Keeps getting stolen. Bypassing the immobilizer?
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6
Keeps getting stolen. Bypassing the immobilizer?
My car keeps getting stolen, likely by the same folks, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how.
I have a 98 max with a seemingly functioning immobilizer (Lock the car with the button, can't start it) which the insurance guys seem fairly adamant that if the car thief doesn't have my keyfob, they wont be able to get it started.
Well, needless to say, I've got all my keys, yet it keeps getting stolen. I'm looking into some solutions (aftermarket immobilizers, kill switches, etc) to hopefully prevent this from happening again, but I don't quite understand how it happens in the first place.
Any insights?
I have a 98 max with a seemingly functioning immobilizer (Lock the car with the button, can't start it) which the insurance guys seem fairly adamant that if the car thief doesn't have my keyfob, they wont be able to get it started.
Well, needless to say, I've got all my keys, yet it keeps getting stolen. I'm looking into some solutions (aftermarket immobilizers, kill switches, etc) to hopefully prevent this from happening again, but I don't quite understand how it happens in the first place.
Any insights?
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I've been pulling the ignition fuse, which is how it's managed to stay in my parking spot for the past couple days. Im always paranoid theres a chance this **** will find out its missing, find a fuse somewhere else, and a day later its gone again.
Where is the fuel pump fuse? I checked around but I couldnt locate it.
Where is the fuel pump fuse? I checked around but I couldnt locate it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,037
From: Central AR
Welcome to Maxima.org. Where are you located? We may have members in your area who can help or refer you to a shop to get a theft proof immobilizer system installed.
The 1999 models were the first year for the NATS theft avoidance immobilizer system. Some of us have suffered from accidentally immobilizing our 1999 models. It usually takes a tow to the dealer or a visit from a fully equipped locksmith to reset the NATS system once it has been tripped. It is not easy to work around the NATS system in 1999 models.
As far as I know, the 1998 models did not come with the NATS immobilization system.
The IIHS article below describes the difference between 1998 and 1999 model Maximas.
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/deskto...itheft-devices
Is someone breaking into your car to gain access? Are they making a key that allows them to unlock your car and drive away?
The 1999 models were the first year for the NATS theft avoidance immobilizer system. Some of us have suffered from accidentally immobilizing our 1999 models. It usually takes a tow to the dealer or a visit from a fully equipped locksmith to reset the NATS system once it has been tripped. It is not easy to work around the NATS system in 1999 models.
As far as I know, the 1998 models did not come with the NATS immobilization system.
The IIHS article below describes the difference between 1998 and 1999 model Maximas.
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/deskto...itheft-devices
Is someone breaking into your car to gain access? Are they making a key that allows them to unlock your car and drive away?
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Thanks for the info. This says the 1998s did not have a "standard factory-installed immobilizing antitheft device", does that mean my year doesn't actually have an immobilizer? I just went by what it said on my insurance sheet, they said it did so I assumed they were right, but I've never looked into it myself.
I tried myself locking the car and starting it, and it completely shut off the power for a good few minutes until everything came back. I assumed it was the immobilizer.
They dont seem to be "breaking in" so much as just entering. Theres never any damage to my locks or ignitions, yet it still disappears and shows up a short distance away a few days later. The police usually find it after a while and I get it back with nothing wrong with it.
Ahh thanks for the image. I was looking at the two under the hood, never checked that one though. I'll be pulling this one too as a safety precaution.
I tried myself locking the car and starting it, and it completely shut off the power for a good few minutes until everything came back. I assumed it was the immobilizer.
They dont seem to be "breaking in" so much as just entering. Theres never any damage to my locks or ignitions, yet it still disappears and shows up a short distance away a few days later. The police usually find it after a while and I get it back with nothing wrong with it.
Ahh thanks for the image. I was looking at the two under the hood, never checked that one though. I'll be pulling this one too as a safety precaution.
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Car is completely stock. It just keeps getting found in different places, some calls police, police call me, it gets towed and I go pick it up.
Unfortunately I don't own any small arms, and with the amount of drugs that gets smoked in this region, I'd probably not even want to face the guy.
Unfortunately I don't own any small arms, and with the amount of drugs that gets smoked in this region, I'd probably not even want to face the guy.
Last edited by 8bitedition; Nov 29, 2014 at 03:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,037
From: Central AR
It sounds like somebody has been taking your Maxima for a "joyride" to use up your gas.
This famous car's ignition had to be turned left to a "Lock" position to keep it from being started without the key. Otherwise you just needed to flip the switch to start and run.
This famous car's ignition had to be turned left to a "Lock" position to keep it from being started without the key. Otherwise you just needed to flip the switch to start and run.
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Thats a sexy looking dash 
I'm inclined to agree that they're just joyriding in my oh-so-desirable car, except that each time they've taken it, they've used less than 5 bucks of gas. They must be very conservative drivers
Nope, only I got my key. Hell, I wouldn't even trust my girlfriend with my maxima....
I'm inclined to agree that they're just joyriding in my oh-so-desirable car, except that each time they've taken it, they've used less than 5 bucks of gas. They must be very conservative drivers
Nope, only I got my key. Hell, I wouldn't even trust my girlfriend with my maxima....
Its a concept I heard from a coworker.
The idea is that the lighter draws less amps than the relay, so it would essentially be a dead short to ground.
You would find the ground for the pump (or ignition) relay, unbolt it from the body or clip it from the harness, and run a long wire from there to the lighter where the positive used to be connected.
This is just an idea, however my coworker used this on the ignition on his 65 Chevy pickup.
The idea is that the lighter draws less amps than the relay, so it would essentially be a dead short to ground.
You would find the ground for the pump (or ignition) relay, unbolt it from the body or clip it from the harness, and run a long wire from there to the lighter where the positive used to be connected.
This is just an idea, however my coworker used this on the ignition on his 65 Chevy pickup.
Its a concept I heard from a coworker.
The idea is that the lighter draws less amps than the relay, so it would essentially be a dead short to ground.
You would find the ground for the pump (or ignition) relay, unbolt it from the body or clip it from the harness, and run a long wire from there to the lighter where the positive used to be connected.
This is just an idea, however my coworker used this on the ignition on his 65 Chevy pickup.
The idea is that the lighter draws less amps than the relay, so it would essentially be a dead short to ground.
You would find the ground for the pump (or ignition) relay, unbolt it from the body or clip it from the harness, and run a long wire from there to the lighter where the positive used to be connected.
This is just an idea, however my coworker used this on the ignition on his 65 Chevy pickup.
With a manual transmission, you could very easily disconnect the clutch interlock switch at the pedal and run the wire to the lighter. This would disable the starter until you push the lighter in.
Get an AutoLock Pro, put it on the brake pedal, watch and wait. May not stop them if they really want it, but it should slow them down enough for you to see who's messing with you.
Maybe it's time for an aftermarket alarm / pager?
Maybe it's time for an aftermarket alarm / pager?
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No damage, no break in, yet it's driven away?
Common sense says somebody has a key.
To stop this from happening, rekey the vehicle. Go to your local salvage and pull the door, trunk and ignition cylinders If no keys are available, then have a lock smith cut keys for your new parts. I bet you can accomplish this for under 50 bucks.
Easy fix, really.
Common sense says somebody has a key.
To stop this from happening, rekey the vehicle. Go to your local salvage and pull the door, trunk and ignition cylinders If no keys are available, then have a lock smith cut keys for your new parts. I bet you can accomplish this for under 50 bucks.
Easy fix, really.
Thread Starter
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No damage, no break in, yet it's driven away?
Common sense says somebody has a key.
To stop this from happening, rekey the vehicle. Go to your local salvage and pull the door, trunk and ignition cylinders If no keys are available, then have a lock smith cut keys for your new parts. I bet you can accomplish this for under 50 bucks.
Easy fix, really.
Common sense says somebody has a key.
To stop this from happening, rekey the vehicle. Go to your local salvage and pull the door, trunk and ignition cylinders If no keys are available, then have a lock smith cut keys for your new parts. I bet you can accomplish this for under 50 bucks.
Easy fix, really.
I do like the kill switch idea though.
I actually considered this earlier, as its one of the less expensive ways to resolve the issue without having to crack heads. The police and insurance folks seem inclined to believe that since its an older car, the locks are all worn down and anybody with a vaguely similar key can hop in and go. I would think same era locks could potentially have the same issue though, no? Or should I go slap some 2014 locks in there
I do like the kill switch idea though.
I do like the kill switch idea though.
you could also try your key on the junk cars to determine if they are worn down also before buying a lock set that may also have the same issue
Think about it. If you use your key fob to open your doors how much use is your door lock cylinder getting? Either someone has a key fob and key to your car, its one of those rare instances where another Maxima key works for your car (they sold tons of them).
Or my personal favorite, the previous owner found an old set of keys, tracked the car down, and is just screwing with you. He won't damage the car because he likes it too much but he misses it and regrets getting rid of it for whatever reason. I say sell it back to him at above market value.
Or my personal favorite, the previous owner found an old set of keys, tracked the car down, and is just screwing with you. He won't damage the car because he likes it too much but he misses it and regrets getting rid of it for whatever reason. I say sell it back to him at above market value.
Think about it. If you use your key fob to open your doors how much use is your door lock cylinder getting? Either someone has a key fob and key to your car, its one of those rare instances where another Maxima key works for your car (they sold tons of them).
Or my personal favorite, the previous owner found an old set of keys, tracked the car down, and is just screwing with you. He won't damage the car because he likes it too much but he misses it and regrets getting rid of it for whatever reason. I say sell it back to him at above market value.
Or my personal favorite, the previous owner found an old set of keys, tracked the car down, and is just screwing with you. He won't damage the car because he likes it too much but he misses it and regrets getting rid of it for whatever reason. I say sell it back to him at above market value.
Or my personal favorite, the previous owner found an old set of keys, tracked the car down, and is just screwing with you. He won't damage the car because he likes it too much but he misses it and regrets getting rid of it for whatever reason. I say sell it back to him at above market value.
But in a very sad way.
I wish I could offer a nice simple solution, but I can't. Any ideas I had have already been mentioned. I personally would have the locks re-keyed to require a different key.
Buy "the club" steering wheel lock, and, instead of locking the steering, lock it between the shifter and e-brake. He may still be able to start the car, but he won't move it
That would be a less expensive way to discourage him.
That would be a less expensive way to discourage him.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 73
From: Queens
It may be the similar key thing. A friends wife had a corolla and she called him asked to pick her up from work, told him where she parked. My friend gets in the car and starts it but realizes he doesn't have the key to the club, wrong plate number. Lol. They stole my Honda the same way too, they didn't break in but the cops caught them joyriding with a key in the ignition.