Is there a way to start 2012 maxima if you lost the fob? I lost it once and the dealership repair said no. And the key inside was only for unlocking doors? Had to have it towed. Read somewhere that if you take off the push start button there’s a key slot? True? I’m scared to ruin it.

 

And your reasoning for not believing the dealership is.........

 

I said it in my post. I read that if you remove the start button, there’s a place for a key. Think it was in the maxima forum.then a reply to that said there was. So there’s conflicting answers and I’m confused. Sometimes ppl figure things out that even a dealership mechanic either can’t or won’t tell you. That’s what I was asking.

 

Ok, feel free to remove the start button and let us know if there is a place for the key.

 

Oh Boy, think about it for a minute. Why would Nissan install a key slot under the push button start and not tell anyone about it. Nissan already provided you redundancy in the start system by giving you two fobs, where is your second fob? Your best bet would be to call a locksmith that deals with fobs and have a couple reprogrammed for you. Less expensive than having a dealership doing it.

 

idk😫. I thought maybe it was something I just wasn’t aware of. They also told me a locksmith can’t program a new fob. Only a dealership can? My 1st fob somehow disconnected and dropped somewhere. I have no idea. I have only 1 now so I’m a bit nervous bout that. Can I buy a fob off the Internet? Or do I have to special order one from somewhere?

 

He read on a forum so it must be factual.

 

I lost 1 fob somewhere. Idk where. It disconnected from the key. In a store. On the street. Idk
I have no idea. Thought it was one of those things a bunch of ppl knew about but me. It was in the maxima forum where I saw it sooo I guess they were lying. It does seem kind of odd that the only way to start the car is with the fob and no other way. some cars you can start it with a key or a fob so who knows. I would think a key to start a car wb a back up in case something happens to the key fob or both. Asking questions because I got conflicting answers, I’ll get a quote. Thx

 

on THIS forum 😂. Wow, maybe skip on the reply if you only have something rude to say to a legit post.

 

Yes, the key inside the Nissan Intelligent Key, known to most as simply "The FOB", can only be used to unlock the door. It cannot be used for starting the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle 12 volt battery were to be discharged, you would use the key to open the door, and release the hood latch, so a jump start or battery removal could be done.

The FOB key allows entry to the vehicle only, and allows other things as described in the 2012 Nissan Maxima Owners Manual,
Pre-driving checks and adjustments 3-3 and 3-4.

Can't get to your copy of the Owners Manual because it is in your glove box? Don't worry, here is a link to download a copy at no charge...yes, for free!

​​​​​​https://owners.nissanusa.com/content...ner-manual.pdf

From the Owners Manual:

​​​​​​Mechanical key
The Intelligent Key contains the mechanical key, which can be used in case of a discharged battery.
To remove the mechanical key, release the lock **** on the back of the Intelligent Key.
To install the mechanical key, firmly insert it into the Intelligent Key until the lock **** returns to the lock position.

The mechanical key can be used for operation in the same way as an ordinary key.

See “Doors” in this section and “Storage” in the “Instruments and controls” section of this manual.

LOCKING WITH KEY
The power door lock system allows you to lock or unlock all doors at the same time.

Notice that nowhere in the Manual does it say that your car can be started with the FOB key, so the information given to you at a Nissan dealership was correct. It is not a secret, it is not hidden knowledge.

Sorry, not everything you read, or thought you read, or you read and misunderstood, on the Internet or posted in Forums is correct.

 

I understand that your knowledge base may be limited, but I think this feature has you confused, and this might be what you are thinking of when you mentioned about putting the key somewhere.

From the 2012 Nissan Maxima Owners Manual, Starting and Driving 5-9 and 5-10:

​​​​​​NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™ BATTERY DISCHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost discharged, the guide light A of the Intelligent Key port blinks and the indicator appears on the vehicle information display.
See “Vehicle information display” in the “Instruments and controls” section.
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into the port B allows you to start the engine.
Make sure the Intelligent Key is placed in the correct direction: The front side faces upward and the key ring side faces downward as illustrated.

​​​​​​To remove the Intelligent Key from the port, push the ignition switch to the LOCK position and pull the Intelligent Key out of the port.

This port is located on the left side of the steering column, about knee high. Pictures are included in the Owners Manual of this port.

I hope this clears up your confusion.