steering locked-up

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10-23-2002, 01:56 PM

sailit2000

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Join Date: Oct 2002

Posts: 6

STEERING LOCKED-UP

Hello,
Today after work I tried to start my 2000 Maxima. I had to turn the wheel until it clicked into a stop. That was strange, first time for that. I then tried to turn the key. There was no movement with the key. The chimes went off as I inserted the key. (The key worked in the door lock.) I wiggled the wheel from lock to lock. Still I could not get the key to turn. I stepped on the brake and wiggled the wheel to the right until it hit the lock and tried again. No luck, it was locked-up tight. Turned it the other way and experienced the same results. I can't get the key to turn at all. Has anyone experienced this problem? I need some serious help! Thanks
Fran

The key would not turn!

10-23-2002, 01:58 PM

jjs

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2001

Posts: 4,968

Re: steering locked-up

Quote:

Originally posted by sailit2000
Hello,
Today after work I try to start my 2k Maxima. I had to turn the wheel until it click into a stop. I then tried to turn the key but I could not get it to turn. I stepped on the brake and turned the wheel to the right until it hit the lock and tried again. Turned it the other way and experienced the same results. I can't get the key to turn at all. Has anyone experienced this problem? I need so serious help! Thanks
Fran

I had something similar happen to me once. Just once.

Took some pulling and turning of the wheel but it did work itself out and has not happened since.

10-23-2002, 02:02 PM

fhaze_max

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Join Date: Sep 2002

Posts: 306

The wheel needs to be in a "free" state. Make sure it is not "bumped" up against the locks. It should be in the middle. Then you can turn the key.

10-23-2002, 02:13 PM

Tripower

Senior Member

Join Date: Aug 2002

Posts: 209

Locked ignition???

Are you refering to the steering being locked or the ignition locked to where the key won't move?

A few weeks ago I had the ignition lock up on my 2K2 Max. I tried every trick in the book to get the key to engage and it wouldn't. I wound up having the car towed to a dealer where they replaced the ignition. It took them 10 days to find the part and replace it. Luckily the car is under warranty and they paid for the tow and the rental car.

When my wife asked if this was a problem, the writer said no. Now I'm no so sure...

Please let us know how you resolve it.

10-23-2002, 02:24 PM

acMAX

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,378

was your car still in drive?

10-23-2002, 02:55 PM

Tripower

Senior Member

Join Date: Aug 2002

Posts: 209

Quote:

Originally posted by acMAX
was your car still in drive?

In my case, no. I went to start the car and the ignition wouldn't budge. I used the lockout to shift it into neutral to try to rock the steering free as I thought that may have been it. BTW, the wheels were straight, so I knew I was screwed when the key wouldn't move!

10-23-2002, 03:12 PM

sailit2000

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Join Date: Oct 2002

Posts: 6

Tripower,
How do I use the shift-lock on my car? Where is this gadget located and will I be able to place the car into neutral? I need to move it from its current location.
Thanks,
Fran

10-30-2002, 09:48 PM

AMIXAM2k

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Join Date: Oct 2002

Posts: 1

steering locked

Long time viewer new to posting.

Happy with my max until this. I am having the same problem.

Tripower, did the dealer ever say what was the cause?

Had it towed to the dealer no ETR waiting for new ignition.