I have a 2004 reg. Nissan Micra SVE Automatic. It has no key and the doors and the ignition switch operate when the electronic key fob is placed nearby. The steering lock is linked with the ignition switch are jamming and the car is almost impossible to start. I have never experianced this with a conventional key operated ignition. I have been informed that it will cost around £300 to replace the switch as it requires programming.

Geoff, September 2008

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5iOBV6teng

dave, May 2016

I had the same problem with my 2004 Micra ignition and it was certainly worse in the hot weather. Wiggling the locked steering wheel was effective for a while, but one sweltering day nothing would budge it.
I think the moving parts had gummed up. A prolonged spray of carburettor cleaner straight into the keyhole got it moving and now it remains as good as new (three months on). I tried WD40 first, but that seemed to gum it up even more! I also charged up the battery for good measure, but it didn't need much charging.
If you try the carburettor cleaner, be warned that it makes the car smell of solvent for a couple of weeks and you need to unscrew the plastic wrapping around the steering column to tip out a puddle of any excess drained from the ignition. For me, it was a desperate measure before having the car towed!!

Patrick, October 2013

Graphite powder works. Squirt it into the lock. It's a dry lubricant and it works.

psychobabby, October 2013

how to repair it?

aga, March 2010

I too am experiencing problems with my keyless ignition. So far I have been told to press the brake harder, that there is nothing wrong and after taking to my local nissan dealer I was informed that the problem is due to the hot weather. I have had the batteries replaced in the key fobs as well.

At todays date I went into a local garage who took off the cap for the emergency key and added some WD40 to it and so far it seems to be working. I have been advised that it is due to the lock sticking. I'm hoping this will solve the problem if not a new lock is required.

Lynda, September 2009

I too have a Nissan Micra 2003 SVE model and it is almost impossible to switch the car on. The only way I manage to switch it on is by vigorously moving the steering wheel, which in turn could damage it more. I tried switching the car on with the emergency key provided but I still face the same problem of not being able to switch on the car. I am looking to get it repaired and so far most of them are around £300 which isn’t cheap.

PPATEL, July 2009

I have the same problem with my 2004 Micra SVE (manual) . The only way I can get it to start some days is to go through the locking /unlocking procedure using the remote switch rather than the keyless operation and that sometimes frees it but it is very frustrating. My boot lock also jammed recently but it freed up after someone ran into the back of the car and it's been ok since!

Maggie/Suffolk, October 2008

Have you a caravan attached? I think you're in the wrong section

Nobby, September 2008