What happened is someone broke in, ripped out the key cylinder and figured they'd crank it up and drive off. But without the chipped key they were out of luck. I can start it with a screwdriver, but only by placing the chipped key close enough to the transducer to send a signal to the ECU.
Yes there are 3 plugs. The big one at the back handles the starter circuitry. The foam covered one is for the key sensor and the other one is for the transducer, which works with the micro chip in the key. I took the 3 plugs off the old assembly and plugged them in to the new assembly, but it will not start, as if the new chipped key/transducer signal is not recognized by the ECU. I don't know if there's a problem with the new key or transducer, or if the ECU needs to be reprogrammed in some way to accept the new assembly. I wanted to get a definitive answer to this so I'll know what to do next.
I'm thinking that the ignition lock assembly would just send a "GO" signal to the ECU without having to be reprogrammed, but I'm not sure.
I could not find anything in the manual that covers replacing the ignition lock assembly, but maybe I missed it.
There is not a key removal button. When the key is turned fully CCW and pulled out, a mechanism within the cylinder releases engages the steering wheel lock.
I could always just remove the old chip, tape it to the transducer and put a "Nissan" screwdriver on my key ring...