Key will not turn in ignition

[BadQ45t]

Last night I had an issue for the first time, I put the key into the ignition and I cannot turn it. I had this issue a million times in my Z and other cars where the steering wheel lock gets in the way. I nearly thought it was going to be killed and than it worked. This happened like 3 times, each time I tired turning the key around, taking it in and out, etc. So I got home and used both my spare key and the usual one and both worked without incident.

Each time I put the key in the steering wheel and seat responded as normal, you think this is the one key or is my ignition going??? I have to take a trip Tuesday and was going to take the car, I don't want to end up 200 miles from home with an ignition that will not turn. Ideas????? 97' Q with 94k on it.

[djwarner]

At the least, take both keys. I do this as a SOP whenever I go farther than my wife would drive to rescue me. (in 36 years of driving she has driven less than 20 miles cross country).

Keys wear, locks wear. Compare the keys side by side for excessive wear. You may also have a tumbler sticking, you can get graphite lubricant for this.

[masshead87]

My mom had the same problem with a PT cruiser, since the transponder in the key somehow got damaged/shorted out.
I don't know if 97 Qs had transponders built into the keys, but maybe that's something to look into.

[BadQ45t]

Thanks, I already have both keys in the car! Yes, the Q and all Nissans have the transponders, but the chip usually prevents the car from starting not turning.

I am going to pick up some graphic or the like tomorrow too, I looked at the keys and the match perfectly, unfortuately, I'd much rather trash a key then have it be the ignition.

Any other hints are gladly accepted.

[maxnix]

Sounds like it's the ignition lock and not the chip. Especially if the other master key does not turn.

Not carrying around extra keys on that ring, are you?

[tfvesquire]

FYI: I posted a few threads on my car (98 Q) that had a problem with the shift lock control system (which includes the ignition switch) and it ended up being trash inside the ignition switch/cylinder that ended getting stuck in place through the use of graphite betore a thorough cleaning. I was having a headache with the shift lock solenoid clicking when I pressed the brake (while the car was in gear) and after a lot of trial and error an even a meltdown at the local dealer, I diagnosed the problem as dirt, metal shavings from the key and misc fluids getting inside the cylinder causing whatever electrical connections to short circuit.

If you haven't had this problem, then you are lucky, but I do recommend you spray PB Blaster inside the cylinder and use your key(s) to work the cleaning solution in and out to free up anything that may be causing your key not to work properly. You may be amazed at the crap that flows out of there after a few cleaning sessions. I did this about four times and have not had any problems with my key or the electrical clicking/malfunction. I only warn you against just applying graphite or other lock cylinder lube because I made mine worse by putting graphite in there before cleaning it out first. I was ready to replace my entire ignition cylinder assembly!!

Good luck to you and hope that helps.

Ted

[BadQ45t]

It does, thanks man, I was about to go out and buy graphite today, I will do the process with the PB Blaster first and follow after that with lube, thanks!!!

[BadQ45t]

And to answer the other question\, I have had the car for 11 years and been using the same original master key for 11 years, the backup key (I only got the two from the original owner) is completely virgin, but it is now going with me in the car permanently until I know this situation is resolved.

[BadQ45t]

Thanks, I blasted it today and seems to have solved the issue. Just to be safe I am switching to the "spare" key and taking two with me for my 400 mile trek tomorrow, but seems like this issue is gone. thanks, love solving an issue this quick with good advise from fellow Q fans!!

[BadQ45t]

Final update on this thread, so I cleaned out the ingition and the spare key now works great, but the daily one doesn't. Funny the daily key fob which had a 10 year old battery used alot is fine, but the backup one is dead.

So for sure i need one new key and a new battery and then need to get eveything reprogrammed. Can I do this myself or should I just go to the stealership? I remember a few threads for some sponsors that sell the keys, but I'm not into doing alot of work. How bad to get the one remote working again with new batts and a new key made a paired?

[maxnix]

Your key has RFID, and no Infiniti dealer is allowed to sell a key through the mail.

Your valet key should have a metal tag on the ring with the key number.

[tfvesquire]

Hi there:

You can purchase an aftermarket key online for about $20 or less. There are actually replacement keys you can buy that are almost identical to the original (I bought one with no problems). The main difference in my key is the Infiniti emblem is chrome instead of the factory gold. I thought the rest of the key blank was decent quality. If you don't mind that detail, you can save yourself a ton of money over the dealer. The key programming can only be done at the dealer and you must bring all your keys at the same time. The last time I had mine reprogrammed was about 3 yrs ago and it cost me $85.00. Oh, they also reprogrammed both remotes for free at the time they did the key programming.

As for the remote, you can easily reprogram these yourself once you replace the batteries. There are several posts on this topic, so just look it up (I cannot remember the process right now it's been so long) but it is very easy to do.

Hope that helps and sorry your daily key was so worn out. Make sure you have the sharp edges of the new key smoothed out with the wire buffing wheel or it may give you some problems since the tumblers are now worn a little and the edges of the new cut key could catch.

Just some more info.

Good luck,

Ted

[BadQ45t]

Thanks Ted, I will order 2 of them today...gold, silver, blue who cares at this point

[tfvesquire]

Thanks Ted, I will order 2 of them today...gold, silver, blue who cares at this point

Hi there:

I just found this link to the keys you need and what do you know, the emblem is gold just like the OE keys.

http://www.remotesandkeys.com/ProductDe ... H05646P101

Wish I had this link when I was searching for a replacement. Now it's not worth the hassle and added cost to purchase another new key, have it cut and then reprogram all of them again.

FYI, you can usually get these keys cut at an Ace Hardware or Tru-Value store. Just make sure they cut them accurately so you don't have any issues.

Good luck and hope this helps other members out there as well.

Ted