ESCL Falure

F

Falcon73

Member
I have an issue with the ESCL (electronic steering column lock) on my 2009 FX35. The other day I get in car and try to start and nothing happens. Warning light with the pic of turning the wheel and pushing the start button appears. The "key" warning light appears. The car is dead - no start. I do some searching on the net and see that this is a common problem with Nissan's and Infiniti's. You can tap on the ESCL under the steering column and it will release. Some other forums talk about removing a fuse in the fuse box under the hood once the ESCL releases. The Nissan's box is labeled "steering lock", I don't see any fuse marked steering lock on my fuse box.

Does anyone know what fuse to pull? Anyone have a diagram of the fuse box? The manual doesn't outline the box.
 
Yes pulling the fuse when the column is unlocked fixes the issue. I still have the "KEY" warning light, but I'll get that cleared at some point with a scan tool. The column will never lock, but it also won't leave me in a 100 degree parking lot. If it happens to you, it's going to be at the worst possible time. I can't believe I'm the first 09 & up with this issue. Seems like it's very common on the Z and G35/37 forums. Various revisions of the same ESCL was used on all Nissan products after 09. I'm not sure what year they stopped using this lock or it might still be used.

So in order to get the FX home, I tapped on the ESCL with a hammer until it released. I was then able to start as normal. The no start lock up only happened that one time. I removed the housing to get at the fuse in the IPDM. I pushed the start button to the ON position without starting - making sure the column is unlocked. Then I pulled the fuse. The column will stay in the unlocked position.

Also if it happens and you chose to repair, the part alone is about $400. On the Z forums, some of them report that the dealer will charge over $1k to replace plus the cost of the tow etc..
 
This just happened to me yesterday,
My car battery died, I had few people tried to give me a jump but it wouldn't crank over. Lock/unlock button on remote works but the dash light lights up yellow KEY icon. I have road side assistance and towed it to Infiniti. They changed the battery ($250 including installation, BS!) and still wouldn't turn over. They tried to resync my remote but it didn't work. I have aftermarket autostart which they assume that is the issue and wanted to charge me $450 to uninstall it. Ridiculous since it only costs me $150 to install the autostart. I said eff it, I got it towed back to my house ($120) and I took apart my autostart myself within 30 minutes. Now that I found out that it is highly possible it is the Steering control unit being defective, I took my autostart out for nothing. You would think Infiniti technicians would know what the hell is wrong with it and shouldn't just assume aftermarket parts is the cause of it.

My car is still under warranty but would this replacement part and labor be covered if I have them check that out?
 
Most places will always blame the aftermarket stuff (especially electronic parts) you put in first. You should have just pull the fuse(s) on the auto starter just to prove the point.
 
We did that too, we unplugged the auto starter module and still wouldn't work. They are saying because the wires are still connected and interfering when they try to reprogram the key.

Is there a link where I can buy the Steering lock control?
 
I've just had this fail on my 2013 FX50. Was towed to my nearest Infiniti dealer which isn't that "near" anymore after they closed the City dealership in Sydney and now I have been quoted $3,210 to replace the ESCL!!

Extremely poor form considering the history of ESCL issues affecting Nissan and Infiniti vehicles!!

Furthermore, the exorbitant cost of a relatively simple part amounts to unconscionable conduct on behalf of Infiniti Cars Australia when it is likely they are well aware this part will likely fail before it should and are essentially “cashing in” on the issue.


After remonstrations to Infiniti Australia going nowhere and a goodwill claim by the dealer being rejected, I have little choice other than to proceed with the repair to get my car back on the road. It certainly doesn't stack up to the definitions of quality and durability under Australian Consumer Law though so I will be pursuing local Consumer authorities to bring them to justice.


The sad part is that I have been very happy with my FX and have been a good ambassador for Infiniti vehicles amongst family and friends, however there is no way I could recommend Infiniti ownership now.
 
I too have had the same issue with the dreaded ESCL, albeit 6 years after the last post. Thought I better give you a quick summary on how to fix it and not pay ridiculous prices at the dealership. This will help Infinit QX70 as well as FX37 and FX50 owners. Will also help various Nissan models. For the FX50S in Australia the original part number is JF00D-B1-01. The current part number (improved version) is DHGMM-1NC3A. Infiniti are no longer selling cars in Australia so they are supported now by Nissan. Quoted price for this part (DHGMM-1NC3A) from Nissan is $2,200 AUD. Please note that this part is available from JustJap in Sydney (Genuine Nissan Steering Lock Assembly (48700-JF00B) Fits Nissan R35 GTR, Z34 370Z, V36 Skyline & J50 Crossover) for $$199.00 plus shipping. The 2 x tamper proof bolts are $10.95 AUD. Note that the temporary solution is to hit the faulty unit with a hammer but do not waste time getting this fixed. It will leave you stranded if you don't. If you don't want to use tamper proof bolts use allen bolts that are standard M8 x 19mm long (1.25 pitch). The existing tamper proof bolts are coiuntersunk and can be removed using a heavy automatic spring loaded centre punch (on an angle to start the bolt moving). Replacement unit plugs in and no coding/programming is required. Hope this helps anyone else.
 
Emulators are also available on Alibaba ($42 AUD). I have ordered one but have not received it yet. This will be my back up. I will most likely CAD up 3D model of a mounting bracket so that I can print it on my 3D printer. I will use this bracket as a mount for the ESCL emulator. Either solution will mean that you will not have any pesky lights to annoy you on your dashboard. :)
 
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