Ignition Locked Up

Havey81 · 05-09-2009, 12:59 PM

Need some help. After simply replacing a fog lamp bulb, my steering wheel is locked up and my ignition won't turn at all. I tried following the manual's instructions for unlocking the steering wheel to no avail. Any ideas on how to get it unlocked? Has anybody else had this problem?

It's a 2004 crew cab LE. Long time reader - first time poster.
Thanks for your help!

bmbroker · 05-09-2009, 01:07 PM

Welcome to TT. I had the same happen. I don't think it has anything to do with changing a bulb. The salesman said I had parked it in a bind. Had to shake the steering wheel back and forth....hard and that freed the ignition up. Also, he said rocking the vehicle would work. Good luck.

Havey81 · 05-09-2009, 01:56 PM

That worked! I was apparently just "jiggling" the steering wheel too lightly - a couple good hard shakes and it freed up.

To clarify on the lamp, I had disconnected the battery to change it and wondered if that might have impacted it. But, more than likely I just bumped and locked the steering column.

Thanks for your quick response!

PADDY49 · 05-13-2009, 10:53 AM

I also have the ignition locked up. I tried to shake the steering wheel back and forth as hard as I can, but no luck. Does anyone have another idea? Thanks

Havey81 · 05-14-2009, 07:09 AM

just to clarify - you need to turn the key while turning the steering wheel as well.

mcginkleschmidt · 05-14-2009, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Havey81

just to clarify - you need to turn the key while turning the steering wheel as well.

Oops!

LOL, it that doesn't work then pull out the sledge hammer!

HRTKD · 05-14-2009, 07:15 AM

Good point Havey. My experience is that if it's "stuck" then you need to pull the steering wheel steadily to one side and then turn the key.

Allybabe_18 · 05-14-2009, 09:00 AM

push the brake right to the floor, wiggle the gearshift while trying to turn the key. I had mine lock up at the mall and nothing worked so I called Nissan Canada and they told me sometimes if you push the lock buttons wrong it will lock down the wheel into safe mode. Worked for me. Good luck.

mp_cs · 05-14-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Havey81

That worked! I was apparently just "jiggling" the steering wheel too lightly - a couple good hard shakes and it freed up.

To clarify on the lamp, I had disconnected the battery to change it and wondered if that might have impacted it. But, more than likely I just bumped and locked the steering column.

Thanks for your quick response!

For what reason would you disconnect the battery?

PADDY49 · 05-15-2009, 06:06 AM

Thank you all so much for all your suggestions. I finally had to call my mechanic and even he couldn't get it to release. Luckily, it is under warranty, so the dealer towed it away last night. It was either that or the sledge hammer! lol
I'll let you know if there is anything else that could have been done.

PADDY49 · 05-15-2009, 07:22 AM

Hi again.
I forgot to mention the fact that I contacted Nissan with my question about the ignition lock. I explained it all to the "live chat". After I entered my question, it asked me how much I wanted to "pay for the tech's answer" The minimum "cost" was $9.00...what!! I again want to thank this forum for all your help--at no cost!

PADDY49 · 05-15-2009, 07:33 AM

Sooo tempting lol

PADDY49 · 05-15-2009, 07:41 AM

That "so tempting" post was for mcginkleschmidt-- and boy was I tempted!
lol