02 Max won't start - security light on.. HELP!!
 

my brother has a 2002 maxima and recently he's been having problems starting it. Sometimes when he puts the key in, and turn it to the ACC position, the security light by the clock goes on solid. This way, the car only cranks and does not start. Sometimes the light doesn't go on, and everything is fine.. has anyone experianced anything like this and what did you do to fix it?

please let me know, i'm looking for replies ASAP.

thank you all.

Sound like an intermittent problem with either the key or the ECM (I think that's where the security settings reside)... Does he have the same problem with his spare key?

car was bought used, and he only has one key. The problem is intermittent, yes.

I don't think its the ECM.. although I could be wrong. I just think it would be more often if it was computer related..

He took it into the guy he bought it from (dealer) it has been starting fine the past 2 days... Any other thoughts ppl?

I would have to go with the problem being the key (programming). Maybe it needs to be reprogrammed with the ECU.. Try getting another key and having it reprogrammed. I had some keys cut and it would go into ACC posistion but wouldn't crank until programmed.

If you are going to get a new key I would suggest saving some $$$ and getting the blanks on ebay. Nissan charged $104 for 1 key & programming. I bought 4 keys off ebay for like $30 or so.. programming at dealership (were I went anyways) was $40 for as many keys as you had.

*When getting keys programmed you need to get the original to, because they all have to be programmed at the same time.

Does he have any programmable devices attach to his keys like a mobil speed pass or fast lane for the tolls. They will cause the car not to start sometimes. I had that happen to me on my 02 max and I took the speed pass off and it stopped. Check that first

Dealer man.. take it there so they can diagnose the problem with the Key....

what happenend to the other two keys?:nervous:

I doubt a speedpass could be causing it, those are passive devices that are not read by anything in the car.

Yes it can. There was a TSB out by nissan for vehicle not starting and one of the causes was mobil speed pass.

Here is the TSB

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB99-063c.pdf

hmm does he use the key fob to unlock the doors...there is possibility that its not completely disengaging the security system which prevents the car from starting properly...this can be due a drained fob battery...ive had this exact problem in my g20 and that was the cause

Hi guys. Sorry to bring this thread from the graveyard but I'm having this same problem and I need to get the car to the dealer. However, I can't get it to start. Was anyone ever able to figure this problem out?

I had a problem starting my car and it turned out to be a faulty immobilizer. It was a pretty quick fix at the dealer.

Do you have AAA so you can tow it?

If you can't get it started and need it towed, most people don't always think about if they have Road Side assistance on their insurance, or on their phone plan. Sprint has a roadside assistance program that if you are subscribed to, you could get it towed for free through that.