JohnVQ30

Hello all Maxima enthusiasts,the name is John,i have a really weird problem,yes i've searched the forums,Google to no avail,seems like i'm the only person on this planet earth with this problem.Ok here's whats going on with my car,its an 2001 Maxima 20th Anniversary edition,the problem is when it gets below zero degrees the security light stays on solid and car will not start,now when i take out the ECU and bring it in the house to warm up for about an hr and plug it back in the car,the ECU will read my key and no security light on,and car starts and runs perfectly.Ive tried this 9 times already and it worked all 9 times,so it has to do with the ECU being cold -0 an below.I don't have this problem in the spring and summer months,just wondering if anyone has had this problem before or knows whats wrong here,thanks in advance

Ghost_54

iTrader: (13)

When you say you are pulling the ECU out or are you actually pulling out this module below, which is the Smart Security Entrance Module as your security system is hooked up through this unit ... it sounds like this module is where the issue is and may be in need of replacing (if it does your key would also need to be reprogrammed ). Listed in my signature is a link for all Maxima FSM's just select your model year to get the information with regards to trouble shooting your issue.

JohnVQ30

Thanks for replying,but no that is not what i am pulling out of the car,i'm pulling the ECU that's located down to the right of the gas petal,which was a @^%$! to get out.Thanks i will check out the FSM's

Ghost_54

iTrader: (13)

Okay ... just an fyi the Smart Entrance Security Module is located in the same area. The only reason I brought up this module was you said that your dash security light would stay on which would set off the immobilizer module hence the no start.

Taking out the ECU maybe just resetting the ECU (much the same can be done by simply disconnecting the battery) and allowing you to drive, in either case you are isolating the real issue. I still suspect SESM module that is causing the issue to the ECU

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Use a warming pad on it.......while in the car overnight as alot of people do with thier engine in those frigid cold regions....

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

that's messed up buy I wouldn't assume your ecu trick is working, could be coincidence, and removing it long enough resets the ecu and it starts.

Sounds more like an issue with the IMMU unit.

JohnVQ30

Actually the first time I had this problem, I disconnected negative terminal for a day but security light was still on solid when I reconnected battery,I've tried everything like the nats reset procedure with no luck,taking ECU out and warming it up is the only way to get the car started,if anyone knows a good place that can diagnose this problem in theToronto area please let me know besides the dealer.thanks

JohnVQ30

This is a follow up to this problem i had,i happened to stumble upon a fix by accident,since my emission test was due soon,i had this P1706 code that i needed to fix to pass,long story short,this neutral position switch or back-up switch was the cause of my car not starting when it was cold out,this bad switch was acting strange when it was cold out and sending a signal to the ecu telling it to activate the immobilizer,mechanic said he has never seen anything like this b4,Dealer told me my ecu needed to be replaced,good thing i didn't change the ecu,car starts every time in the cold now,it's not luck,the bad switch i pulled out the copper contacts were black,burnt looking,so in the future if anyone has this same problem,car immobilizer coming on only when cold out with a DTC P1706 then change out the switch and be happy,and yes all your tranny fluid does come out when removing this switch,use a clean oil container in case your fluid is new and you want to reuse it.

dfj240

iTrader: (1)

There are few things I like seeing more on a forum than an informative follow-up. Thank you for posting that. Hopefully this will help someone else in the future. Glad you got it sorted too.

ac max 92

iTrader: (13)

Agreed. A good follow up after a problem like that is resolved is always nice especially when it helps other in the future.