My car is a G25X. Car would not start after I parked it outside store the other day. Battery seemed fine. I noticed the 'key' lights blinking in the dash. I took it to a nearby Meineke as it was the closest mechanic and I thought it would be a simpler fix but they have looked at it and they say it is the Electronics Column Cylinder and it will need to be replaced and both fobs need to be programmed. Quote for the repair is $1900. I was hoping it was an alternator or some smaller repair but I did not expect this. Car is a 2011 model and only has 78K miles.

1. I have never heard about this issue with any car I have owned so just putting this out here to see if this is something you have seen with G sedans?
2. Is the $1900 repair bill reasonable or would I be better off taking it to the Infiniti dealer? Dealer prices scare me but this sounds somewhat of a 'specialized' job.

Any help or recommendation would be appreciated.

 

Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) . Very common issue on 2009/2010 Nissan/Infiniti models. Even though you have a 2011, there have been documented cases of some 2011's being affected - depends mainly on build date. There are plenty of threads on this and other forums regarding this issue.

Steering Lock Failure

It will be a expensive fix no matter who does the job but sub-$2k is ridiculous. It seems to me Meineke is trying to pad the bill. All that is needed is for the defective lock module to be replaced with a newer control module. There should be no programming necessary unless they erased the key codes during their "diagnosis." The newer modules only control the Immobilizer, they do not physically lock the column anymore.

I would call around shopping for quotes... even a Nissan dealership would work and be much cheaper.

 

Thank you. I had it towed to Infiniti and that was indeed the problem (Electrotonic Steering Column Lock). They are quoting $1600. Not too bad I guess considering the part alone is around $1100. I had called another shop but they were clueless and at that point, I thought might as well take it to the dealer. At least they know the vehicle. I asked the Service Advisor if this issue would reoccur and he said the new part does not have that issue. We'll see. Thanks again.

 

The newer, "revised" part will likely last the life of the car and then some. Unlike the older modules, the newer ones do not physically lock the steering column which means there are no moving parts. It is a completely solid state module that handles the electronics side of the Immobilizer.

It is a bitter bill to pay, but thankfully you will be back on the road shortly. You may want to ask the service advisor if they can work with you on price. Nissan had issued a recall- granted for the Altima- but this a known and common issue for these cars. Never hurts to ask.

Either way, thanks for the update.