I have some electrical issues with my 01 Maxima GLE. I think the SECU has gone bad, so I ordered a used unit off eBay. I understand that I will have to reprogram my key fobs when I replace the unit, but what about the keys? Is the programmed key info stored in the SECU or in the ECM?

I have already searched and looked through the sticky posts for this forum. I can't find the answer about the keys, but it seems you need to visit the dealer to program NEW keys. My keys won't be new, but I am not sure if they will be recognized when I swap the SECU.

What can I expect when I swap out the SECU? I want to be prepared and don't want to turn my Maxima into a brick that I have to tow to the dealer.

Any advice on this would be appreciated.

I have already viewed the following relevant posts:

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...-chip-key.html

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...or-lights.html

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...on-t-work.html

Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

So... I can partially answer my own question. When I switched out the SECUs, the car still started. So the key transponder info must be stored elsewhere.

Switching to the other "used" SECU did not fix anything. So either the SECU I bought on eBay has exactly the same issue, or something else is causing it.

I sent my original SECU to module experts. They phoned and said there was a problem, but it was not repairable and are sending it back and refunding my money.

So I am back to square one.

Does anyone know a source for new (or known good) SECUs? The Nissan part number is 28595-4Y900.

Mike

 

Circling back to update on this issue. The electrical problems I have been having are now fixed. It was not the SECU, but involved a power wire to the SECU. I took it to the dealer and they fixed it, but it was not cheap. They had quite a few hours of diagnostic time (at $135 an hour). Their description of the fix is: "Repaired junction-block 12-volt battery signal to Smart/Entrance Module Pin #49." Hopefully someone else finds this useful. My symptoms were no dome light, map light, vanity lights, door lights, or trunk light. Also, the power door locks only worked with the ignition on, the HomeLink garage door opener didn't work, and the key fobs would not operate anything (including the locks). All of this now works again.

On another note, I do not recommend using Module Experts for anything related to these Nissan SECUs. They charged me $173 up front, promising to diagnose and repair the unit. They called and said it was not repairable and were shipping it back and said I would see a refund on my card. The refund was only $39. I received the SECU back with no paperwork or explanation as to what was wrong. I looked at my receipt and saw that is was broken up into different charges to include: Module repair - $38.65, Diagnostic Evaluation Service - $99.95, Service Charge - $10.40, and Shipping - $23.90. So all they refunded was the repair charge. I received no form of diagnostic (which cost $100), and can only conclude this is some sort of scam given that nothing was wrong with the SECU. So consider yourself informed.

Mike

 

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Same problem here although I actually saw it smoking when I tried to put a fuse in number 13, which had 12v. A local repair shop that's very reputable says my alternator has shorted out this control unit so after I replace my alternator I'll let you know. But I'm sure it's burnt.
Seeking solutions, Bob in Colorado

 

I do still have the replacement unit I bought on eBay. I did not end up needing it.

Mike

 

Hi
I am not even sure the white control unit I have shown above is the SECU?
But, I have a short again and it may be the same unit, so do you still have the SECU (if the one I depicted is one and the same)

Any advice on finding a short, draining my battery in a few hours?