Hey guys,

I have a problem with my factory remote that has been plaguing me for some time, and I have been having a heck of a time trying to track down the cause. I didn't know if anyone here had either a way to help me narrow down the issue, or if they had similar experiences that might provide some insight. Basically, here's what's happening:

About one out of every three times I go out to my car to unlock it or turn off my car and try to lock it when walking away, it refuses to work. When this happens, I can walk back up to the car, press any button on the remote, and it will not work, no matter how many times I try (believe me, I've stood there for a good 2-3 pressing buttons trying to get it to respond). When this happens, I end up locking/unlocking the car manually. Even if I am away for only like 10-15 minutes and come back, it will often times work when I do come back without a hitch. In summary, when it's working, it is working fine, and when it's not, it won't do a damned thing.

Anyone have any ideas? I don't have a second remote that I can use to help figure out whether it is the remote or the car itself, but I'm leaning towards replacing the remote because it is the cheapest option. I just replaced the battery in the remote a month ago to see if this would fix the problem, and that hasn't done anything to help alleviate the issue. I have taken apart the remote and verified that there is no water damage or other crap in it, even giving it a thorough cleaning to see if perhaps that was the problem. I can feel the buttons on the remote "click" when I press them, so I don't think that's the issue either.

 

It happens to me sometimes when i'm in airport area (all cars i parked on that spot didn't work! LOL) and at some big parking lots; so I would consider it as an interference issue

 

Interference standing right beside the car?

Sounds like a deteriorated/damaged remote. You can get a used, near mint, Nissan Factory one off ebay for cheap. I bought my Max used and it had no remote. Got mine off ebay, just looked for the one that looked most new and a seller who had the highest rating....when I recieved it, it looked brand new and had a perfect battery in it. I decided to invest in a cheap rubber case from Nissan to protect it. Just don't forget to remove your new battery from your old remote and save it.

Went ahead and looked up on ebay for you. This is of course for the 2002-03 models with the trunk pop. You will naturally need to match your numbers/model when buying to make sure you get the right one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...Q5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAXIM...Q5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSA...Q5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...Q5fAccessories

 

Yes, this is exactly what I've experienced; not only with Nissan, and they were brand new cars!

 

oooo, I like those better than the one that came with my Maxima. *thinks about buying an extra*

 

I don't think that's what it is because I've had it happen several times at a friend's house who literally lives out in the middle of nowhere.


I may go ahead and replace the remote. Anyone know if these new ones posted above will work on a 2000? I like them better than my factory one.

 

I don't recall right off hand if they work with the 5gen....seem to recall they will, but the trunk fuction will not work with your car, that was a 5.5 addition.

But, you should be able to do a simple forum search to find that answer.

 

My factory remote has a trunk pop button that works right now, when the remote is working that is.....

 

When you say you took the remote apart and cleaned it, did you take the little printed circuit board out of the plastic case and clean the side that has the little switches? A lot of junk will build up in there. You also said that you can hear the switches click. I was trying to clean/fix a friend's remote and when I listened closely to the clicking sound of the different buttons, there were differences and that remote was beyond help.

If you are going to get a replacement remote, you need to match the FCC ID number. It is molded into the plastic case on the backside. Its tiny print so you may need a magnifying glass but it could also be worn off. The number for a 2000 is: NHVWBU43.

 

Yes, that is exactly what I did to clean it. The other reason that I don't think it's the buttons is because when one doesn't work, none of them do. Thanks for giving me that FCC ID, I've been trying to read the one that is scratched off of the back of mine now for about a half hour!

 

Well, I placed an order for a new one using the FCC ID that DennisMik provided. Hopefully it works. Thanks for your help, guys.

 

Seems I read in one of the forums that the 5gen had no remote trunk pop function, that it was added to the 5.5gens. If that is incorrect, I apologize.

 

Yeah, below is a link to the one I ordered which is identical to my current one, and the trunk pop button is small, round, black button in the middle of the remote. My 4th gen (1996 SE to be exact) had a trunk pop as well.

Maxima Key Fob

 

My 2000 has a trunk button My remote problems are different than being said here. I have 2 remotes, and the lock button works just fine, from a good distance away. My unlock button, however, gives me fits all the time, and both remotes do it. I constantly have to press the button, even hold it down for a few moments and be right next to the car for it to work, with multiple presses before it will unlock. The trunk and panic buttons on both remotes also with with no problems. Anyone else have problems with only the unlock button? Both of my remotes do this, and they are in really good shape inside and out with no signs of corrosion or wear, and i've even changed out the batteries more than once.

 

Has my thread been hijacked?

 

You could try reprogramming them. Just a guess.

 

Sorry it wasn't my intentions to hijack, my bad...

 

Got my new remote, man it sure is nice! I hated that old dirty looking model, not to mention the trunk release and panic buttons were too small and too close XD.

 

I'm having the exact same problem. Did getting a new remote work for you?

 

I had something like this happen to me before. Take your key fob apart and look at the electronics board, there will most likely be some green build up on it. I used q-tips, cotton swabs, to clean up the board, then q-tips and alcohol to remove any residual build up there was. Put the key fob back together and everything was back to normal.

 

honestly i have had the same problems off and on...for the life of my max..but im thinking its a fair assumption that its just residue buildup or the battery life of the remote is near..thats my best bet.