Why won't my Infiniti EX35 start when I push the button? (key light on)

Short answer: On the EX35, a push-button no-start with a key symbol on the dash is often the electronic steering column lock (ESCL), the motor that locks and unlocks the steering wheel. If it doesn't release, the car won't start. Owners got going again by tapping the unit or with a fuse workaround, and fixed it for good by replacing the lock module. Rule out a weak key fob battery and, after a dead car battery, scrambled key programming.

Symptom: You press the start button and nothing happens; a key symbol lights up; the steering wheel doesn't unlock; sometimes it started fine the day before.

What to check first

1. Try the spare key, and replace the fob battery. Owners note a low fob battery shows a different warning, but it's a cheap check.
2. Insert the fob into the slot under the dash, if your car has one, and try again.
3. Turn the steering wheel gently side to side while pressing start.
4. Ask a dealer or independent shop to confirm the steering lock with a scan tool before buying a part.
5. After a dead 12-volt battery, if it says no key detected, have a locksmith or dealer check the key programming.

Likely causes

1. Failed electronic steering column lock (ESCL). The most common cause owners describe.
2. Weak key fob battery. Cheap to rule out.
3. Key programming scrambled after a dead battery. A Nissan master tech said low voltage can scramble the memory.

What it usually costs

One owner said the Infiniti dealer quoted more than $550 for the lock module. Another found an aftermarket replacement (Dorman 601-037) and others used a fuse workaround. Prices are from owner posts.

Is it safe to keep driving?

The car won't start, so you're stuck, not in danger. Don't try wire-cutting tricks while driving. A steering lock should never engage while moving, but if you notice any odd steering lock behavior, get it checked. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for the fob battery and basic checks. Owners have swapped the module themselves. Whether a new module needs dealer programming is debated, so ask first. Key reprogramming is a locksmith or dealer job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Extended coverage on related models: An owner noted that Nissan extended the warranty on the same steering lock for some 370Z, Altima and Cube models. Ask an Infiniti dealer whether anything applies to your EX35's VIN.
• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Infiniti EX35: 15V054000 (2008-2008 model years, steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 3 keyword-matched complaints for Infiniti EX35 2008–2012 (of 77 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-23; keywords: steering lock, key warning, no start) (NHTSA returned no complaint data for 1 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In ESCL Failed on NICOclub, a 2010 EX35 owner pushed the start button and nothing happened except a key symbol, which the manual says means a steering lock or Intelligent Key fault. He got it started with a tapping method from a video; the dealer quoted over $550 for the module and said it needed programming, which another member doubted. Later owners recommended the Dorman replacement or the fuse trick.
• In 2010 EX35 steering lock / anti-theft, an owner whose battery went flat overnight came back to a car that said no key detected and wouldn't crank. A Nissan master tech explained that a voltage drop can scramble the memory in the body computer or key unit, and that having a locksmith reprogram the fobs usually fixes it.

Quick tip

Before you pay for a steering lock, try the spare fob and a fresh fob battery. If it's the lock, there are cheaper parts than the dealer's.

Vehicle focus: 2008–2012 Infiniti EX35 with push-button start (the same lock design is used on many Nissan models of the era).

Safety / mechanic note

A no-start can strand you; never disable anti-theft parts while the car is moving. Verify with a mechanic.