HELP!!!! MY I35 WONT CRANK FOR ME!!!! :o(

[REVREN]

Greetings,

I have a 2002 I35 who is a fussy one. She doesnt even want to crank 90% of the time - I turn the key and just get one single "click" - I replaced the ignition switch & everything worked great for about two weeks and then she was back to her same antics. I think it might be the lock cylinder or maybe I need a new key cut??? But to be honest, I really have no idea what is causing this - maybe something to do with the factory security deal on it i dont know....i have to jiggle the key or sometimes sHe just starts right up really has a mind of its own as far as when it wants to crank for me - sometimes it takes a minute & several turns of the key & jiggles- sometimes 10 minutes ...anyone have an idea would it could be or how I could fix this? This is gotten to be so frustrating any and all tips would be greatly appreciated!

[the converted]

Double check that the battery connections are good and tight as well as the negative connection to the frame. Are you getting any security or check engine lights? You could also pop off the cover for the ignition switch and make sure that the harness that goes to the immobilizer antenna is good and tight. Has anything aftermarket been done to the car (alarms etc)?

[loystock]

If you have a 2nd key, try using it. You cannot simply cut a new key since you have a NATS (Nissan Anti-Theft System) Ignition key whose ID is stored in the IMMU (Immobilizer Unit by the Ignition Switch) and ECM. You will have a starting problem if the IMMU cannot read the key ID properly. You may have to bring your car to a dealership for key reprogramming...make sure you have all the keys with you.

[REVREN]

Thanks for the quick response guys - loy unfortunatly i dont have a 2nd key - converted 1: all connections are good & tight - no check engine lights - security lights blink as usual - i taped the harness to the ignition switch w/ electrical tape to make sure it would stay nice & tight a couple weeks back - nothing aftermarket done to the alarm or car......any other tips or ideas? no one else has ever had this issue? this used to happen once in a blue moon & then be fixed with another turn of the key & now has become an everyday all the time thing :O( took me almost 10 minutes of trying this morning for it to finally catch -was almost late to work - this has become such a bummer :O/ someone please help me revive my i35! if you have any ideas please feel free to chime in

[loystock]

Assuming your Vehicle Security System is working, the problem could be your Ignition Key, NATS IMMU, lock cylinder or ignition switch. Though you have replaced the ignition switch, check it again - connection and security. You can replace the lock cylinder yourself. But if the problem is with the Ignition Key (corrupted ID) or NATS IMMU (unable to read key ID), then you have no choice but take it to the dealership as they are the only one who can fix it. Remember, for the Starting System to work, the Ignition Key ID, IMMU ID and ECM ID must all match to enable starting.

Refer to the link, starting on page EL-370, for additional info:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/i35/2002/el.pdf

[the converted]

It could also be a neutral position switch on the way out. If it won't start in park, you could try moving it to neutral and see if that changes anything.