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MECHANICS, HELPP, EMERGENCYYYY!!!!!!!!
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Parked my XTerra with the wheels straight last night. Went to start it this morning and my ignition was locked. Tried the whole turning the wheel thing and then my fucking steering wheel locked up. Steering is turned slightly to the right but my tires are still straight.
Steering, Ignition, Shifter, Break Pedal are all locked in place. I'm a girl and I had a big dude try moving my steering wheel and he gave up.
I'd call a mechanic but it's Sunday and nothing's open in the mountains on Sunday.
I have to drive to Utah in like TWO DAYS for DEW TOUR and I cannot fucking miss it!!!!
Closest Nissan dealer is in Denver like an hour and a half away.
Any suggestions?!?!?!?
Please only respond if you're legit good with cars. I'm flipping the eff out right now.
Or if you know anyone driving from Summit to Utah for Dew please let me knowww!!! All my friends are already there cuz of FIS! FUUUUCKKKKK!!!!
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prob frose (sp?) from the cold weather
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Definitely not froze. It's a mechanical issue.
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if there is a bit of foom you can turn the wheel like maybe an inch of two in one direction you have to put the steering wheel in that area of play and then you can start your car. just so the the wheel isnt resting on one end or the other.
kinda hard to explain but basically try turning the key while moving the steering wheel bit by bit.
happens all the time.
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Nah it's not just a simple jam dude I had that happen sometimes in my old SUV. Everything (shifter, brake pedal, steering wheel, ignition) is legit solid as a rock. Can't move anything a centimeter. Had a pretty buff dude try everything and he gave up.
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happened to my civic. just try jiggling the wheel and turning the key, it worked for me. and a frustrated punch to the steering wheel...
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i think i know what it is, but im not sure how to explain it
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As I said above ^ ,
Nah it's not just a simple jam dude I had that happen sometimes in my old SUV. Everything (shifter, brake pedal, steering wheel, ignition) is legit solid as a rock. Can't move anything a centimeter. Had a pretty buff dude try everything and he gave up.
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thats what im saying all cars haves anti lock systems and im guessing you locked you car then it frose in to place.
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pm tronned. he made that ask a mechanic thread a little while back, he might be able to help. or charmander, hes pretty knowledgeable about cars and trucks
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I've read that 99% of the time when this happens in a nissan it is because the key has become worn and the ignition just decides not to accept it anymore. Also you can try jacking up the front of the truck to make sure that there is no pressure against the wheels. (btw, a locksmith can usualy come make a key on site.)
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Hm really, interesting... I'd say that could be the case but I got it last January... it's so new.
I've heard the jack thing so that's gonna be comin up next... I've been trying everything.
Thanks man!!
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Alrighty, it sounds like your steering is locked because its a safety feature on all cars prior to ignition. The only thing you can try is getting some WD40 and spraying it into the ignition lock tumbler and trying to wiggle the steering wheel to unlock it at the same time youre trying to switch the ignition into the on position. To mean it sounds like a faulty ignition switch/ tumbler. All the other stuff you described is normal, one a steering wheel is locked you cannot cycle through the gears on an auto, the brake pedal will lose power assist after 2 applications because the brake booster ( the deal that gives you power assist) has run out of stored air.
Its a fine art to get your steering to unlock when you have a faulty ignition so i wish you good luck. If youre lucky it might just be starting to fail and you could get a few more starts out of it. Keep in mind you have to wiggle the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the way its locked to get it to let go. Dont try to force the steering wheel to unlock because you will never be able to. I wish i could help you in person, but you live 4 hours away.
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oh ya, and jacking up your car will do nothing so dont even bother. Your steering cannot freeze up like that, this is 100 percent an ignition key/tumbler issue.
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if you have a spare key that you rarely use, try using that key..
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Yeah like people said before, it really just sounds like the normal safety lock up. There could be other problems going on, but this is still most likely the main thing. If it is being really tough, you'll really need to give it some shaking. First make sure you are in park, grab the steering wheel, and put the key in the ignition. Then shake the steering wheel side to side like a maniac while trying to turn the ignition key, also like a maniac. Doing this for enough time should hit it in the just right way to turn off the safety lock.
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I'm from Alberta but currently living in Breckenridge... so definitely a lot more than 4 hours away. Thanks though!
I actually finally got it after 3 1/2 hours. I went on an XTerra forum and asked for their opinion (before you responded) and got some good advice from them.
I sprayed WD-40 into the ignition and right away I was able to wiggle the key ever so slightly. I let it sit for a while and came back out later. I gave the steering wheel one last MASSIVE tug and turned my ignition at the same time.
I have never experienced anything like this. My car was sitting on flat ground, with the tires and steering wheel straight without having the tires pressing against anything on the front or back. Is that a good indication that my ignition is going? Or could this have been just one of those things?
Thanks so much!
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Thats a good indication your ignition is going. At your next service at the dealership make mention of it, and if the car is newer it should be covered under warranty.
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