It appears that I have an immobilizer issue with my 1999 Maxima at 100K
miles. It cranks, no fuel, Security light is on with key in ON position.
The dealer just told me that I need to have it towed in for repair. Is
there any other solution, workaround?
Can anyone tell me what caused this?
Is there a way to bypass this unwanted 'feature'? Any information on this
would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob

"Bob" <rkindt (AT) hvc (DOT) rr.com> wrote

You may just have a weak battery sometimes the Max will still crank but
voltage is still low and the computer won't let fuel pump start. This
happened to me with my 98 Max.

If the security light is on when the key is in and in the on position the
NATS ( Nissan Anti Theft System) is preventing it from starting.

If more than 3 attempts have been made to start the car the NATS system put
the car in lock mode, once in lock mode there is nothing that can be done.
It will need to be towed to the dealership to have the lock out condition
cleared.

Causes for lock mode

1. use of and unregistered key
2. use of an non chip key
3. interference from another transponder device like a Mobil speedpass.

another possibility is that the IMMU unit has gone bad and the system does
not recognize the key(s)

be sure to take all the keys with you to the dealership as they all need to
be programmed at the same time..

Bottom line here is the car needs to go to the dealership


"Bob" <rkindt (AT) hvc (DOT) rr.com> wrote

OOOOO,,,!!

never propose going to the evil DEALER - you might get flamed by the
ONE,,,LOL


"NissTech" <Haywood_Jablowme (AT) msn (DOT) com> wrote:

NissTech's answer is right on the money. After the unit is replaced,
the keys need to be reprogramed to it. This happened to me about a
year ago on my wifes car.

"Chuck In Dallas" <goldmax60 (AT) comcast (DOT) net> wrote

I would take my chances of getting it snached before having to go through
all that crazy digital stuff.

But, it won't run now. It won't run without the immobilizer module.

If you would remove your head from your rectum long enough to read
Nissan Tech, you would see that he says, "...bottom line here is that
the car needs to go to the dealership."

KMA Kia driver.

Chuck,,Thanks, but I am afraid there isn't a hook and a pole long
enough to pull this guys head out of his ass.

He never reads, ak a make that , comprehends the post,,just sees the
word DEALER and goes into a meaningless tirade,

Maybe he got fired from a Dealer - which makes me all the more
comfortable generally recommending that people take their $35K cars
there to ensure they get fixed properly.

As usual, he makes up nonsense - like getting the "tire pressure
checked at the dealer". Apparently ONE thinks that check engine
lights, dirty fuel injectors, the ECU, the MAF sensor, O2 sensors,
and the like also fall into the "tire pressure" general maintenance
classification.

Nissan tech is a real mechanic, who obviously understands real 21st
century cars, ONE isn't a mechanic, he just plays one on the
internet. He has never made a single usefull post - all he ever does
is tell people that do that they are wrong, because he thinks so.

Oh and BTW,,,your now probably on Ones "flame list" for pointing out
his blatant stupidity - you will soon have to put him on your ignore
list like I did.



Chuck In Dallas <goldmax60 (AT) comcast (DOT) net> wrote:

Thanks NissTech and others. Looks like I have no choice but to get it towed
in for reprogramming. I do remember accidently putting the key from my Olds
Bravada in the Maxima's ignition at some point and that probably caused
this. I had no idea that this 'trap' existed, and from now on will be
watching what keys I am carrying around in my pockets.

But this permanent immobilizing is lame. I have no fear of thief where I
live and would surely disable this feature if possible now that I have been
a victim of its consequences. Too bad that they did not provide a simple
way for the owner to reset the ignition. After all, I do have two keys
that, until now, were allowed to start my car. One misuse of an incorrect
key should not leave me in need of a tow. Luckly for me I was not somewhere
far from home! Certainly a better recovery system could have been devised.

Thanks again for the advice however, Bob


"Chuck In Dallas" <goldmax60 (AT) comcast (DOT) net> wrote