Infiniti M35X Steering Column Lock 2007

[mental69]

I have been having an intermittent failure with the ESCL (Electronic Steering Column Lock) on my 2007 m35x.
The problem is that the lock intermittently fails to release. The car is a push button start, so when the ESCL doesn't unlock, the car will not start, and a key icon flashes on the console.
I know this is the problem, because when it fails, I can tap on the ESCL (gold box under the dash on the steering wheel column) and it will release and the car starts.

You can't buy this part through infiniti. I took it to the dealer and they told me I needed to buy the entire steering wheel column. When I purchased one, they removed the ESCL from that column and tried to install it. However, they said the part was also bad. I have since ordered to other replacement ESCL's removed from working vehicles of the same model and year (2007 m35x with adaptive steering control) and they claim these parts also are not working.

I'm wondering if the Infiniti technician is missing something? I took it to infiniti knowing that the replacement would likely require reprogramming, but clearly something is not being done right.

Anyone else have this issue resolved in the past?

Casey - Denver

[EdBwoy]

Similar issue? Sort of - 06-m45-bricked-key-icon-on-dash-pushbut ... l#p6765976

Clarify this for me. You are keeping the original steering column and replacing the lock modules only, correct?

You mentioned Infiniti. Is this who is doing the work?
Did they attempt to program all your key fob right after installing the new lock module?


This one is out of curiosity - how are they removing the module from the steering column, sawing it off?

[mental69]

Infinity dealer is doing the work.
They are installing the ESCL onto the original steering column.
The removed the bolts and are attaching with new snap-off bolts.

Reprogramming after installation.

Casey

[EdBwoy]

Ok, that seems like a lot of labor time to me... but I dont have the tools they have. Personally, I found it easier to swap the entire steering column and then try to program the lock while there. I have no idea if the module has a security feature in addition or connected to those break away bolts that renders it useless once removed.

It's pretty cool that they are OK with installing walk-in parts, especially used electronic ones.
Tapping the box to make it work seems pretty straightforward of a test to me, but did they also diagnose the issue to confirm that that is indeed the culprit?