M45 Key fob completely owned me!

[paperfootball]

Just a little story that will perhaps save some of you the headache(CN at bottom)!

When I purchased my car in July of this year the dealer only had one key fob—no big deal, I never drive the car anyways. I put off purchasing another key fob from ebay—I shouldn’t have!

Last week the battery in the fob was getting weak so I decided to replace it—no big deal. I took it apart, found the battery code, and went to Walgreens for another battery. After replacing the battery, the fob would not turn the ignition over, it would lock/unlock the doors.

I called Infiniti, they said that it probably lost its coding when the fob was apart for so long ( minutes). I would have to tow the vehicle in since I only had one fob.

Cool, I tow the car in, they attempt to use the emergency (metal) key from the fob to turn over the ignition—no dice. Finally, after cleaning about two inches of lint out of the ignition they get it (wth?). The key still will not work after attempts to reprogram it! The tech takes the fob apart and discovers that the transponder chip is missing—it fell out while I took it apart!

So my options are to leave my car there—that’s not happening, or buy another key. I mean, how much could a key be?

Parts: $368.07Labor: $110.00Expenses: $11.00 (?)Tax $45.25TOTAL: $534.32

CN= DO NOT LOSE YOUR KEY! Keep a spare!

[caug1]

I hate dealerships.I feel sorry for you.

[lfj2025]

Awhile back I wote someone asking about changing the key battery and I told them be carefull not to lose the little chip inside. That little chip IS what's starts the car.

[szh]

Ouch!

Yes, you have to be careful with the transponder chip inside the fob. That is what the car ignition system reads to start the car with.

By the way, I am glad you flat-bedded the car!

If not flat-bedded, ask the tow guy to use a wheel dolly on the rear wheels and lift the front wheels. If he does not have a wheel dolly, and you have no choice but to use that guy , then make sure that the rear is lifted and the front wheels are on the ground.

This prevents your transmission from being damaged!

Z

[karnut]

Wife takes key to original dealership to get second key made. @ hours and $160 later wife drives off. Climate control screen shows "-188 * F" and NAV screen does not work at all. Return car and service says it is a coincidence systems failed while key was being programed.Manager says " they will do nothing, someone must have spilled a coke in it"??.Is -188*F some kind of code? and where do I go from here. Everything was working fine before this.

[candymanfb]

Ouch!

Yes, you have to be careful with the transponder chip inside the fob. That is what the car ignition system reads to start the car with.

By the way, I am glad you flat-bedded the car!

If not flat-bedded, ask the tow guy to use a wheel dolly on the rear wheels and lift the front wheels. If he does not have a wheel dolly, and you have no choice but to use that guy , then make sure that the rear is lifted and the front wheels are on the ground.

This prevents your transmission from being damaged!

Z

I saw an average size SUV being towed with the drive wheels while in one of L.A.'s less favorable neighborhoods. It was ugly - there was a large amount of smoke from the rear. What ever the reason for the tow ...there was one more for this family.

[SteveTheTech]

I have seen that happen before. It's a shame that such a small chip will cost you the better part of a grand. The new key and reprogram are pricey. Beware buying used off ebay as that is a dumping ground for broken or defective keys and at only a few hundred bucks or less it's usually too good to be true.

Is there any possible way you can retrace your footsteps to find the chip? It could be worth a few hundred bucks.

Also as a side note from something I learned about your model year this week.

If you ever replace the over head lights and accidently connect the contact while power is supplied it will blow the fuse that also controls the steering lock, adp, and door chime as well as many other key on functions. The car I had was towed in with the same complaint as the OP and he also noted the the overhead lights were out.

[paperfootball]

Yep, found the transpnder and tried to return the key--no dice.

Oh well, I have my replacement now!

[SteveTheTech]

? I'm confused at what your outcome was

Would they not program your existing key? Once you provided the pieces, I understand you should have another key, but they should reprogram the other one for you.

[M45Caliber]

here's your silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud -- Had a 2002 Saab turbo; lost a key, so I went to the dealer for a replacement... they asked if I still had the second key, so I asked yeah, why? Well, with the SAAB, if you lose BOTH keys they have to replace the main computer and program two new keys associated with that new computer. Apparently they have to use the key you do have to start the car and then program the new key with the car running.

Total cost in 2004, should I have lost both keys, was about $2,000. So, I always make sure my spare key is where I can find it! The Saab was a ton of fun (a blue 9-3 Viggen with a chip) but one Saab was enough for me, thank you.