I've been having this issue for months. Not sure what the deal is. Please give me your opinion of what the issue might be.
Let me know any further info you need to better help you, help me.

Thank you!
Dan

 

That "thud" you reference is the steering lock. Your symptoms clearly point to premature steering lock failure as evidenced by the "KEY" icon remaining lit on the cluster. Once the ESCL fails, your car will be bricked and it will be a expensive repair.

Best advice and without delay, with the ENGINE RUNNING, pull the 10amp "STEER LOCK" fuse from the IPDM/er (fuse block to left of battery behind the fender).

This will disable the module in a "ready" state and should solve the erratic behaviour.

The IPDM/er unlatches from the fender bracket and there is just enough slack in the main harness to lift it up and gain access to the fuses.

 

Thank you very much!
I am going to name my first seven kids after you!
Much appreciated!

 

Don't put the cart before the horse...

I'd pull the IPDM/er up and out and locate the correct fuse. Start the engine and with it running pull the fuse. Once the fuse is pulled you can shut the engine off, wait a few minutes, and start the engine. Should behave normally. Them button everything back up and call it a day.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

I got it done. In the hope it will help others, I made another quick video. I'll report back tomorrow after it sits for the night because my issue is normally only the first start of the day, or if I wait 3+ hours. Thanks again!

 

Next day and it started right up, no problem. First day in a long time to not have to go through what I showed in the 1st video.
Thanks again!

 

You are absolutely blessed in that the module was "dying" slowly. More often than not they just up and quit without warning. Someone was looking out for you.

Good news. Thanks for the update and videos.

 

Haha, thanks. Sometimes I think of her as a mild mannered "Christine" to where she's helping me help her because there have been quite a few times that I got lucky in my repairs. I just replaced my radio (screen was no longer viewable and have been chasing parasitic draw) and my dashboard last weekend. I also had all my LED's replaced in my instrument column since they were shutting off at random. Had I known about the steering lock then, I would have maybe replaced it. Since you provided me with the issue, and now knowing what to research, some people have mentioned there was a soft recall on the steering lock module with a gutted new one that is basically a bypass. I wonder if I would qualify being it's second owner? Or if time is up. I know nothing about that sort of thing. It's fine as it is (now) and am happy to live with it finally not causing me issues.

 

There was a recall on the Nissan-side. Infiniti never acknowledged nor addressed the issue. They'd rather sell you the gutted module for $750 plus labor. And the kicker, the revised Nissan part is.not.compatible with Infiniti (different electronic pathways).

Personally, I'd forget about it. I pulled that damn fuse years ago and never looked back. Zero issues with the fuse gone.

 

That's nucking futs. Anything to make a buck. Last weekend when I replaced my dash, I had a stripped T-30 in trying to remove my airbag. Had to take it to them and was charged $370. I'm a commercial plumber, and even 3am emergency calls are a fraction of that. Oh well. Thanks a ton on that info! You saved me a possible headache as I was eyeing a module on Amazon for $350. Yeah, I will live with it more happily now.

 

Steering lock failure - is this due to having your Steering wheel & seat enabled (moving to your settings) when getting into & out of your car?

I have that settings disabled but am thinking about pulling the fuse.

Thanks

 

The steering lock module has no ties to the Entry/ Exit function. The former is for security while the latter is for the Comfort/ Convenience feature.

The OP was fortunate in that his module was exhibiting issues but still managed to function, barely. Failure was imminent.

For 99.9% of others this module fails FULLY, and WITHOUT WARNING and usually at the most inconvenient time and place. As mentioned, it is a very expensive fix at $750-1K.

You have a 2009. I would strongly suggest you follow the video above and pull the fuse as soon as possible. Yours may never fail but do you want to take that gamble?

 

Cool. Thanks

I will be performing this.

I have a 2010. Does the issue pertains to all G37 models & year or just a range? Thanks

 

Typically 2009-2011 models are at risk for this failure though there have been reports of some 2012's getting bricked as well. Not every car will suffer this nightmare but conversely there's no way to know which one will. I have a 2008 and pulled the fuse just to be safe.

 

This may be happening with my 2010 coupe today. A couple of questions. What does ESCL refer to? steering control lock? The key icon staying on in the cluster is the tell tale sign that it's the steering lock?
I tried to start mine today and there was no reaction from the car. Just the key icon in a dark instrument panel & a stiff brake pedal. I disconnected the negative battery lead to let it sit & hopefully reset something then came here looking for an answer..