OK here's the deal.

2000 Nissan Frontier. Automatic trans.

Driving around today shut the thing off. Went to restart it and the key was difficult to turn but wrestling with the steering wheel finally got it to go.

Five minutes later the same thing. As of now the steering is locked, the shifter is locked, and the ignition switch won't turn.

Suggestions ?

Sounds like the ignition switch/lockout is broke... Replacing the ignition switch is the only thing I can think of...

That's what I was afraid of. I was hoping the key was just too worn down

There is a video on YouTube about replacing ignition switch/lockout. Doesn't look to tough. The price is pretty steep though on the part.

Try steering the wheel to the left, then try turning the key. I know the steering wheel won't actually turn but the pressure and force on the wheel for whatever reason allows the car to start...Atleast for mine anyways. Good luck

Sometimes holding the steering wheel to one side or the other will release the tension that is keeping the key from turning. Happens alot on older vehicles like mine, but can be dealt with for a long time if you know how.

looks like Jordan beat me to it.

Thanks guys. I'll try all manner of positions but I suspect I'll be into the steering column today. Maybe I can even explode the air bag :-))

Please have Barb stand by with video camera. This could be good.....!

Barb wants to know if you are equating her with the air bag ??

You maybe...... Barb? Never!

I have a Dodge that got worse and worse until finally the key broke off. I popped the ignition cylinder out and just start it using my finger and thumb to turn the mechanism inside the steering column. I was hoping someone would see that it was keyless and steal it. I am still waiting. Stupid Dodges.....

put an ad on CL pittu, someone will snag it

I'm hoping the key is so worn that it's not moving the tumblers. Gonna get a new one and try that.

$51.92 for a new ignition switch from Nissan .

I have no idea...but you might look at pulling the key switch out and you can then start and drive it. However you will no longer have a key to prevent theft.

But then...how far could someone get from where you live

Good luck Ken

$217.46 in Anchorage.


Theft really isn't an issue where I live.

I got a new key by using the vin number. I'll try that tomorrow when I get home. The new one is quite a bit different so I'm hoping that will fix it.

Huhhh....I thought you started your truck like the Fonz starts the jukebox!!!

You must be loosing your touch

I have to get a new comb first

I was wondering where he got that number as $179.95 was the best price I saw on the internet.

The new key was $35 and change. Canvasback has a computer that's stuck in 1952.

Opps, I should have scrolled down to the bottom of the screen on the Nissan parts website!! That ignition and key set is expensive!

New key did not work

Oh Oh, sorry to hear that. Maybe they just ground it wrong.

LOL ! I wish ! It works fine in the doors but not the switch. So I'll have to bite the bullet

I take it you already tore in to the Steering column? My dads 04 f150 did that one time couldn't get the key to turn for anything.. Dad tore in to the column and just from him bouncing things around freed it up and havent had a lick of trouble with it..

Yes I have it all torn apart and have applied "persuasive" tactics to no avail.

Dont need to worry about Theft so why not just get rid of the key and all that and install a push button start? You can still use the key to lock the truck up..

Might just do that. My buddy here did the same thing

My Jeep now has a ignition switch on the dash. The one on the steering column was destroyed by a lowlife trying to steal it.

The whole fix cost less than $20.00 and you still need a key to start it.

Ya know that is another good option take a key switch out of a boat and use that wouldnt look as good as say a stock one but you would still have a key..

Except that when you say boat that = marine and the price goes up higher than a truck in most cases

And my boat doesn't have a key. Just a rope.

I keep forgetting about you Alaska guys have it like that sorry.. We picked up a key switch that we used in one of our boats i think we paid 20 bucks for it not 100 % sure..


It also helps that we get everything for Marine and Fishing at whole sale..

I'm just glad it isn't an aviation related part. I'd need a co-signer.

Put in a recoil starter.

And call me. I want to come to MCG to watch you pull it to turn it over the first time.....!

(I know Barb would do it for you, if it weren't for that shoulder surgery issue)

Yeah that might help. If it was a manual trans she could push it.

Did you get the truck fixed ?

Not yet. I just received the new switch a couple of hours ago. Figured out how to modify it so it can't lock the steering ever again. Will change it tomorrow.

Well in spite of electronic mysteries, moronic safety locks, nanny state anti-theft designs, and tiny Japanese hands....VICTORY IS MINE !!

Get a crank to start it like the old LADA lol.

Tempting !

So it works? Good deal. I bet flight service was wondering what the deal was with the truck abandoned in their parking spaces.

Yep it works ! They were wondering but not enough to say anything about it sitting there for two weeks.

just get one with a bowtie in the grill, no more problems