What Year Were The Immobilizers Introduced?
What Year Were The Immobilizers Introduced?
Newb question I'm sure, but I did search. I'm looking at a 1996 Maxima that belonged to a late relative of a friend. The car's not starting of course, and I thought it might be a starter problem since there's no cranking over at all, no sounds or whirrs or anything. Battery has power btw.
After trying to start the car, I pulled the plain old oval key out and noticed a green light around the ignition keyhole as I was trying to start the car. Looks like the security ring you see on later year Maximas/Nissans with the transponder/immobilizer, but I didn't think those were implemented until 99 Maximas. I'm pretty sure it's a 96 Maxima, but there's definitely a green light there. I asked the friend if there were any other keys to the car and he doesn't know of any.
Thoughts?
After trying to start the car, I pulled the plain old oval key out and noticed a green light around the ignition keyhole as I was trying to start the car. Looks like the security ring you see on later year Maximas/Nissans with the transponder/immobilizer, but I didn't think those were implemented until 99 Maximas. I'm pretty sure it's a 96 Maxima, but there's definitely a green light there. I asked the friend if there were any other keys to the car and he doesn't know of any.
Thoughts?
99's were the first year to get the immobilizer.
The green ring is just a courtesy light to make it easier to see where to put the key in.
If the oval key is a Nissan OEM key, then it's a dead giveaway too that it's a 96 like you think.
The green ring is just a courtesy light to make it easier to see where to put the key in.
If the oval key is a Nissan OEM key, then it's a dead giveaway too that it's a 96 like you think.
Last edited by The Wizard; Sep 9, 2008 at 03:49 PM.
Thank you, that's helpful to know.
I did notice the horn goes off and the blinkers flash while the door is open and the hood is popped, even without key. Think that would impair the start for any reason?
I did notice the horn goes off and the blinkers flash while the door is open and the hood is popped, even without key. Think that would impair the start for any reason?
Auto or stick?
Sorry, I meant that the alarm/lights are going off regardless if the key is in the ignition or not, and regardless if I'm trying to start the car or not. And I disconnected the security fuse and the horns eventually, it was getting annoying. It's an auto, btw. And it's in park 
Yeah, and as I said the car belonged to my friend's late relative and I asked if there was a remote/alarm switch somewhere, he couldn't find anything. I think it's an OEM alarm as there is a relay flasher for it under the fuse box on the passenger side; I disconnected it and it stopped.
Yeah, and as I said the car belonged to my friend's late relative and I asked if there was a remote/alarm switch somewhere, he couldn't find anything. I think it's an OEM alarm as there is a relay flasher for it under the fuse box on the passenger side; I disconnected it and it stopped.
^Thanks! That stopped it from going off.
Car still doesn't turn over though, but at least I know more of what's not the problem.
Anyway, the scenario now: I've got jumper cables hooked up. After five minutes, I turn the key and it sounds like the starter is trying to turn the engine, but that's it. It doesn't sound like the engine's trying to crank over and start, it really is just a quick "whirr" sound before it stops. Like, say, the starter turns the flywheel and engine just once then stops. Maybe not enough power yet? The interior lights/etc. worked fine with the jumper cables on, but take them off and the whole car's dead again.
I'm going to take the battery to see how much life is left in it, I might just need a new battery. My friend said the owner was possibly going to get the alternator replaced right before he passed, though I wouldn't think a dying or dead alternator would matter until the engine's actually on and running before it starts to sap the battery.
Car still doesn't turn over though, but at least I know more of what's not the problem.
Anyway, the scenario now: I've got jumper cables hooked up. After five minutes, I turn the key and it sounds like the starter is trying to turn the engine, but that's it. It doesn't sound like the engine's trying to crank over and start, it really is just a quick "whirr" sound before it stops. Like, say, the starter turns the flywheel and engine just once then stops. Maybe not enough power yet? The interior lights/etc. worked fine with the jumper cables on, but take them off and the whole car's dead again.
I'm going to take the battery to see how much life is left in it, I might just need a new battery. My friend said the owner was possibly going to get the alternator replaced right before he passed, though I wouldn't think a dying or dead alternator would matter until the engine's actually on and running before it starts to sap the battery.
we would need alot more info to try to help you with the starting issue. has the ca sat for a long time? is there gas in car? (i know it seams like a stupid ? but it happens), how are the spark pluggs? is there spark at the pluggs? is the fuel reaching the injectors? all fuses good? how may miles on the car? did it have starting issues with the privious owner than you know off? these are just a few questions that would help. there are many threads on this toic on the forum too. good luck.
^Thanks! That stopped it from going off.
Car still doesn't turn over though, but at least I know more of what's not the problem.
Anyway, the scenario now: I've got jumper cables hooked up. After five minutes, I turn the key and it sounds like the starter is trying to turn the engine, but that's it. It doesn't sound like the engine's trying to crank over and start, it really is just a quick "whirr" sound before it stops. Like, say, the starter turns the flywheel and engine just once then stops. Maybe not enough power yet? The interior lights/etc. worked fine with the jumper cables on, but take them off and the whole car's dead again.
I'm going to take the battery to see how much life is left in it, I might just need a new battery. My friend said the owner was possibly going to get the alternator replaced right before he passed, though I wouldn't think a dying or dead alternator would matter until the engine's actually on and running before it starts to sap the battery.
Car still doesn't turn over though, but at least I know more of what's not the problem.
Anyway, the scenario now: I've got jumper cables hooked up. After five minutes, I turn the key and it sounds like the starter is trying to turn the engine, but that's it. It doesn't sound like the engine's trying to crank over and start, it really is just a quick "whirr" sound before it stops. Like, say, the starter turns the flywheel and engine just once then stops. Maybe not enough power yet? The interior lights/etc. worked fine with the jumper cables on, but take them off and the whole car's dead again.
I'm going to take the battery to see how much life is left in it, I might just need a new battery. My friend said the owner was possibly going to get the alternator replaced right before he passed, though I wouldn't think a dying or dead alternator would matter until the engine's actually on and running before it starts to sap the battery.
Are the jumper cables hooked up to another running car? or are you using a portable battery charger? Or a battery charger that has the car start feature? From the sound of it, your battery might be toast. Have the battery tested and report back to us.
Thanks for the help guys.
It was the battery. I figured it was since it wouldn't keep any power no matter how much jumping it was given. Got a fresh one and it started fine. Dumb I know, it was such an easy fix after I got past the alarm issue. Thanks btw Wizard!
It was the battery. I figured it was since it wouldn't keep any power no matter how much jumping it was given. Got a fresh one and it started fine. Dumb I know, it was such an easy fix after I got past the alarm issue. Thanks btw Wizard!
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JoshG
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
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Sep 21, 2015 10:41 PM