This is my first youtube comment ever. I did this trick as instructed in the video. It really worked!!! My wife's Nissan Altima 09 wouldn't start yesterday (coldest day of the year in new England) , 3 year old and 2 year old in the back seat and it's 5 degrees outside. And Nissan claims this issue is not a safety matter... Anyways dealer wanted 1100 dollars. I had the car towed back to my house today and had the issue fixed in 30 minutes. Thank you so soo much. I'll post again ina few weeks if the car continues to work. Thanks Again!!!!

Just want to say thank you for posting this video. Me, as a woman had to figure out why my 09 altima wouldn’t start. I watched your video and was able to remove part and went through the steps as stated in your video. My car turned on, I removed fuse and put car back together. Hoping from here on no problems. And for the record I called dealership, they said there was a champion on that part and would fix at no charge but I had to get car there.... well obviously it won’t start if I’m having this problem. Took your tips, car started, removed fuse. Got different screws to put part back on, so far car is starting, no problems. Thanks!!!

After a short weekend getaway to Brooklyn, I try to to start the car to travel 200miles back home to Boston and it wouldn't start. Mechanics of course are closed on Sunday's so I thought I'd have to spend another night until I could have it diagnosed. This tutorial saved the grief and I'm up and running! Thanks so much Rick!

The info in this video was valuable - saved me at least $600! Thanks! I think the fuse fix works for some ESCL failure types but not others... It did not work for me. Important tips: - The screws/bolts holding the ESCL in place have round heads with no slot of any kind. They're not in very tight, so you have to grab the outside of the round head with pliers and get them turning. I couldn't do it, but my son got them out! Someone suggested that bent needle-nose pliers would help. - the Steering Lock fuse is located in the larger of the two fuse boxes under the hood, on the driver's side. - I had to press the wedge/shaft thing in really hard, ALL THE WAY DOWN. Pushing with a screwdriver didn't seem to work. But I put a large nut on top of the shaft and then pushed and clamped it down hard using vice-grips. This worked. - disconnect the wires and remove the ESCL from the car to do the clamping. Then reconnect the wires with the vice-grip attached to test it. With the shaft clamped down the car started perfectly! At this point I tried removing the fuse and then releasing the vice-grip. When I took the vice-grip off, the shaft came back up to nearly level with the casing. And the car wouldn't start. With the clamp back in place the car started. No fuse. Hmmm. This part works for some problems, but not for mine. So I thought about how to hold the thing down firmly, maybe forever. I clamped the shaft down to the bottom position. Then I drilled a small hole through the side of the casing down towards the shaft, and screwed a screw through the hole until it pressed on the shaft. The case is aluminum (soft), so the screw threaded the hole nicely. Finally, as Rick described at the end of the video, I did not reinstall the ESCL into the column. Instead I zip-tied it under the dash - the wire is plugged in, but mechanically it is not in place. This will ensure that it doesn't accidentally lock your steering someday. I'm not sure how long this will work - because the ESCL is a piece of crap. But it's been reliable for a week and I'm optimistic that it will last.

Just wanted to say thank you for saving me hundreds of dollars for posting this video. My 2009 Altima with over 120K miles finally exhibited this issue and I was stuck at work in 20 degree weather 30 miles from home. Thank you, thank you!

I figured it out and wanna say a huge thanks to you Rick and the others for feedback because you saved me 2000!!!!

I am very very grateful for you putting this video online!!!! So last night... while sitting in a Nissan 2009 Altima broke at a RaceWay gas station at 11:30PM waiting for a tow truck thats supposed to arrive at 12:58AM I find your video after the one where a guy just hits and hits the Steering wheel lock module (which I did do to no avail.) Having nothing better to do, I walk over to the Walmart Super Center and purchase Channel pliers and Needle nose pliers for $9 (and a redbull). I walk back to the Nissan at the gas station. At 12:23AM I'm notified my tow will arrive at 3:45AM. I set forth following your video. I remove the metal shield to get the needle nose to the two bolts you discuss. I am successful at loosening those to the point I can use my fingers to finish removing. Plunge a flat head into the socket and bam! I can start the car!!!!!! I'm then able to drive it back to my house instead of waiting another 4 hours for a tow truck (plus expense) and today I tried your accessorie mode then pull fuze, but that didn't work for me. Per another person's comment I was able to put a piece of vinyl click lock flooring scrap I cut down to fit into the hole to keep the switch pushed in. I then electrical taped it in place over and over again and put the trim piece back in place. Now the car starts every time while I work on getting a replacement that's $100 on ebay if the local Nissan dealership is useless.

Worked like a charm. Thanks for saving me not only hundreds of dollars but also being without a car for a while.

THANK YOU for this video. I was stranded & had to leave my car at the grocery store. After finding your video & showing it to my brother, we were able to get it started.

I did alot of research to figure this out based on my symptoms and the key word is BYPASS....my husband is very creative and capable...saved me lots of time and money and so did you...thanks again.

Can not thank you enough! Showed your video to my mechanic and he got it to start in 10 mnts ....Saved me over $1000 for this fix! Thanks for sharing and YES Never buying Nissan again, EVER! Thanks again!!

Rick - Thank you for this...2009 Altima would not start. Had all of the symptoms you describe. I changed the brake switch, inspected fuses, changed fob batteries, called Nissan (waste of time) and nothing worked. I then watched this video and I smacked the lock mechanism a few times with a screw driver. The car started! Really helped and saved me a lot of money.

January 2022- 2009 nissan altima. This fix worked like a charm. Thank you for saving me stress and money! Literally 10 minutes to resolve once i tried it.

Hey, just wanted you to know that your video saved us hundreds of dollars and I am so thankful. One thing the viewers need to know is that you don't replace the fuse. Again, thank you!!

You are awesome Rick you saved me $1100 which was the dealer price to fix it. My boyfriend and I did everything you stated on this video we did not purchase a new part just pushed that little lock down as far as it could go until it clicked into place. Connected it back put it in acc mode pulled the fuse and it's been working since yesterday. I had to get it towed from the gas station a week prior! Thanks so much. It only cost me $2 to repair and that was the price of the needle nose pliers!

thanks Rick. 3 mechanics didn't know how to fix my car. you did. I'm buying a 07 lock to replace it hoping it works. your the man! thanks again

I was on a sunday to going from California to vegas and in the middle of the desert i was with my family and we stop to take a break bad chose btw bc the altima didnt start for 2 hours we were there in the desert thank you and thank god i could get internet in my wife's phone we found your video i follow every single step and like in the video i was able to turn on the car we were so happy bc were really far from a city i been driving the altima like that it seems that bc i took the fuse out while the car was on now it seems that doesnt need it anymore so hopefully i can use the car like that from now on.... thank you so much

2019 and just used this strategy. Worked great and my 2009 Altima is now running fine. Thank you for the well explained video and for posting.

Rick, your video was a tremendous help! I was able to get my friend's car fixed and get her on the road for Christmas weekend. This part failed on Saturday night and she would have been without a vehicle for at least two more days. Your video was clear and easy to understand. Thank you very much! You may wish to edit your video as you need to remove the screws with needle nose pliers not a Philips screw driver. Otherwise great video! Thank you!

Rick, Thanks a bunch!!! For anybody trying this, you have to push in the piece REALLY REALLY hard after it goes in, the only way to get the contact to close. I almost gave up, then got mad and pressed in with a screw driver until I was blue in the face, that made the "press brake" icon come up in the dash, my indication that I finally did it. Then follow steps above. Thanks again Rick!

Yay! I fixed mine and saved $1200! I didn't remove the unit, I just tapped the unit on the side, which allowed me turn on the car on, then I removed the Fuse as you and other people suggested now it works everytime. Remember people Dealerships are there to make money they will be happy to charge you $1200, I can still probably fix it myself for about $150 by buying the unit on Ebay, but this works just as good. Thanks Rick!

Also… the part is now $1,100 plus installation 😳 So this saved me a ton

What a nightmare I'm dealing with right now with my 09 Altima! Left me stranded in a Best Buy parking lot on Christmas Eve when I tried to start the car and there was absolutely nothing! Lights, door locks, etc. worked and the battery was recently replaced so I knew it wasn't a battery issue. Had AAA tow the car to my house and had a friend, who builds race cars, come over to take a look. We Googled around and all signs pointed to the steering lock. So, I went to the auto parts store and shelled out $500 and we tried to replace it ourselves. That's when things went down hill. Something you didn't mention is you can't just replace the steering lock and think it's going to work. The replacement steering lock has to be programmed to your key FOB. The replacement steering lock we purchased came with the programming module with step-by-step instructions. Things seem to be working until we got to the last step and then...it was all downhill from there! The car's computer started to shut down completely and now the key FOB would no longer unlock the doors as well as not being able to get the car into accessory mode. So, had to give up and do what no one ever wants to do...tow it into the dealership so you can get SCREWED by crooks! When I told the manager what we thought the problem was, he didn't even know what the steeling lock was! A week later, he called me and gave me an estimate of $1,300.00!!!! I was like...WHAT!? I asked him a few questions and magically the estimate went from $1,300 down to $950 (under 1k) in a matter of seconds! So, right off the bat the scumbag tried to overcharge me $350 until I balked at it!!!! BTW...the two parts he said he replaced was not the steering lock but something else he told me the diagnostic machine indicated was the problem. So, without any choice...I told him to go ahead and replace the parts. Another week later I get a call from him as he then started to give me more bad news. He told me as they put the car back together and it wouldn't start...they discovered that the steering lock wasn't working either! I was like WTF!!!!! This was the very part I told you losers was the problem and instead, they replaced other parts that probably didn't need to be replaced! So now after all is said and done (well...not done yet because I still don't have the car). I'm in this thing for over $2,500 which include two weeks of a car rental! What a nightmare! I find it hard to believe that all of these parts could have failed at the same time and believe that once your car is out of warranty...start saving for a new one because taking it into the dealership out of warranty is a huge risk and you're sure to get screwed 99.9$ of the time!

I just want to say thank you. I followed the steps and this worked for me on my 09 Nissan Altima. This got me out of a parking lot and on my way home. It only take 10 or 15 minutes if you have the tools necessary on hand. Luckily I always carry tools in each of my vehicles. I did place the steering lock back in place and have had no issues so far. I at least know the problem now if it happens again before I can put in a new unit.

It worked like a charm! I had a friend that Nissan was giving him information that made n sense at all so I went up with him to find out what was going on. They were rude a hell till the mechanic realised I knew what I was doing. He was willing to install the part if I could find it cheaper and I asked if there was some kind od work around like this and he, of course, said no. I looked around and found all this video, it took awhile to get those 2 screws out as there's no way to get them out without a punch to get them started then loosen by hand. After that, it was 5 minutes and the car started a perfect F U to Nissan! Great Job Thanks!

2022 and removing the fuse in accessory mode did the trick. Some other folk recommended smacking the thing with a hammer. Which did absolutely nothing, except maybe loosen the security bolts facilitating their removal. In fact the easiest non-keyed bolts I've ever removed.

This video was VERY informative, thanks a lot. I'm having the same issue with my 09 Maxima nd the dealership wants me to pay $1,100 I'm just going to have my car towed back to my house and do it myself! Thanks again!!

Thanks, Rick! It took less than 30 minutes, start to finish, and saved me at least the $300 deductible on my extended warranty. It worked just as you described.

the dealership was gna charge my dad $1000 for the part plus labor I watched your video thank you so much my dad did buy a new car today but he was amazed I fixed the altima although my fuse is still in and it works everytime so far I started it ten times lol and then waited and started it again I thank you oh so much for this video man you just saved us a g

Rick G. thank you so much on your steering wheel lock fix saved me having to get my wife's car towed and a large repair bill, again thank you so much.

Thanks Rick and your video. This trick worked! We got my brother's 09 Altima home from being stranded far from the house. Avoided a heavy tow bill and dealer rip off.

Thank you for posting this video. It literally saved me $1,000 repair bill. As a suggestion, consider putting a small c-clamp on the unit to depress that plunger (which makes this whole thing a one-man job).

Consulted my friend (mechanic) today after dealing with this problem and "fixing" it by using this method of making it work and then removing the fuse, and he told me that this part doesn't have to be programmed- just replaced with a new one which was available at popular auction site for a lot less than dealer wants for it (part 48700-9N00B) which fits 2009 altima. But it's coming from him I DID NOT test it by buying new one, just did the "fix" and left lock disabled by removing the fuse. P.S. If after doing procedure you get yellow key constantly lit in the dashboard panel while driving, the way to get rid of it is to make car repeat the cycle of locking-unlocking the steering wheel, which involve inserting fuse back, locking the car and walking far enough for keys not to register while someone inside engages the steering wheel lock, then unlocking it with keys nearby so the pin moves down on it's own, then start up the car-remove the fuse and the icon will go away while you get non functioning lock so it doesn't engage again. The only problem is that if the pin doesn't unlock on it's own then.....;) and you'll have to repeat the process of pushing it down manually.

these types of steering locking system result in huge numbers of people stuck . thankfully they are simple to remedy and the bettered part is not very expensive . I have a DIY on it over at my channel as well .

Hey Rick Thanks for your guidance. You defiantly pointed me in the right direction. I must say though. I did follow your exact sequence. My car would not go into accessory mode. I used a small wedged screw driver and left it wedged hard in the casing by tapping it in with a hammer. Its the only fix that worked for me. Im confused on your sequence, it simply didnt work out for me and I am very thankful. I just want others to be informed not to give up on this fix. The part is WAY priced and the labor is non intensive. It worked with or without a fuse. I pulled the right fuse........ any insight would be cool. Thanks again this video did indeed save us a ton of cash.

This video was very helpful. It actually solved my problem. If you don't have a second person to help, use a flathead screwdriver to wedge down the lock mechanism. This fix took me 13 minutes from start to finish. I have a 2009 Nissan Altima SL with 117,998 miles on it.

I'm fired up!!!! This video just saved me $1000. I fricking love saving money. Thank you to the gentlemen that made this video. This works like a champ. Thank you, thank you and thank you!

follow the steps in the video.. it been a while but everybody who followed the steps in the video had success..

Just have to say thank you that worked like a charm and saved me $600 on what they wanted for that damn Lockset kit.

Excellent video bro simply amazing I drove altima 09 6 months back same issue came I had to buy a used lock worth 300 AED is programming cost me 200 AED AND 6 months after same issue came up thought to see videos again and this video worked for me it's working fine hopefully it keeps on going like that as the new from nissan costs 3000 AED CHEERS

Great video, followed the instructions exactly and it worked. Nissan recall ended 2020 so i depressed block and drilled 1/8 inch hole each side and slid a roll pin (ace hardware) so the pin wont go up, tricks the system into thinking its unlocked. Works perfect.! Thank you

Car wouldn't start after I dropped the kids off at school. Wiggling the steering wheel did not work. My friend used his Auto card for a free tow to my place. I watched this video and everything worked out. Car started no problem. I turned it off. Was able to restart again. Turned it off and restarted the car again. Video was a $$$ saver. I was able to use my fingers to remove the 1st bolt, but had to resort to needle nose pliers for the 2nd bolt. Overall, very thankful for this helpful video that was posted. Cheers!

hey you can get the bolts off by using a dremel tool cutting a slot for a screwdriver, the bolts are not tight so they come out super easy, also when pushing down on the thing that slides up, you need to push it down then wedge your flat screwdriver between the wall and the moving part and pry it down just a little further, you know you got it when you hear a click sound and the lights all change in the car, pull that fuse under the hood quick and your car will start, i zip tied the part to the frame underneath until we can replace the part. thank god for this post!

Thanks to this video, my bf was able to fix my car. Good Job! Once again thank you so much.

I'm so astonished as to how easy and quick this fix was thank you soooooo much

I followed this video and everything worked except pulling the fuse did not fix my issue. Every time I pushed the lock mechanism down with a screw driver and then put the car into ACC mode and had someone pull the fuse. I then started the car and released the lock mechanism. The car stayed running but when I turned it off the car would not start and had the same symptoms. I assumed I had the right fuse because it matched up correctly to the fuse chart (I checked this like 5 times). Anyway I was finally able to fix the issue by putting a piece of wood in the lock mechanism opening and then duck taping all around the assembly so the lock mechanism was always in the down position. It has been 4 weeks since I did this and the car starts every time. One final comment about the video. In the video is says to use a Philips head screw driver to remove the screws. You should actually use needle nose pliers instead because the screws have no screw driver interface (They are smooth). Thanks to Rick G for posting.

thank goodness I watched this. took me a little bit to get the car in ACC, but it worked finally. I just left the fuse out and after we got home, turned the car off. It started right back up again. I plan to just leave it this way and see if it keeps working.

OMG!! Nissan is recalling it!! I just found out online with my VIN and confirmed with the local dealer. Check yours for recall!!!

Sad to say I went through this this morning! I thought it was the battery in my key, even went out to buy one b/c I have been getting signals that battery was low. I will have my brother try this tonight but by the looks of it it's very successful! Can't wait I was starting to freak out.

just want to say a big thank you dude it worked saved me almost $900.00

Thank You! screws were pretty loose, and needed a good amount of force on the steering lock to get to "ACC" position.

Hello everyone. I had a 09 Altima with this same issue. Couldn't figure it out until i received a letter by mail stating that this part was recalled in 2017. During the trip to the dealership they told me I was able to buy this same exact part for more than $800 dollars. SIKE. I was not gonna pay for that. So they offered me the same exact part but made in plastic. Guess what. Solved the problem for about $200 dollars for the part and installed it myself. Quick easy fix. Do not let the dealership or any mechanic install it for you. They will charge you an arm and a leg for it. A blind person can do it. No offense to the blind. Just saying very easy. Take care everyone.

From another video there is a socket you purchase that will grip the two screws that hold this device in place, the makers installed it with break off screw heads. the socket not sure what size but 9/16 comes to mind, it grips th outside of the screw in the housing and you can get it loose

happy to hear ! it would be great if every one who has save $$$ from this video could donate $1 to their charity of choice.. or to a charity to support mental health..

Thank you so much for this video! It worked exactly as you described. I did remount the piece and put the fuse back in and it has been starting up fine. It happened when my car was parked on a steep incline. I suspect that might be why the wheel didn't engage?

I love you sir... You are awesome! It took me 3 days for Google and KZfaq to bring me to this.......

thank you for posting this. I fixed our car from this video.

FYI, unplug the part, route the cable near the steering column, then plug back in, now you can lean it up against the metal to the left of the steering while pressing into it with a screw driver, with one hand, leave the other free for pressing the start button.

Thank you so much!..watched Many videos before making a decision yours worked on my 2009 altima it's working again don't know for how long but I know what the problem is if happens again...thank you !..

Rick G thanks so much for this video. One more 2009 Altima up and running!

thx for your video! saved myself 1200$, not today nissan! not today

Thank you so much saved my life and pockets !!! I did everything all I need to know is how to keep the push thingy down ??? I pulled the fuse and it still doesn't stay on unless I push in the thing just to start it

Thank you!!! Saved me!! The fuse trick is awesome!! I couldn't get the unit off, but the hammer works.

How long did the fix last? This exact problem is happening with my 09 Altima. I was wondering if this is a potential permanent fix. Thanks!

Worked for me for a few weeks and now it's happening again... idk what to do :( thanks for the video though very helpful

this video is awesome saved $1600 it works!!

great post I had to use curved needle nose to turn screws out my only problem is if i un-wedge screw driver, even after I pull out fuse, it doesnt work anymore. I have to repeat.

Just to let you know, this is covered under a warranty that was extended to six years unlimited mileage due to the recall. I am having similar problem and found a mailing I had received that has a warranty sticker extension included. I also have the 2009 altima, by my count this year makes six years... I'd rather have the dealership fix it than do it myself!

I just followed your instructions and my wife's car is back on the road! I didn't have anyone with me but I Jammed a small screw on the "deadbolt" to hold it in place while I pulled the fuse. I also had a c clamp handy, but I didn't need it. Thank You for this video sir!!

Method worked, car running okay for now thank you. Few questions: -i had the switch pressed down and removed the appropriate fuse but when I let go of the switch, it pushes back out. Is that normal? -ive stuck a piece of plastic to hold the switch down and have it taped so it doesn't move and car has been running fine but I'm still seeing yellow key light on dash should I be worried?

Thank you! That is exactly what was wrong. This was a huge help.

if u have to push the wedge down to make contact i would think then the connector wires could be cut and spliced together to simulate a connection when the wedge is down (similar to a seat belt chime, u can cut the two wires or open the wires and connect them to stop the chime sound)

I have a 370Z Nismo.. and this helped me fix my problem! Thx!! 🍻

Thanks for this great video.. it helped me after I got off of work..

Thanks man it work if it does not star hold the keycontrol too the starbutton and push it starts right up.

You went through A LOT of trouble to fix yours. Here is a MUCH QUICKER way. Happened to me today in my 2009 Nissan Altima. I didn't even have to take off the panel. Just put the seat all the way back, lay on the floorboard, and have a flashlight and hammer. Under the panel (above the brake pedal), locate the silver metal box with the flashlight and tap it a few times with a hammer. That will do the trick. It took me about 60 seconds to fix my car. Same issue as reported in the video. Click the START button, and nothing. No click. No nothing. Same effect as NOT having the key fob. Tap the steering wheel lock with a hammer, and you are good to go.

This really helped but I didn't need to take the fuse off I just needed to push the little sliding thing down and I drilled holes to put it into place so it won't slip, if anything happens I'll probably go get another from another car but I'm not paying 1k for something I can fix

It worked for me. Your explanation made sense. Thanks!!!

I did all of this and was able to get my car home without needing a tow. Thank you for that! But after I got it home I was unable to start it again. Any suggestions as to where I might have gone wrong?

I kept turning my car on by having to press on this every time, but now my battery is dead. Battery is only a year old. Not sure if this had to do with it the battery dying. I ordered replacement part from amazon for $350 or less. I hope it works.

Victor Soto 1 second ago hi everybody, my daughters 2009 nissan altima steering column lock actuator went bad. After trying to isolate the trouble, like a bad fob, def battery, brake sensor, and security alarm. I took off the panel that covers the steering column and with a hammer banged on the unit. the car started indicating the unit was defective. it turns out to be the gears wear out in the unit, I started pricing a new one: from 250 to 600 dollars but went to the dealer(car has 105,000 miles) and he said it was on recall and it did't matter how many miles you have! they fixed for free! Hoped this helps you all.Peace Show less REPLY

Thanks for the video. I'll try it now and see what's up.

Thanks you so much, it totally worked and started my girlfriend car. Will the problem come back if I did everything you did but didn't do the last thing about putting something in it so it won't retract?

Thanks for saving me some nice dough. Worked out great

A video of you doing would be good..ughhh so fuatrating but this helped. thank you

so its just the fuse that needs to be removed? no wires... its working just right tho thanks for the helpful video

I think u have to leave the wire plugged into the steering lock.. I did not bolt my steering lock back on.. I just used a tie strap and hung it from a bracket under the steering column area

Worked perfectly. Great job

Great video ur a genious!!! It saved our asses!!

👍🏿👍🏿 great video, I did exactly what you explained and it worked!

well that's good ur home on a Saturday night !

OMG!!! Thank you thank you thank you it WORKED!!!!

Assuming I haven't had this problem already...would pulling the fuse avoid the problem to begin with?

Rick, you mentioned something about tie wrapping that wedge down after removing the fuse and reinstalling the device. Once the fuse is removed, is it necessary to re-install the Steering Lock device at all?

pull the steering wheel all the way right , relief pressure on steering column at same time push start Button.

I have a 2009 Maxima and cannot see the bolts. In your video you mention phillips head bolts but said that you removed them with needle nose pliers. I don't have enough room to get pliers in. Any ideasz?

Rick G - I'm able to get to ACC mode by holding the wedge down but after removing the fuse the wedge doesn't stay down when I remove the screw driver.

Rick, I made it home safe but I cannot seem to bypass the steering lock and followed your instructions very carefully. I pulled the fuse while simultaneously pressing in the wedge in the lock and I can start the car but when I turn the car off I cannot start it again unless I push in the locking wedge again. I think that the sequence is missing something. How can I completely and forever bypass the steering lock?

Bruh you the Real MVP

I have done the same thing except for pulling the fuse I used a dremal cutting wheel to score the screws so u can use a flat head screw driver my question is when u do the fuse how long will it last right now I have to hit my switch every couple days is pulling the fuse a permanent fix?