Steering wheel locked, ignition key will not turn?

Steve, thank you for the quick and thorough answer, that was very kind of you. You obviously know what you're talking about. Replacement of the complete lock cylinder ($500.00) plus new keys will be my last resort. Great point about the NATS (Nissan Anti Theft System) system not being the problem, I hadn't figured that part out. I'm trying to understand the Infinity Vehicle Immobilizer System also, to see if that might lock the steering wheel. There is a box under the dash that (I think) controls the Immobilizer, or may even lock the steering wheel.

Also, there are several types of "reset" codes I'm trying to learn about. An example would be putting the key in the drivers' door and holding it left/right for certain amount of time or certain sequence. Another method is insert the key into the ignition six times within ten seconds. Etc. Also, removing and reinstalling the battery may reset some electronics on the car.

So very confusing!

This is a a fantastic web site! I'll keep posting what I've found or tried in hopes it may help someone else, and gladly accept any additional ideas others may have.

Steve; Wow, I'm impressed with your knowledge of this system! I feel guilty asking more questions and taking up your time. Do you have a fee or any way to donate to the web site?

Thank you sir! Please, allow me to explain; if we weren't retired/fixed income, I would just have it towed to the dealer, say fix it, and write the check, but right now, that's not possible.

My hope is just get the vehicle driveable and hopefully make a proper repair at a later date.
Security is of no concern, we live out in "the sticks".
I'm not concerned with re-sale value or keeping the vehicle original.

They say there's no stupid questions, but:
1. Crazy idea, but could I take the lock cylinder out and remove/cut off that "steering wheel lock/piece of metal" as shown in your diagram?
2. Is there any other way to just defeat the steering wheel lock?
3. Could I somehow rig a simple start button and bypass the ignition cylinder?

Steve - Again, thank you for the fantastic information! I will certainly buy the lock cylinder at that price, but I have one more issue: I called tech help at WVE/Airtech (Dave) to verify the 1S6107 part number (I didn't want to pester you again). He said the part # was indeed for the Pathfinder (and Maxima?), But could not cross-reference to the QX4. Not sure where I found it, but I had a Nissan Part # 487006J386. He said he showed cross-reference to J387 and J388, but not J386!
I hate to ask you this question Steve, but are you confident the 1S6107 will work in the QX4? If so, I'll order it, problem solved. Thanks.

This is an update on my original "locked steering wheel, key will not turn, but I can remove and insert the key" problem:

We ended up not replacing the entire ignition switch assembly, and only replacing the electrical switch ($40.00 to $50.00). The primary reason for not replacing the entire assembly was cost. The best price I could find for the actual 2000 Infinity QX4 switch was $340.00.

After seeing the ignition assembly and how it works, I'm convinced Steve W. Is right and other Nissan/non-Infinity (Infinity = $$$) switches would work (at half the price), but replacing the switch would still involve, as Steve W. Explained, a trip to the dealer to have new keys and/or reprogramming.

We removed the ignition cylinder following Steve W.'s directions (aided by a fantastic YouTube video called "How to fix a broken ignition lock/switch-steering column type). This is a very detailed well-done 24 minute video with many great tips on this type of ignition lock system. The same mechanic has another 11 minute video titled "How to Remove Ignition Key Lock Tumbler/Cylinder & Electrical Switch from Steering Column" which details the removal of this type of ignition cylinder.

After removing the entire Ignition Cylinder, I found that the key now turned freely in the lock cylinder and the spring activated "steering wheel lock" "button" (or hunk of metal) as Steve W. Called it (See the image Steve posted above) worked fine.

I oiled the spring "button" lightly with machine oil and added white lithium grease. I added powdered graphite to the key cylinder.

The new electrical switch seemed more solid than the old one. The key worked better than with the old electrical switch. Failing electrical switches are a known caused of many problems including slow/hard/no start issues. I consider replacing the electrical switch a "no brainer" if you remove your entire ignition assembly - just unplug the old switch and plug in the new one.

We went to the hardware store and sized the bolts to replace the "knock off head" bolts that are normally used to install the ignition lock cylinder. We selected replacement bolts with "allan" heads so we could crank the bolts tight.

After removing the ignition assembly and replacing it, I'm convinced that the steering wheelkey lock problem that started this repair thread was caused by a common combination of circumstances. My wife parked the vehicle with one wheel slightly up on a rounded curb, and then we tried forcing the steering wheel while turning the key. This resulted in the "steering wheel lock button" getting jammed up in the steering wheel slot.
The only way to release this "jam" was remove the ignition lock cylinder.

NOTE: We did notice that when we started to removed the ignition lock cylinder, that there was a small amount of "play" and the cylinder wasn't locked on as tight as it could be.
This might possible have caused the original problem by allowing the steering wheel lock button to seize up inside the steering column.

Another fix/option I considered but did not opt for was locking the steering wheel lock "button" in the down position where it could not possible lock the wheel. If this extreme hard steering wheel lock situation occurs a second time, I would try this before spending the several hundreds of dollars for a new ignition switch, new keys and dealer reprogramming.

About STEVE W. And 2CarPros: I can't stress enough how crucial Steve's expert analysis of the problem, explanation of the complicated security systems, and repair suggestions helped solve this problem. He truly deserves the title "EXPERT"!

I would still be trying to figure out how the NATS security system or the Infinity Immobilizer system was causing the problem. When the actual problem had nothing to do with these two security systems!

Thank you! If anyone wants any further information, please let me know.

Steve: Yes, the old electrical switch did operate in all positions, even the "start" position and spring-returned to the "on" position. I tried it in the ignition cylinder and by itself with a screwdriver. I really don't think the old switch contributed to the "locked steering wheel" issue, but it did appear to be failing, as it didn't seem to "click" into on/off/accessories like the new one did. As mentioned above (and as you know), there are several possible electrical issues that can be caused by a faulty/failing electrical switch.

I'm convinced the original locked steering wheel issue was one or a combination of:
1. Tire up slightly on curb when parked.
2. Yanking too hard on the steering wheel to release/turn the key.
3. Slightly loose ignition lock cylinder - there was a very slight movement of the cylinder before we removed it.
Some combination of these three issues, or to me, most likely, the slight movement of the ignition cylinder (when under pressure) allowed the metal button/steering wheel lock mechanism to jam up inside the steering wheel notch. Once it was tightly jammed, there was no way the key could turn.

KEN - ADMIN:
Sir, you have a fantastic service and web site! I already planned on contacting 2carpros ADMIN to share my thanks to you and offer my highest praise for Steve W. His knowledge is outstanding obviously, but it was his willingness to research and spend a lot of time on a very difficult issue that was so pleasantly surprising. It was amazing to me that he spent that much time sincerely trying to help get our car repaired. Also, his patience and kindness in working through this issue was a rare treat. Steve generously shared his expertise and time, what more could anyone ask for?

I know from experience, there is no comparison between 2carpros and other on-line automotive help services.

2carpros. Com is a great find for people like myself, family and neighbors who are not "every three years" new car buyers, or have lots of expendable income. Professional vehicle repairs and parts are getting constantly more expensive. 2carpros is the perfect solution for the millions of people like us.

"Tell a friend"? Ha ha, already have sir! I immediately told my nephew who is constantly trying to maintain and improve his three vehicles. My neighbors are always trying to keep their older vehicles road-worthy, so I'm already spreading the good word about 2carpros. Com and my new hero, Steve W.

I'm on a lot of vehicle websites, researching, blogging and trying to be of help where I can. You can bet good money that I'll be promoting 2carpros!

Thank you again, Ken,
Continued success!