Intelligent Key System Warning Light...

jpit

Just had a similar experience. Went into Office Depot and came out and the car wouldn't start. Car knows that the key is close by but it won't even let me turn it to ACC or ON just stays on lock which is illuminated. Picture of a key is on and absolutely no noise coming from the engine. Took the flatbed fives hours to get there.

CharBoiler

I've started a post similiar to this. I can't unlock/lock the car with the ikey or the button on the door handle. Have to use the key to unlock/lock the car. Once I'm inside, the car doesn't recognize that the key is present. It keeps asking for the key. I can only start the car if I put the key into the key slot. I don't know what the problem could be. It started happening after I got my car tinted. I tried both ikeys thinking it might be the battery but no luck. I have an appointment with the dealer tomorrow morning. Hopefully it's an easy fix.

flashburn

You sure the battery isn't dead in the keyfob?

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Current Ride: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Centennial Edition Carbon Flash 6M
Previous Ride: 2009 Nissan 370Z Sport Platinum Graphite 7AT

CharBoiler

No, it's not the battery. The dealer told me it was the intelligent key receiver. They ordered a new one.

CharBoiler

Ok here is an update. The ikey receiver was replaced. I can lock/unlock the doors with the keyfob. The button on the handle will unlock the doors also. But....I still can't start the car without putting the key into the key slot. The dealer (not the dealer I bought the car from) told me it was the dealer installed alarm. Contacted the alarm company KARR and they are saying that something changed the settings.

My question is, would the optional dealer installed alarm actually block the car from seeing the key inside the car?

BEATER

As a BMW Master Tech, I can tell you that window tint that has metallic material in it affects the signal transmission from the key to the car's remote antenna in BMWs. VDO is the same manufacturer of keys for both BMW and the 370Z, so I imagine that the whole system is pretty similar in the way that CHEAP window tint can affect the signal strength or reception of the signal. Just an F.Y.I. .......Don't buy cheap window tint!

JSD-ZX

Add another car to the list, I'm sitting in the parking lot as I type this. No functionality whatsoever. Waiting for the flat bed.

I've been looking for an excuse to get something else. This is definately a good one.

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Zeto

I had the light on also when I got the car back from the dealer. However I just reset my windows since they weren't going down, turned off the car, turned it back on and it was go. Wierd...

robyos

My car won't start. Same issue. Drove to the store. When I got out, car wouldnt start. Tried jumping, but all I heard was clicking. The entire dash goes out eventually. I did see the yellow ikey light as well. Could this be as simple as car battery being dead?

Also, if anyone has experience removing the battery from the 2007 altima, some direction would be great.

robrv21

Ok. Here's my story. Yesterday, I drove to work as I do everyday. No problems whatsoever. I get in the car to go to lunch and push the start button and nothing. Only thing lit up is the Lock light. I notice the "key" light is lit up on the instrument panel. I thought it may be the FOB batteries. I went and bought new batteries for both my spare and primary FOB's. Didn't work. I called the local Nissan dealership which is not where I purchased the Z. Remeber that. They had me hit the brakes to verify the brake lights were coming on and to put the FOB in the slot and try and start it. Didn't work. They asked if I had had it in storage for an extended amount of time. I haven't. They then said I would have to have it towed. I made sure to ask if this was all going to be covered under my Nissan warranty and he said yes, as long as there were no signs that I tampered with any electrical wiring or any signs of theft. So, I have it towed to the dealership. This morning I called them and asked if they had found the problem. They said that my battery was dead. ??????? They then said that I must have left my lights or something on because it was dead. ?????? I said nope...I din't leave the lights on. Now, here's what I believe they are trying to do. I think they don't want to have to flip the bill for the tow job so they are lying to me about the battery. That battery isn't even a year old yet. The car has 7000 miles on it. I know it's a possiblility but come on now. Why would the "KEY" light come on if it was just a dead battery? Why did a battery light not come on. Why did all my lights still work and my horn? I think somethings fishy here. What do you all think?

wilsonp

There is no battery warning light - there is a Charge warning light, but that might not come on when your battery is bad. You should be able to tell battery status from the voltmeter when the engine isn't running, but possibly not always.

I think the battery provider should cover the battery/tow if it is less than a year old?

Update: Checking the Warranty Booklet PDF, the OEM battery is covered 100% for first 12 months/36,000 miles and towing is covered for 3 years/36,000 miles for failure of a warranted part, so if you are on your OEM battery you should be good.

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2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black
Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon
Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

dudafunk

What if I get an aftermarket alarm installed (GETTING THE Viper this week), and if I face this key issue in the future..? I'm sure the dealer is going to "claim" that all this happened because of my after market alarm not being installed the right way, and hence warranty voided? I have 20,000 miles on mine so far. 2009.

wilsonp

Depends on what the after market alarm connects with. Since most people appear to only have starting issues, and not lock/unlock door issues, unless you get a remote start option, it shouldn't be a problem.

__________________
2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black
Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon
Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

kenchan

yah, socal and i have narrowed it down to the IPDM and steering lock unit in the General Forums section. we think it's the IPDM as root cause, steering lock as secondary problem not getting proper voltage to operate, triggering the immobilizer prevent car from starting. regardless of you dealer changing anythign on the car, if they dont look closely at the IPDM it's not going to fix your car. and IPDM is covered under warranty.

i would imagine nissan might do a recall on this thing if too many customers complain.

kenchan

here...

Engine not cranking...