2012 M56 Warning Key System

[seymore4]

2012 M56. Suddenly getting a "WARNING KEY SYSTEM". Ignition won't do anything. Can't get it into ACC or ON. Batteries and fuses are all good.

Key fob functions all work, door locks, trunk, horn, lights, etc.

I've been reading about the steering lock issue that plagues the 370s but also saw that the 2012 M doesn't have one? I'm not a small guy so working under the dash is absolutely miserable...

Anyone ran into this before?

[VStar650CL]

The FSM doesn't show any ESCL on a '12.

That warning probably means there are DTC's for something inop in the BCM or IPDM. You'd be getting a "No Key" message if it was just a dead fob. The fob buttons use a completely different RF system from the I-Key functions, and the "emergency start" uses a third system entirely (RFID). So if pressing the logo end of the fob against the Start button doesn't wake it up, then something in general has gone south in the RF system, probably in the BCM. Check all the fuses in the IPDM and Fuse/Relay Box under the hood in addition to the ones in the cabin. The ECM participates in the ignition sequence, so dead engine controls can also cause NATS/NVIS errors.

[seymore4]

That's what's driving me crazy is I don't believe I have the same ESCL as the previous years... but the symptoms are the same.

I have replaced the batteries in the FOB and trying to hold it against the push start button gives me nothing. Every now and then it will pulse on off light for a few seconds, but that's it.

I'm going crazy because I am usually a pretty handy guy but I can't even pull the DTC codes since I can't get it to power up and you know the dealer won't even return a phonecall for under 1000 once they get it towed in

[VStar650CL]

The BCM and IPDM are always online, even when the car is hibernating. To know what's going on, you'll need a scan with a tool which can detect both of those devices.

[seymore4]

Great. I'll double check all the fuses but aside from that sounds like a trailer to Nissan will be in order...

[seymore4]

$1700 later got it back Nissan good as new. Turns out it was the ESCL.... every piece of documentation I have says its a 2012 model but it was manufactured 3/11 so who knows.

[VStar650CL]

Looked at this a little further, the '11~12's did have an ESCL, it went away in '13. Kind of weird, considering Nissan ditched them much earlier. I guess redesign on the M wasn't a priority. Anyway, glad you got it straightened away.

Vis the model-year, Nissan has been known to be all over the lot with that. The VIN won't lie. If your 10th character is "B" then it's an '11, if it's "C" then it's a '12 with a really early production date.

[seymore4]

Thanks for chiming in. Looks like its definitely a 12.

[VStar650CL]

[Blackcocoam37]

Guys, I have a 2012 M56S that began needing a jump to start a few months ago and progressed into the key system issue. I'm now at a lost after my car has been diagnosed by a retired Nissan tech, an import specialty shop, and even the Infiniti dealership. I got the most in depth troubleshooting from the import shop. While in their possession they replaced the battery a couple of weeks ago to continue diagnostics. The car was returned to me still not working and found the new battery has drained dead within two weeks. They stopped working on it stating the tcm is possibly the problem. The shop won't proceed because Infiniti doesn't sell the tcm anymore and they can't warranty their work with non oem parts. So here I'm stuck with a car that can't be fixed in my area. Has anyone encountered a tcm replacement and did it resolve the issue? Unsure what my next step is.

[VStar650CL]

If the TCM is MIA when they scan the car (or if it won't scan, or if it does weird stuff like systems coming and going on the scanner), you can verify that the TCM is causing the issue just by unplugging the transmission connector. If that wakes the rest of the car up, the TCM is the culprit. Very common problem on Nissan/Infiniti vehicles with longitudinal transmissions, the TCM's "crash" the CANbus when they fail. If the VB assembly isn't available, most of the TCM's can be had out of China as a piece part. You need to drop the VB and get the Hitachi part number off the failed TCM, then google that number.

[Blackcocoam37]

Hey fellas. Which cities have reputable import repair shops concerning this issue? Trying to narrow down how far away
I may have to ship my M56 for repair.