strange noise coming from the steering wheel?

[balancesheet]

Got into my first car accident last week – minor damage to the driver side mirror, driver side fender and rim. My insurance company fixed the damages in several days and also realigned the tire. Today as I was driving, I noticed a vibration noise from the steering wheel (or around it) when I accelerate. It sounded like something is hitting each other. I guess I will ask the dealer to take a look when I go in for my routine service but wanted to get some advice from your guys first.

I it possible that the body shop did something to the steering wheel when they aligned the tires or painted the door? Or when they replaced the driver side mirror? I did noticed some white paint (my car is black) below the steering wheel when I picked up the car. Any thoughts on this mysterious noise or how I should investigate?

[balancesheet]

After several days of investigation - the noise is coming from the turn signal – I think it is the wire connecting the turn signal and the steering wheel that’s vibrating. I took the car to the dealer this morning. Let’s see if they can find out what the problem is.

[balancesheet]

Noise problem fixed and this is what Nissan wrote on paper - "Tech found loose ASCD switch - secured now". Not exactly sure what it means but I am happy that the noise is gone.

[philipa_240sx]

"Tech found loose ASCD switch - secured now". Not exactly sure what it means but I am happy that the noise is gone.

ASCD (Automatic Speed Control Device) = Cruise Control

The Japanese have a weird way of naming things.

My favorite Nissan acronym:

ATESSA-ETS

Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain - Electronic Torque Split

In layman's terms, it's the electronically controlled AWD used in Nissan/Infiniti vehicles. The Rogue's AWD would be included in this, but lately Nissan seems to reserve this acronym for Infiniti models and the GT-R.