A common problem in 2009 Nissan Altimas is a malfunctioning steering lock mechanism that can prevent the car from starting. One driver experienced this issue after parking briefly. The steering lock was audibly clicking but remained locked, requiring a tow to a mechanic. After removing the steering lock assembly and manually unlocking it, the car still wouldn’t start, displaying a “NO KEY” warning on the dashboard.
A diagnostic scan revealed an error code related to the steering chain in the body control module. Clearing the code allowed the car to start temporarily, but the “NO KEY” warning returned after driving and parking again. This suggests the issue isn’t solely with the mechanical lock itself, but potentially with the electronic communication between the steering lock and the car’s immobilizer system. While some have successfully bypassed the steering lock without issue, this case indicates a more complex problem. It raises the question of whether cutting the pink wire, a common method for disabling the steering lock, is necessary in this specific scenario to resolve the “NO KEY” error and permanently fix the starting problem. Further investigation into the specific error code and potential issues with the steering chain or related sensors is needed to pinpoint the root cause.
