Sight unseen, no keys 2011 M56s – What did I get myself into?

[habibi]

First and foremost, thank you for maintaining this site. Everything I've learnt I've learnt from here.

I bought a sight unseen 2011 M56s at an auction. Expecting the delivery tomorrow. Supposedly it has been abandoned for at least a couple of years, then impounded and auctioned. The battery's dead, the key's lost and the steering wheel's locked.

Here's my plan:
Replace the battery
Program a new key via NDS III
Get the steering to unlock and remove the fuse so it never locks again since it's a known weak point
Remove the spark plugs, check the engine condition

And if everything's good then off it goes to a garage for new oils all-around, brakes and tires.

What are the potential obstacles that might arise in the process and what other actions do you recommend to take? I know that the Steering Lock Module is a weak spot. And keep my fingers crossed that 4WAS in not faulty.

[VStar650CL]

For one thing, you're overlooking the fuel. After two years it's bound to be largely varnish. When we see vehicles like that at the dealership, if the fuel pump is easily accessed (which it is on your M), we pull the pump, dump a gallon of SeaFoam in the tank (yes, they do sell it in gallon jugs), and stir it up thoroughly. We jump the pump to make sure it still runs free, and if it runs but badly, we recirculate it in a pan of SeaFoam until it runs free. Then we pop the fuel line loose at the engine box (in your case at the high pressure pump) and blow through to make sure it's clear. I don't think you'll have issues past the HPFP, with all the pressure they generate the SeaFoam from the tank will usually clear things.

Aside from that, depending how it was stored, you may have serious issues with rotten rubber. Check all of it wherever you find it.

[habibi]

Thank you! That's a very valuable advice. However, Sea Foam is pretty hard to find across the pond and it's around $40/500 ml. I guess any injector/carburetor cleaning agent will do?

Regarding the rubber – oh yeah, I've discouraged so many people from buying abandoned cars for this exact reason, yet fell for this trap myself

[VStar650CL]

Yep, if you can't find SeaFoam then anything that breaks up varnish will do.

[Ilya]

Get the steering to unlock and remove the fuse so it never locks again since it's a known weak point

More info on this? What models are impacted by this and what causes it? I have a 2011 M56x and never had an issue - 145kmi now.

[VStar650CL]

I dunno about Infiniti, but Nissan killed the bad steering locks with the '11 model year. The '08~'09's and some of the '10's were the last ones to have them.

[habibi]

What I've read is that the actuator motor in the steering lock module wears out over time. Then one day you get in the car and the steering doesn't unlock.

[VStar650CL]

The parts book says your '11 has one, p/n 48700-1NC0A, but the replacement shows what I think is a dummy unit, p/n DHGMM-1NC1A. So yes, it would be a good idea to eliminate it.

[Ilya]

The parts book says your '11 has one, p/n 48700-1NC0A, but the replacement shows what I think is a dummy unit, p/n DHGMM-1NC1A. So yes, it would be a good idea to eliminate it.

Interesting. I guess I'll be hunting for the fuse in the FSM soon unless one of you already knows which one it is?

[VStar650CL]

Fuse 48 in the IPDM:

[Ilya]

Thanks for the quick assist!

[VStar650CL]

[Q70sGuy]

The parts book says your '11 has one, p/n 48700-1NC0A, but the replacement shows what I think is a dummy unit, p/n DHGMM-1NC1A. So yes, it would be a good idea to eliminate it.

Wait are you saying that my 2015 has no steering lock lol

[VStar650CL]

Wait are you saying that my 2015 has no steering lock lol

Yep. WD's show no ESCL after the '12 MY.

[habibi]

Standing in front of the car right now. More issues than I anticipated, but too early to give up on it. At least it comes to life after plugging in the battery. And the oil is not a milkshake. How do I disable the alarm? Alarm fuses are not there. And the relay doesn’t want to be pulled out. Where exactly is that magic clip to pull it out? Urgent response is very welcome.

[VStar650CL]

Put the hard key in the driver's door and unlock it. The cylinder switch kills the alarm.

[VStar650CL]

PS - If you don't even have a hard key, any Nissan/Infiniti dealer can pull up the key-cut code from your VIN and cut you one.