Hi everyone! I didn’t bother to search the message board (sorry), but I am in desperate need of a resolution. I bought my 2009 Maxima (I believe it’s an SV) last year after my Jeep died in February (2021). Overall I haven’t had any issues with the car. Since I bought it obviously used, I’ve replaced the brakes, battery and starter (we’ll get into that in a second). Things that I know I need to have replaced: Caliper. (I think I got the CV axle replaced).

Since September of last year I’ve had temporary issues with the car not wanting to start. I press down on the brake, press the button.. nothing. It’ll go from lock-acc-on, back to lock or acc. After trying 2826273 times, it’ll finally crank. I’ve placed the key fob in the slot, I’ve replaced the battery - still having issues. I had the starter replaced last year, thinking that would solve the issue. Nope. My mechanic is saying that it’s an issue with the car not reading the fob, but to me, if the car is locking/unlocking, it’s reading? Also, he said that pressing the alarm button helps - it doesn’t. I still have to press the push button at least a couple of more times.

It’s starting to cause anxiety for me, because I can’t stand to be stranded anywhere.

Does anybody have any advice? Or know what could be the root cause? Also, sometimes when this happens, the gear shift will lock up to where I have to press the emergency thing to make it shift. Currently, the ABS lights are on, but I know that’s due to the caliper.

 

Sounds like the steering wheel lock recall may not have been performed.

 

Could be a failing steering wheel lock as the Lt said. One way to find out if the recall has been done or if the lock is failing is after you get the car started go into the engine bay, pop the fuse box cover and pull the 10-amp fuse labeled Steering Wheel Lock while the car is running. The fuse position is clearly labeled on the fuse box cover. After you shut the car off, restart it and see if the problem persists.

 

Thank you to both! Regarding this comment, I’m not a mechanic by far. Would this be considered an easy fix, or would it need to go to the Nissan dealership?

 

Ok, lets find out if you actually have a steering wheel lock. Get in the car and without touching the starter try to turn the steering wheel. If it is locked up solid then the steering wheel lock is still in place. My car has had the wheel lock recall done and you can turn the steering wheel somewhat although it is hard when the engine is off. The steering wheel lock is part of the car's anti theft component. If the steering wheel is locked the car will not start. The 2009/2010 model years this locking system became such a problem Nissan issued a recall to replace the locking system. People were having the problems you are experiencing eventually failing where the steering wheel lock would not unlock leaving the driver stranded. The fix I stated above is a temporary fix, and is as simple as pulling a fuse. the permanent fix is having the recall completed.

 

Thank you! My apologies for the delay in response. My wheel has a slight turn to move left and right, but it will not budge, if that makes sense.

 

No recall ☹️ And to specify, when I called Nissan Consumer Affairs, my VIN wasn’t one that was selected to have the recall.

 

Seems you ignored this post.

 

The link below provides the information on the service Campaign bulletin to fix this steering lock issue. However is has an expiration date which is already passed.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...73584-0001.pdf