Car wouldn't start. No gas to system. Security light turns SOLID RED when cranking.

The dealer called and said their Consult 3 machine can't read anything and said none of the brain parts are talking to each other.

Anybody have any experience or ideas? He's telling me to junk it! After dropping around $5K in 2+ years on it!

 

I don't have much to add to the actual problem, but I will add that I have a general irritation with mechanics these days. Seems as if they can't get the answer from plugging in a code reader they throw their hand up in the air and give up. Why don't you tell them to actually do their job and diagnose the problem using actual mechanical and electrical knowledge.

"Junk it".... I'd find myself a different mechanic if I were you.

 

You know I had a load of those problems with the 99 model during the winter when I changed the engine. I have an ECU out of a 99 Maxima GLE that I ran in the base model I30 for years. The 99 I30 had a bad ECU when I bought it so I swapped in the GLE ECU and got the dealer to reset NATS. I'll be glad to send it to you if you need it. Though it does not have traction control. If traction control is controlled by the external traction control unit, it might work. Only Dennis would know.

 

Send a message to forum member "Violator"

https://maxima.org/forums/member.php?u=170828

He has in-depth knowledge of the 4th gen system.

 

If they're telling you to junk it, Idk how many miles/condition of your car is in exterior wise and rust wise. But they should be doing their job otherwise. I heard a locksmith can reprogram the NATS for 99's.

 

Si, I went to the dealer because I figured they should have the most experrience with this exact problem.

So Harry, their ECU and all other "brain" modules trained guy did eventually get in. Service Mgr told me my aftermarket key was the cause.... Yeah but I only brought it because you said you'd need it to test and reprogram, but it hasn't been out of my desk in YEARS. So it didn't cause it. (backpedalling like an anoying mosquito when trying to go to sleep)

So Harry got in and cleared any codes and turned off the lock out and whatever else was keeping the fuel pump from flowing.

They said the old key was bad and said they'd make another and program if tor like $140. I get there and the Svc Mgr is cursing me out saying everything is worn out because the key they programmed and cut was done sloppy and cut off way too much off the high points on the key because my key is too old and worn. Why can't you copy whatever you got that cuts it exact. Operator error perhaps? Wouldn't do anything more and did not want me to bring it back.

Dealers are wusses and have Nissan restrictions and are plug and play parts replacers. ZERO creativity. They say Nissan won't let them.

So, now I'm down to one key with an overcut new programmed key they didn't charge for and he's pissed at me.

Whining about having to go back to Consult II and the new Consult iII+ machines don't play nice with it. But isn't that why you get the BIG Bucks? $125 per hour and zero free minutes.

Makes me want to get a a newer used car like a low mileage and well kept 2013 G37X Premium. Hovering around $15K. Luxury and way more sporty and fun. AWD when needed. And a 4.7 out of 5 on all the reliability and cust sat ratings. I made a couple calls today.

After spending way too much recently on mine. Especially because it needs body work and all the leather is cracking and road noise is like a factory.

Boy...... Yer just like yer Mama..... STUPID!

Wish I could deny it!

Thanks for your experiences and help Fellas!~

 

That dealer is not worth going to. Nissan started keeping a national database of the key codes for the cars back in 1997. You can go into any dealer nationwide and give them the VIN and they can cut you a key using the key code. They are supposed to ask for proof of ownership. I did this with my 97 and my 2K to get new keys that didn't have all the wear. Then I used those keys to get copies made

 

That for sure.

 

This dealership sounds like babies and crooks that are in their working on your vehicle. It's Nissan they are supposed to do anything that comes into that dealership door. it's stupid and irresponsible mech/techs that are not wanting to work on your car. it's more likely they are lazy and don't like the maxima and said to junk it. They had to go and pull out the consult 2 and all related parts to the consult 2 cables and programming cards that go into the consult 2. it's not much work pulling out the codes to get the key cut but the key cutting machine is where the issue might have accured. it's still lame on their part to just insult the customer and it's property for the problems the car was having. you could of and should of went to another dealership that was the way out of this problem.

 

Look at the bright side. You could have:

1) An engine that needs a timing belt replacement every 100,000 miles.
2) An engine that is prone to throwing a rod through the block for no apparent reason.
3) An engine the blows head gaskets.
4) A frame that rusts from the inside out.

II haven't seen many blown engines on this forum. Must be something good about these old VQ30s.

 

LOL, I've witnessed all 4 of those on a Maxima/VQ.