[Philip Ball]

Im working on a friends 2010 cube. It wont start, wont even go into accessory mode when the start button is pushed. Just a little key light comes on.

The keys work unlocking and locking the doors.
Battery is good (even used jumper cables)
brake lights are good so brake pedal switch is good
fuses are all good

It all points to the steering wheel lock problem - the actual steering wheel is not locked (you can turn it all the way around in both directions).
I have removed the steering column covers to access the small lock module and wires.

It doesnt appear that replacement parts are easy to get, and seem expensive although I cant be sure when im looking at the right parts and have no part number. Removal isnt easy because its "theft proof". Im happy to solder and jumper and do work on the circuit board I just want to know Im getting the appropriate guidelines for a cube (other nissans seem to have similar problems but with slightly different fixes)

The DIY thread for this fix in this forum seems broken, I cant see any info in that thread - was it removed?

One video on youtube suggests using jumper wires where the little microswitches are but there are some unclear instructions about if you have to have the car running when you do parts of the operation. I may try messaging the guy in the video.

Anyone go through this?

 

[Philip Ball]

Well in the end it turned out to be the electronic steering lock.

Luckily the wheel wasnt locked so it was easy enough to take the plastics off from around the steering column.

I removed the lock using a dremel tool (cutting disc) to slot the screws from on top of the part - those security screws make life hard. I then had to open up the box which was also a pain in the ass drilling it out and opening it up. The little motor that drives the screw seems to have died and while the column wasnt locked it was halfway and not contacting the switches to tell the car it was unlocked. I removed the lock plunger and its spur gear, taped up the switches with electrical tap and re-installed.

Note: DO NOT cut the brown wire as you may have seen in some other nissan threads. It doesnt fix this particular problem on this car and just gives you one more thing to fix -

Weirdly when you put it all back together it doesnt start working right away, theres some kind of process for the car to recognize the key again, not sure what it is, but after unlocking and locking the doors a few times and getting in and out it started working. Every time you unplug the module you have to go through that process again which is frustrating.

 

[BillH]

No replies or feedback yet?

 

[Raikkonen]

Hi Philip Ball, thanks for the tip! Did you try (I guess so) also the fuse removal while open?
I understood also that if the motor wire is cut the car won't start, is it correct?

 

[Moniemore]

Im working on a friends 2010 cube. It wont start, wont even go into accessory mode when the start button is pushed. Just a little key light comes on.

The keys work unlocking and locking the doors.
Battery is good (even used jumper cables)
brake lights are good so brake pedal switch is good
fuses are all good

It all points to the steering wheel lock problem - the actual steering wheel is not locked (you can turn it all the way around in both directions).
I have removed the steering column covers to access the small lock module and wires.

It doesnt appear that replacement parts are easy to get, and seem expensive although I cant be sure when im looking at the right parts and have no part number. Removal isnt easy because its "theft proof". Im happy to solder and jumper and do work on the circuit board I just want to know Im getting the appropriate guidelines for a cube (other nissans seem to have similar problems but with slightly different fixes)

The DIY thread for this fix in this forum seems broken, I cant see any info in that thread - was it removed?

One video on youtube suggests using jumper wires where the little microswitches are but there are some unclear instructions about if you have to have the car running when you do parts of the operation. I may try messaging the guy in the video.

Anyone go through this?

I am having this same issue today. Dealer is charging me $1146 to fix it!!

 

[Ray Boxer Cherry]

I had the same issue. It’s a really easy fix to do it for yourself. The dealership wanted to charge a lot. Anyhow. There’s a YouTube video on how to fix it.

 

[Ray Boxer Cherry]

 

[Ray Boxer Cherry]

That piece in the middle is what’s locking the steering wheel. I’ll get the link and post it for ya

 

[Ray Boxer Cherry]

 

[Ray Boxer Cherry]

The only problem is that the key light stays in in the dash. I’ve been driving mine for about 2 years now and have had zero issues since.

 

[Raikkonen]

Hi guys, I still haven't had the issue but I'd like to prevent it.
The wire cut is sometimes called pink wire, sometimes brown wire, but I know for sure that the color is not a good reference. OEM's tend to change the colors (I work for an oem).
Has somebody tried to cut the pin number 1? Pin position can't change.

In addition, I know somebody used an emulator for an Altima on the Cube, and that solved the issue.

 

[Robert Santucci]

I Did like the video shows except my board needs to see the motor. Seems to be working fine other than the KEY light on. Put all back in metal box and mounted back to column. I was not able to put one of the board screws back in due to the tape around the micro switches covering the screw hole, and I did need to trim off a tab on the box cover due to the tape holding the switch buttons down being in the way as well. Also not a bad idea to get 2 new micro switches and relays. also check the 2 capacitors...I had to change them both. About $40 or so all in and some soldering skills....electronic components fail.

 

[Cube2020]

Found this forum online, after I paid $1500 CAD to repair this at the dealership

 

[Skullface]

Yeah, it's not hard to fix it by yourself, but only if you know what are you doing. A steering lock is an anti-theft mechanism that is standard on modern vehicles. It is normally mounted beneath the steering wheel on the steering column. The lock is integrated with the ignition switch and can be activated and deactivated mechanically or electrically via the vehicle's electronic control unit. Sometimes you won't be able to it by yourself, in these cases I use to call a locksmith Singapore to unlock it for me.

 

[Lyayozoce]

I hate dealerships. An overprice for 5min deals.

 

[RyanPaterson]

Yeah, they would rather change the whole lock system than actually fix a problem. "One video on youtube suggests using jumper wires where the little microswitches are, but there are some unclear instructions about if you have to have the car running when you do parts of the operation" - seems like we saw the same video. I also didn't get it. Eventually, I used my local locksmith service mylocallocksmithtx.com, but the curiosity hasn't gone. I assume jumper wires must be applied in a non-started car and only then be tested.