I bought my 2007 Maxima a year ago trading in my 2004. Never had a problem with the intelligent key until last weekend.

We were in Spokane Washington and I had just exited a sporting goods store, unlocked the car and bingo it wouldn't accept either the fob or the key....the red 'key' light just kept coming on. Fearing a weak battery in the fob I walked back in the pouring rain to our hotel to get the wife's fob. Walked all the way back and still the same problem. I called the Nissan hotline (this was New Years day) and they arranged a tow to the closest Nissan dealer who naturally wouldn't be opened.

The tow truck came, the gentleman climbed inside wiggled the steering wheel and the car came to life (made me feel like a complete idiot).

Now today about 5 days later I was filling up with gas, climbed back into the car and guess what? You guessed it...the f**king thing wouldn't start, Same as in Spokane but I figured just play with the steering wheel and the problem would be solved. Wrong idea, as 15 minutes later I was still playing with the wheel and zip. Finally, as I was blocking the pumps, the station attendant came out to ask what was the problem. After several curse words I tried to explain my dilemma and then guess what? Yup I gave another twist of the steering wheel and the car started.

What's the problem?

 

The keyfobs constantly transmit signal so the battery will drain if you use the keyfobs or not (both of your batteries might be low since they last 1-2 yrs)

If it doesnt start using the key thats inside the keyfob then try:

 

The problem is that it's locked completely, you can't even turn the ignition switch even with the key.

Even if the batteries in the fobs were weak the car should still start with the key. It seems to have something to do with the steering wheel.

 

All cars are equipped with a steering wheel lock. It is engaged when the key is turned off and the wheel is turned to the left or right. To disengage apply force to turn the steering wheel left or right while pushing inward on the ignition switch and turning it to the on position.

Its easy to accidentally engage the steering wheel lock upon entry or exit of the car. I usually engage it i with my leg when i get in or out. Or i may engage it when i reposition myself before i start the car.

 

I have that problem i need a new batt for the key, but the steering lock will get you every so often....

 

I understand what you are saying but this week at the gas station I must have fought with the wheel for 15 minutes before I could turn the ignition on.

 

your problem is that the steering wheel locked.. but the thing is.. this aint no normal lock.. i have a 6.5 gen n when the steering wheel locks.. IT LOCKS TIGHT!!. Thats the problem. SOLVED.

 

I've experienced the same thing 4 times in the past week. I had the car towed on the 4th time because I could not get the car started no matter what. Of course when it gets to the service department, the car starts and the computer tells them there is no problem....obviously there IS a problem or my car would start!

Anyone know of a solution? The person in the service department asked if I was applying the break really hard when I tried to start the car. I've had the car almost 3 years...had I not known how to start the car I would have had this problem long before this!

I'm getting really annoyed!!!

 

Did you ever figure out this problem? I'm currently going through this exact problem

 

Did you ever figure out this problem? I'm currently going through this exact problem

 

Im having the same problem the switch is locked up & will not turn even with the key. I’ve had this happen in several vehicles but can always move steering wheel around & get them to unlock. Something seems to be locked up in the switch

 

Yeah, can be aggravating but I've learned to park with my wheels straight.

 

I have a slightly different problem. My fob works properly in that I can push the button to lock or unlock my door and I can push the button to open my trunk and it works. So I don't have a dead battery. The 2007 apparently has a chip in the physical key that has to be programmed. I have two of them that are programmed and have historically worked just fine. At the moment the only way I can start my car is to insert the key into the ignition switch, the car will not recognize it without it actually being inserted. This to me seems to have something to do with the proximity sensor or receiver in the car. I also cannot use the lock or unlock button on the door handle, which I understand is tied into the same system that recognizes the key to allow you to start the car. The key will open the locked door if I insert it into the key slot and it will start the car if I insert it into the ignition. Other than that it does not work. To the best of my knowledge this indicates that my fob is working and there is something wrong between the chips in the Keys and the receiver in the car. Given that both keys appear to have failed at the same time, I am assuming the likelihood is the receiver in the car. Can anyone give me any guidance with respect to how you might go about fixing this?

 

The Intelligent Key module has probably malfunctioned.

 

Is that part of the BCM or separate ?

 

It's separate, and should another have to be installed will require key programming all again.

 

Sorry for question I'm new. What is the BCM?

 

Body Control Module. It houses the immobilizer component as well as control some other electronics such as switches and lighting.