What is causing the clicking in my steering column when I turn the wheel?

If your 2014 Frontier's steering and ignition are locked and wiggling the wheel while turning the key does not unlock it, there are a few possible causes and solutions you can try:

1. Dead battery: If the battery is dead or low on power, it can cause the steering wheel lock to engage and prevent the key from turning. Try jump-starting the vehicle or replacing the battery to see if that resolves the issue.
2. Faulty ignition switch: The ignition switch may be faulty and not responding to the key, preventing it from turning. You may need to replace the ignition switch to resolve the issue.
3. Damaged steering column: The steering column may be damaged or worn, preventing the steering lock from disengaging. In this case, you may need to replace the steering column or have it repaired by a qualified mechanic.
4. Malfunctioning lock cylinder: The lock cylinder itself may be malfunctioning or damaged, preventing the key from turning. You may need to replace the lock cylinder to resolve the issue.

It could or could have electric power sterring , look up under the dash below the steering wheel an see if it has a electric motor on the steering column .
Power Steering System Description and Operation (with EPS)
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system reduces the amount of effort needed to steer the vehicle. The system uses the power steering control module (PSCM), torque sensor, power steering motor rotational sensor, power steering motor, discrete battery voltage supply circuit, and the GMLAN serial data circuit to perform the system functions. The PSCM and power steering motor are each serviced separately from the steering column assembly. However, the motor rotational sensor is serviced as part of the power steering motor, and the torque sensor is serviced as part of the steering column assembly. The PSCM also monitors vehicle speed from the engine control module (ECM) via the GMLAN serial data circuit. At low speeds more assist is provided for easy turning during parking maneuvers. At higher speeds less assist is provided for improved road feel and directional stability.

steering locked engine running not? , not told that key fact.
the key must turn, jiggling steering can help the key too turn.
we do not know what turn over means, the word turns has zero meaning .(accurate)
the starter turns, the crank shaft spins and turns and the engine turns and starts and runs and stays running this good serial event
or the KEY is stuck and key will not turn OVER from OFF TO , RUN and to START,


some call turns over as runs. 3 ways to get the mean wrong

so learn to say I can crank it ok but the engine fails to start and run.
I guess (wild) the starter is DEAD< silent, clicks or chatters.>?
that it> no GRRRRRRGRRRRR sound from a happy starter motor?

starter dead or not, is question 1./

Electronic power steering . Do you know anything about automotive electronic's ? Electronic power steering control module , sensor inputs an output control ? DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes . Electrical testing ? Do you have a professional type scan tool to check input an output data , codes ?
Power Steering System Description and Operation (Non-Turbo)
The electric power steering (EPS) system reduces the amount of effort needed to steer the vehicle. The system uses the body control module (BCM), power steering control module (PSCM), torque sensor, discrete battery voltage supply circuit, EPS motor, serial data bus, and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center to perform the system functions. The PSCM, torque sensor, not the EPS motor are serviced separately from each other or from the steering column. Any EPS components diagnosed to be malfunctioning requires replacement of the steering column assembly, also known as the EPS assembly.
Torque Sensor
The PSCM uses a torque sensor as it's main input for determining the amount of steering assist. The steering column has an input shaft, from the steering wheel to the torque sensor, and an output shaft, from the torque sensor to the steering shaft coupler. The input and output shafts are separated by a torsion bar, where the torque sensor is located. The sensor consists of a compensation coil, detecting coil and 3 detecting rings. These detecting rings have toothed edges that face each other. Detecting ring 1 is fixed to the output shaft, detecting rings 2 and 3 are fixed top the input shaft. The detecting coil is positioned around the toothed edges of detecting rings 1 and 2. As torque is applied to the steering column shaft the alignment of the teeth between detecting rings 1 and 2 changes, which causes the detecting coil signal voltage to change. The PSCM recognizes this change in signal voltage as steering column shaft torque. The compensation coil is used to compensate for changes in electrical circuit impedance due to circuit temperature changes from the electrical current and voltage levels as well as ambient temperatures for accurate torque detection.
EPS Motor
The EPS motor is a 12-volt brushed DC reversible motor with a 61-amp rating. The motor assists steering through a worm shaft and reduction gear located in the steering column housing.
Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)
The PSCM uses a combination of torque sensor inputs, vehicle speed, calculated system temperature and the steering calibration to determine the amount of steering assist. When the steering wheel is turned, the PSCM uses signal voltage from the torque sensor to detect the amount of torque being applied to the steering column shaft and the amount of current to command to the EPS motor. The PSCM receives serial data from the engine control module (ECM) to determine vehicle speed. At low speeds more assist is provided for easy turning during parking maneuvers. At high speeds, less assist is provided for improved road feel and directional stability. The PSCM nor the EPS motor are designed to handle 61 amps continuously. The PSCM will go into overload protection mode to avoid system thermal damage. In this mode the PSCM will limit the amount of current commanded to the EPS motor which reduces steering assist levels. The PSCM also chooses which steering calibration to use when the ignition is turned ON, based on the production map number stored in the BCM. The PSCM contains all 8 of the steering calibrations which are different in relation to the vehicles RPO's. The PSCM has the ability to detect malfunctions within the EPS system. Any malfunction detected will cause the IPC message center to display PWR STR (or Power Steering) warning message.

DTC C0000
DTC C0176
DTC C0460
DTC C0475 (with LNF)
DTC C0475 (without LNF)
DTC C0545 (without LNF)
DTC C0545 (with LNF)
DTC C0561
DTC C056D
DTC C056E
DTC C0845
Your best bet ,take it to a qualified repair shop .

is the lock assembly in the car or out?
there are 2 jobs here, removing the assembly
and after that, attacking the lock it self.???????

any lock smith can rebuild the lock, proper
it has pins that are pressed out.
it can even be rekeyed.

the remove assembly is covered in the FSM, no books?
alldata.com covers that.
it really is an Isuzu. impulse.

my guess is its job 1, assembly out.
so toss coin lands on job1
(on most cars, steering wheel must be removed)
once that is done, its obvious from there, right? that clamp there with the antitamper screws? then must be removed. and replaced new..

a rare car , and even more one that runs....

here is the online FSM answer

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the steering wheel.
3. Remove the combination switch assembly.
4. Turn the key to the OFFposition, depress the retaining pin and remove the ignition lock cylinder from the switch.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch.
6. Remove the snapring and spacer collar from the steering shaft.
7. Disconnect the back drive cable from the ignition switch.
8. Remove the ignition switch bolts and the ignition switch from the steering column.

now back in?

1. Install the ignition switch to the steering column and tighten the bolts.
2. Connect the back drive cable to the ignition switch.
3. Install the spacer collar and the snapring to the steering shaft.
4. Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch.
5. Install the lock cylinder into the switch.
6. Install the turn signal switch screws and the turn signal switch.
7. Install the four screws and the coil assembly to the turn signal switch.
8. Connect the coil assembly wiring harness to the turn signal switch.
9. Install the two piece steering column cover and the two piece steering column cover screws.
10. Raise the steering column and install the upper steering column mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 18 ft. lbs. (24 Nm).
11. Install the left lower dash trim panel and tighten the lower dash trim panel screws.
12. Install the lap air deflector and tighten the lap air deflector screws.
13. Install the knee pad assembly and tighten the five screws, the bolt and the nut attaching the assembly.
14. Install the engine hood opener cable.
15. Install the engine hood opener and tighten the two screws.
16. Connect the electrical connector to the cigar lighter bezel and install the bezel.
17. Connect the electrical connector to the left switch bezel and install the bezel.
18. Install the steering wheel.
19. Connect the negative battery terminal to the battery.

that?

Removal
1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
2. Turn the ignition switch to "LOCK".
3. Disconnect the battery "- " terminal cable, and wait at least 5 minutes.
4. Disconnect the yellow 2-way SRS connector located under the steering column.

Caution: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the "LOCK" position before disconnecting the steering wheel. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.

5. Remove the engine hood opening lever and steering lower cover.
6. Remove driver knee bolster (reinforcement).
7. Loosen the inflator module fixing bolt from behind the steering wheel assembly using a TORX 0 driver or equivalent until the inflator module can be released from steering assembly.

8. Disconnect the yellow 2-way SRS connector and horn lead located behind the inflator module.

9. Apply a setting mark (1) across the steering wheel and shaft so parts can be reassembled in their original position.
10. Move the front wheels to the straight ahead position, then use steering wheel remover J-29752 to remove the steering wheel.

Caution: Never apply force to the steering wheel in direction of the shaft by using a hammer or other impact tools in an attempt to remove the steering wheel. The steering shaft is designed as an energy absorbing unit.
11. Remove steering column cover.
12. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors located under the steering column.
13. Remove the combination switch assembly with SRS coil.
14. Remove snap ring.
15. Remove cushion rubber.
16. Remove shift lock cable (for A/T).
17. Disconnect the starter switch harness connector located under the steering column then remove lock cylinder assembly.

These generic instructions (with an Illustration from Ford) were the best I could find.

Testing and replacing an ignition switch:

An ignition switch supplies voltage to the ignition control module and/or the ignition coil. Often an ignition sytem thas two wires connected to the run terminal of the ignition switch. On is connected to the module. The other is connected to the primary resistor and coil. The start terminal of the switch is also wired to the module.

You can check for voltage using either a 12-volt test light or a digital multimeter (dmm).

To use a test light:

* Turn the ignition key off and disconnect the wire connector at the module.
* Disconnect the S terminal of the starter solenoid to prevent the engine from cranking when the ignition is in the run position.
* Turn the key to the run position and probe the red wire connection to check for voltage.
* Check for voltage at the battery terminal of the ignition coil using the test light.
* Next, turn the key to the start position and check for voltage at the white wire connector at the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If voltage is present, the switch and its circuit are okay.

To do the same test using a DMM:

* Turn the ignition switch to the off position and back-probe, with the meter's positive lead, the power feed wire at the module.
* Connect the meter's negative to a good ground at the distributor base.
* Turn the ignition to the run or start position as needed, and measure the voltage.
* The reading should be at least 90% of battery voltage.

Replacement - Ignition switch

The ignition switch is usually mounted to the steering column and is operated by a linkage rod.
NOTE
On column-mounted ignition switches, don't confuse the switch with the lock cylinder and keys. The ignition switch is not normally visible.

(See illustration below)

On some vehicles, the steering column support has to be removed and the column lowered to find the ignition switch. On others, the switch is accessible under the dash.
The ignition switch is operated by the key switch. Courtesy of Ford Motor Company.

To replace the switch:

* Remove the ignition switch wiring harness.
* Unbolt it from its position.
* Bolt the new switch into position.
* Attach the witing harness.

The ignition lock assembly contains two components: a lock cylinder to deter theft and an electrical portion that supplies power to electrical components such as the radio, electric windows, and windshield wipers. The electrical portion of the ignition switch also provides power to the starter motor to start the engine.
The ignition lock is an anti-theft device that prevents a vehicle from being driven unless the ignition key is in the ignition switch. If the ignition key is not in the ignition switch, it 's impossible to turn the steering wheel.
To replace the ignition switch cylinder lock, the trim panels around the steering wheel are removed. Then the tamper-proof hardware that attaches the ignition lock assembly to the steering column is removed. The ignition lock assembly is removed from the steering column, and the lock cylinder is replaced. The new ignition lock is reattached to the steering column, and the trim panels are replaced.make sure you dissconect battery first the 1997 had a recall on the ignition switch dont no if the 1995 had a recall if so they will replace for free

Make sure the interlock cable is adjusted right.