5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Thread for pulling key lock cylinder and Immobilizer?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 4, 2020 | 06:30 AM
  #1  
Cephyr13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 265
Thread for pulling key lock cylinder and Immobilizer?

I've found several threads for immobilizer problems when pulling the ECU but I can't find a thread that walks a person through pulling the key lock cylinder and Immobilizer.

​​​​​I need to move mine, and my ECU, to another car so I can use the keys and fob from my old car. The new car has only one shoddy key and no fob.

Anyone know of a thread or video that walks you through the process? Can't find one on YouTube or here even when searching this site with Google.
Old Jan 4, 2020 | 11:14 PM
  #2  
krismax's Avatar
Father of the 00 VI
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,323
From: amsterdam ,new york
It's very easy. Just remove the plastic around the steering column.Top and bottom plastic. Need a long screwdriver to get to the Phillips bits.There are like 6-8 screws. Leave the stalks on.

Lower the steering wheel with the 2 12mm (socket size) bolts. There are 4, it's the closest 2 too the steering wheel.

That drops the wheel enough to thin use a punch on the two ignition bolts. (get it perfectly center)

Then use small drill bits work your way up in sizes. When the bolts are free they will pop,5/16 drill bit will do,for the biggest.

Drill into the yoke ,that holds it to the column . But don't ruin it. It's aluminum and it's soft.

Then just get a regular hex bolts to replace the 2.

The bolts will then come out by hand. Take the bolts to home depot and find the thread and pitch and replace with bolts.

Last edited by krismax; Jan 4, 2020 at 11:17 PM.
Old Jan 5, 2020 | 05:39 AM
  #3  
Cephyr13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 265
Thanks. I'm a little confused though.

Why do I need to use a punch on the two ignition bolts? And what size punch will I need?

I'm assuming I then use the drill bits on the bolts I just used the punch on. Is the punch just to help get the drill bits centered?

Once I get the bolts drilled and they "pop," how do I pull them out?

​​​​​​Where am I drilling into the yoke that holds the column and why?

​​​​​It almost sounds like you're talking about two sets of bolts, not one set.

Sorry, just need some clarification. Sounds like I could really screw up the car if I mess up a couple of the steps. I have to do this on two cars since I'm swapping from one to the other.

​​​​​If I screw up the yoke, what do I need to do to fix it and is it a pain? Can I pull my old yoke and everything attached to it and put it in the new car easier than removing the ignition and Immobilizer? (is changing a steering wheel a pain)? Just figured I'd check in case there's an easier way or a backup plan.

​​​​​Thanks.
Old Jan 6, 2020 | 12:22 AM
  #4  
krismax's Avatar
Father of the 00 VI
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,323
From: amsterdam ,new york
Originally Posted by Cephyr13
Thanks. I'm a little confused though.

Why do I need to use a punch on the two ignition bolts? And what size punch will I need?

I'm assuming I then use the drill bits on the bolts I just used the punch on. Is the punch just to help get the drill bits centered?

Once I get the bolts drilled and they "pop," how do I pull them out?

​​​​​​Where am I drilling into the yoke that holds the column and why?

​​​​​It almost sounds like you're talking about two sets of bolts, not one set.

Sorry, just need some clarification. Sounds like I could really screw up the car if I mess up a couple of the steps. I have to do this on two cars since I'm swapping from one to the other.

​​​​​If I screw up the yoke, what do I need to do to fix it and is it a pain? Can I pull my old yoke and everything attached to it and put it in the new car easier than removing the ignition and Immobilizer? (is changing a steering wheel a pain)? Just figured I'd check in case there's an easier way or a backup plan.

​​​​​Thanks.
Start taking one car apart to get an idea of what i am talking about. Also in addition to the plastic pieces ,take the knee trim off and the metal shield that protects from impacts.

There only two bolts. they need to be drilled out. That is what the punch is for,i use an automatic pressure punch. Because it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep the bit on it without it being punched.

But you Will need to drop the steering wheel ( Very easy like i described in my other post) to get the angle right on the drill.

Once they pop ,the head of the bolt, the yoke comes off and the ignition. Then you just screw the bolts out with your fingers, a 4 year old could then screw them out.

By the way don't go to deep with the bit, 1/4 at most. If you have to go up to the next size bit.

First picture is the whole ignition assembly.Black thing is immobilizer.
Second is the yoke removed bolts out already.
Third is yoke off with ignition in the background.

This is from an I30 same as your part. It will look the same.





Last edited by krismax; Jan 6, 2020 at 12:35 AM.
Old Jan 6, 2020 | 06:24 AM
  #5  
Cephyr13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 265
Originally Posted by krismax
Start taking one car apart to get an idea of what i am talking about. Also in addition to the plastic pieces ,take the knee trim off and the metal shield that protects from impacts.

There only two bolts. they need to be drilled out. That is what the punch is for,i use an automatic pressure punch. Because it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep the bit on it without it being punched.

But you Will need to drop the steering wheel ( Very easy like i described in my other post) to get the angle right on the drill.

Once they pop ,the head of the bolt, the yoke comes off and the ignition. Then you just screw the bolts out with your fingers, a 4 year old could then screw them out.

By the way don't go to deep with the bit, 1/4 at most. If you have to go up to the next size bit.

First picture is the whole ignition assembly.Black thing is immobilizer.
Second is the yoke removed bolts out already.
Third is yoke off with ignition in the background.

This is from an I30 same as your part. It will look the same.
Thanks so much for the walk through. Much appreciated. I'm gonna see if an Ace Hardware will get me a new key and fob as one poster recommended above. If they can't, I'll go ahead and swap them from one car to the other.

Last question: how long does it take you to remove and replace since you've done it several times? That'll at least give me a little idea as to how long it'll take me. I have to make sure I get it done in a certain amount of time so my car isn't down for work the next day. It'd be so much easier if I could use one of my other cars for work.
Old Jan 6, 2020 | 06:39 AM
  #6  
krismax's Avatar
Father of the 00 VI
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,323
From: amsterdam ,new york
Originally Posted by Cephyr13
Thanks so much for the walk through. Much appreciated. I'm gonna see if an Ace Hardware will get me a new key and fob as one poster recommended above. If they can't, I'll go ahead and swap them from one car to the other.

Last question: how long does it take you to remove and replace since you've done it several times? That'll at least give me a little idea as to how long it'll take me. I have to make sure I get it done in a certain amount of time so my car isn't down for work the next day. It'd be so much easier if I could use one of my other cars for work.
10-15 minutes but i have done it many times.
there's a easier way for you to do this.

Glue your key to the immobilizer, And have a regular key made for like $2 and you can have like 5 keys for $10.
Old Jan 6, 2020 | 10:37 AM
  #7  
Cephyr13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 265
LOL That's hilarious. I didn't realize the immobilizer worked like that. Do that and just purchase the key fob then and be done with it. I have a guy who charges $65 for the key fob and programming.

Thanks, man.
​​​​​
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
breebree
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
5
Jul 24, 2016 09:43 AM
PH98I30
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
5
May 10, 2016 12:27 PM
colinod
3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)
3
Nov 29, 2010 07:51 AM
stokerdevil666
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
14
Jun 24, 2010 06:01 AM
Swazey
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
6
Mar 24, 2010 11:13 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:53 AM.