Hi everyone, I have an issue starting my Max after my mechanic replaced the engine on my 2002 SE. The replaced engine is running great but the car will not start with the key and will only start if bypassed by jumping from the starter to the battery. I don't know if this is an issue with the key not recognizing the new engine, the computer not recognizing the key now and needing to be re-programmed or if a remote start which I had installed on the car some time ago is factoring in.
When you turn the key in the ignition all the lights in the dash light up but the car does not crank. If you use the remote start the same thing happens - all the dashboard lights come on but the car does not crank.
So the way I have been starting the car is by clicking on the remote start switch and after the remote start enables and the dashboard lights light up, going under the hood and using a wire from the starter to the battery. If anyone can help resolve or shed some light I would appreciate immensly, need to resolve this.

 

^ Sounds like a NATS issue to me. You would need to either go to the dealer, or find an independent key maker that can program keys, and have them reprogram your keys to work.

 

Thanks very much for your reply, I had no idea what NATS was until I did some research based on your answer and downloaded the NATS diagnostic.

 

I doubt if the NATS is the problem as NATS shuts off the fuel injectors. It still allows the engine to crank.

I would check into the remote start system as that "takes over" the starting circuit. there is a relay that has to energize to allow the starter to crank. It is in front of the battery and the cover calls it the INHIBIT relay.

This relay is different for a manual trans car and an automatic trans car but the function is the same. If you remove the relay, check for 12 volts on pin 6 for auto trans or pin 5 for manual trans when the ignition key is in the START position. This is the power that will go to the starter. Look on the bottom of the relay for pin numbers.

If you don't have 12 volts, then something is cutting it off. It could be the remote start system or a bad ignition switch.

If you have the 12 volts, then there are other things to check, but I need to know if you have a manual trans or an auto trans.