.

Modified by shunjohns at 12:11 AM 11/14/2007

Modified by shunjohns at 12:14 AM 11/14/2007
Modified by shunjohns at 12:16 AM 11/14/2007

[shunjohns]

I have searched the forum and couldn't find a solution. I drove my car home from work and parked it. The next morning, my ignition switch was locked. When I inserted the key the steering wheel and driver side seat adjusted but the key wouldn't turn. I disconnected the positive post from the battery, in an attempt to reset the system. Now the steering wheel and the seat has stopped responding. However, I did notice prior to this problem, it started to drag upon starting as if the battery was becoming weak, due to cold weather. Please help me.

Modified by shunjohns at 12:11 AM 11/14/2007

Modified by shunjohns at 12:14 AM 11/14/2007

Modified by shunjohns at 12:16 AM 11/14/2007

[bullittandy]

Wiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key.

[shunjohns]

I tried that also and it didn't work.

[Q451990]

What's the battery voltage? Might be low voltage messing with you...

Heath

[shunjohns]

Hey Heath,

Thanks for replying. I went ahead and replaced the battery because it was bad, but it didn't solve the problem. I also checked the ignition fuses and they all appeared to be fine. When I remove the internal key from the key fob and insert it into the ignition it turns but the engine just spins, but using the key fob the ignition remains locked. Has anyone had this problem before, if so please help.

[Q45tech]

What the Infiniti 100k extended warranty is designed to pay for those exotic electrical gremlins. A trip on a flatbed to dealer.

[shunjohns]

Ok thanks..

[Q451990]

I haven't heard of this unfortunately. I assume you don't have the warranty coverage - so I would download the FSM from http://www.phatg20.net if you want to try to do some diagnostic work yourself. I guess the 02 is finally getting old enough to see our first batch of problems...

Heath

[ahzeem]

I have the same problem with my 2003 Q45. I changed the battery before going to work and now the key fob will not turn the ignition from the locked position.

Is there something that needs to be reset in the system giggigling the stering wheel is not the answer... please advise.

[Q451990]

I still don't have a good answer... just a new link for the FSM. www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

When you find the solution, please post it! As you can tell, that can be very helpful to other members in the future.

Heath

[Draperyman25]

Just got a 2003 q. Same thing happened to me. By pure luck I found a blown dome light fuse. Changed it - problem solved. Carlos

[Q451990]

Interesting... thanks for posting.

to NICO!

[lmheim]

I have an 02 and recently had a similar issue that may or may not be the same as what you are experiencing. For me, the battery was fine and all the electronics worked and the key turned in the ignition, but the starter would not engage or make any noise. However, the car starts up if I keep turning the key to start it up. What works best is to wait for the driver seat to stop moving as it gets into its present position, then turn the key rapidly back and forth until the starter engages. It takes 15-20 seconds of doing this sometimes, other times 2-3 seconds. There seems to be a problem with the starter solenoid that is common to the 02-03 models. The only fix is a new starter for $500 minimum because it is in a difficult location to access.

You might also want to make sure that the brake-shift lock doohickey is working as well. With the key turned on, push the brake pedal - you should hear a slight clicking noise in the console at the shifter. If you don't, that might be something to look into.

Finally, have you tried another key fob? Remember that these have a microchip in them and if the car doesn't properly sense that chip, the ignition won't work. I dropped the fob in a parking lot a couple months ago and it split open - as if I was changing the battery. But the small trapezoid shaped chip came out and I didn't realize it at the time. I put the fob back together without the chip (unknowingly) and the car was completely dead. It took me awhile before I figured out what the deal was and was very fortunate to have found the chip again.

Good luck.

[Dachristianman]

Imheim, sounds like your starter is going out. Don't pay the $500, do it yourself. It's not easy, but if you have a good set of tools and some time, you can do it. The hardest part is getting to the top bolt. You have to disconnect the passenger side motor mount, lift the engine slightly and access the top starter bolt from the front of the engine with multiple extensions. I bought a starter from a low-mileage Q45 off of car hyphen part dot com for $35 or something like that and it was an OEM starter that had been refurbished. After replacing it, I've had no further problems.

To the original poster, please post what the final answer was. It would be nice to know what caused your problem for future posters.

Tom