Is it possible to use a keyless remote entry on a Maxima which didn't originally come with one?

I am not sure if mine did or not, I just got a single key when I bought it. Is it a part of a standard package on all '97 Maximas? This car is a base model GXE, without any extras.

 

AFAIK, I *think* all 4th gens came with remote keyless entry standard...? I'd appreciate correction from anyone who knows differently.

Look on the left side of your steering column, next to your ASCD (cruise control) switch. Is there a red LED for security? If there is, you can buy a key fob from ebay or your local dealer and reprogram it to be recognized by your car. There are several sources on the web for protocols on how to do this.

 

I'm not sure of all 4th generation, but on my 96 GXE it's part of the Security and Convenience package. My sister's 96 GXE does not have any option/package (only auto trans)therefore on her car there is no keyless entry.

 

This response is based on information from the '99 Maxima factory service manual. I believe your Maxima is wired the same way.

The manual refers to the keyless remote feature as the Multi-Remote Control System. It uses a Multi-Remote Control Relay. Look to see if your car has this relay.

1) Open the trunk. Remove the trunk compartment floor carpet and the fiberboard spare tire cover. These are removed with your hands; no tools are required.

2) Remove the cardboard trunk trim which surrounds the latch mechanism. The five plastic fasteners which secure it are quarter-turn latches and come loose easily when turned with a Phillips head screwdriver.

3) Look at the area of the trunk latch mechanism, made visible by removal of the the trim panel. Locate electrical connector T5. This is a brown plastic connector with 6 terminal positions. If your Maxima does not have the keyless entry feature you will find connector T5 taped up so it does not rattle, but with no relay plugged into it.

4) Reinstall all the trim you removed.

This whole operation should take three minutes.

If your car was factory-equipped with a Keyless Remote but you don't have the remote, then you can buy one and reprogram it. If your car was not factory-equipped with Keyless Remote then you need much more than the remote unit.

 

Plain Jane (my '99 GXE) does not have Keyless Entry. She does have the blinking red LED Security light. It is a component of the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System which is standard equipment on '99s.

 

All 97 to 99 GXE models that have 5-speeds (Daniel's included) CANNOT have ANY other factory options, as all GXE options required the automatic transmission. Nissan did this to push 5-speed people into SE models.

The Comfort & Convenience package is what includes the remote entry.

My "BARE-BONES" 99 model ONLY has an automatic and power antenna (which comes with automatic option). I have no C&C package either.

So I'm betting you have (or had judging from your picture) a fixed antenna and a manual pull on the driver side floor board that operates both the fuel door (push) and the trunk (pull).

You can buy a remote keyless entry kit from Crutchfield for $100 or so and install it yourself. It's quite easy to do. Nissan door lock switches only require tapping into 3 wires and an ignition/12V power source. These are all availble in the driver side door.

 

Okay so, My 97' GXE only came with one remote. Where can I get another one aside from the dealer?

 

These remotes are frequently available on the eBay auction site. http://pages.ebay.com/ebaymotors/index.html