Intelligent Key Starting Issue

[aliciap1214]

I've been having an intermittent starting issue with my new 2011 Versa 1.8SL. At first I thought it was due to my steering wheel not being straight, but then it happened again yesterday even though my steering was in the correct position. When I go to start my car I get the red key light, and the car will not start. The only way to finally get it to start is to exit the car, lock it, unlock it, and then try starting it again. What is interesting is that the car did this when it was still in the dealership and I'd just bought it (hadn't even driven it away yet). The salesman had a hell of a time starting it that day, but when it started he kind of blew it off as "user error".

Has anyone been having this issue with their new Versa? If so, what did they do to rectify it?

Thanks!

Alicia

[norton3]

when I first got my V the intelligent key would not respond opening the door at times, my salesman said to try the 2nd key fob, as the battery may be weak in the 1st one, that was it, never had the problem again.Guess when I need to use the 2nd, I will need to change out that battery.

[aliciap1214]

The salesman already switched it out, so I guess I need to get a new battery. Thank you for the info, Norton3.

[gtrisfun]

also keep in mind that the IKey fob sends out the signal constantly. if it is too close to your cell phone, you may get interference. but having a fresh battery in your IKey fob does make all the difference in the world.

[aliciap1214]

gtrisfun, I keep my cellphone in my door, and the key fob in my drink holder (under the dash). Is that too close?

[Andrews Chalmers]

gtrisfun, I keep my cellphone in my door, and the key fob in my drink holder (under the dash). Is that too close?

No that shouldn't. I keep my keys in the left pocket, cell in the right pocket.

Usually fresh batteries solves all the problems associated with the ikey.

[kc5f]

Occasionally I think the battery may dislodge and/or not make good contact. Just this weekend I got the red key light instead of starting, and I just shook the fob in my pocket and then it worked fine...

[aliciap1214]

Well, changing the battery made no difference. Over the weekend it happened again at least three times. The last time it happened my keys were in the cup holder, and my phone in the door. When I got the red key light I picked up my keys, held them next to the ignition and was then able to start the engine. I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't an antenna issue after all.

[norton3]

do you have a 2nd key fob to try?

[aliciap1214]

do you have a 2nd key fob to try?

Yes, it's already been switched out. The salesman did so the day I bought the car.

[norton3]

At this point, with a brand new car, I would go back to the dealer, it's covered by warranty.

[aliciap1214]

Well, here it is February 18th, 2011 and Nissan has my brand new 2011 Versa in the shop, again. This is the second time I've had it in the shop for the keyless ignition error, and now they just told me they need to keep it for at least another day. So far they have replaced the Antenna and the Controller, and no luck in fixing the keyless ignition error. At this point, I'm completely fed up with Nissan. I wish I'd never purchased this car from them, and stupid me, this was the second one we purchased in the last six months.

[aliciap1214]

This is the service write-up I received: "Attempts to program / register (iKey) no good - check power to control unit - OK - Techline - Jeff - Console antenna connection may be loose - removed console covers - found harness connector loose - reconnect - still cannot register - replaced smart unit - program key and remotes - OK - testing system OK. No further recommendations at this time, Customer advised."

So, it turns out that the harness connector was not installed correctly, and as a result, shorted out the smart unit. So far, so good.