So about a month ago a friend asked me to help her buy a car. Of course I steered her towards a maxima and she ended up buying an awesome 99 SE-L Forest Green fully loaded.

Anyways, today she tried to start it with a key she had made at the local hardware store and it refused to start. It turns over all day long but wont start. I know the 2k + maximas have a chip in the key for antitheft, do the 99's as well? Or are we looking at a mechanical problem?

Any advice would help.
P.S. If anyone has a set of decent beige SE-L floor mats PM me cause she needs them

 

99+ maximas have the chip. Time for a visit to the stealership.

 

99+ have the NVIS...so like said above...Gotta make a dealership appt and the going rate is around 100$ (at least in my area)

 

I had heard that the engine wouldnt even turn over if the chip wasnt present. Is this wrong?

 

The engine will turn over, but will not start. If you tried starting the car twice without the right key, then the security system has been activated and will need to be reprogramed. Only a dealership can do this. Runs about $125.

 

Can we pull the negative battery terminal for a few mins instead? Why 125 dollars?
We have to tow it to the dealership for this???

 

Use the original key to start the car and take it to the dealership. Buy the key from the dealership and they will program it for $65. 1 hour labor rate. I have no idea how much a blank key cost.

 

We found the original key and it started the car fine! Thanks to all for the help.

 

Make sure you get a copy NOW. Too many of us have regretted not having one (myself included, of course..)

 

different dealers have different prices for the key. Here, it's $35 for the key, and a one-time (supposedly) fee of $70 for the programming.


Fisher: It takes more than twice. I did this before, and i tried to start the car like 20 times before i realized it.