Nissan Rogue Won't Start "Key System Error"

[clinderw]

I have a 2015 Nissan Rogue SL that we got without Keys. I have since got keys programmed (they lock, unlock, and open the trunk now) but I can't get the car to start. It gives me a message of "Key System Error".

There are a few other things worth noting:
1. When I received the car the steering wheel was unlocked (can move it freely without the key)
2. I can move the shifter freely between Park and Neutral
3. I replaced the battery
4. I had a locksmith program the keys (I can confirm the buttons work)

We'd love any suggestions that anyone has on how to get this error to go away or get the car to start.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[kboo74]

I have a 2015 Nissan Rogue SL that we got without Keys. I have since got keys programmed (they lock, unlock, and open the trunk now) but I can't get the car to start. It gives me a message of "Key System Error".

There are a few other things worth noting:
1. When I received the car the steering wheel was unlocked (can move it freely without the key)
2. I can move the shifter freely between Park and Neutral
3. I replaced the battery
4. I had a locksmith program the keys (I can confirm the buttons work)

We'd love any suggestions that anyone has on how to get this error to go away or get the car to start.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

I have the same vehicle and the only thing I can think of is having the current keys erased from the system and re-programmed by Nissan. As far as numbers 1 and 2 those two should not be able move without the care being started. Mine are locked when the car is off. Hope this helps.

Ken

[outtolearn88]

Where can you buy a car with out receiving the KEY'S with it & why would you go thru all that trouble yourself ? ?

Should should not be able to move the shifter from P to D with out the car running.

Good Luck

[Rogue One]

Your car has a built in anti-theft system. The keys need to be encoded to be recognized by the system, otherwise the engine is locked out. The locksmith only reprogrammed the keys to make the door locks and windows work. If you want everything to work correctly you'll have to take the keys and the car to the dealership, along with proof of ownership.

[Rogue Jarhead]

Where can you buy a car with out receiving the KEY'S with it & why would you go thru all that trouble yourself ? ?

Should should not be able to move the shifter from P to D with out the car running.

Good Luck

I think he has probably bought a salvage vehicle. Sometimes you get the keys and sometimes you don't. He probably paid less than half the cost of a new one off the lot, however a salvage vehicle is not something the average "gas n go" driver should purchase. The trade off in savings is you have to fix the vehicle. Sometimes vehicles are damaged on the lot or during delivery or even shortly after purchase.

My 2011 is a salvage vehicle even with the branded title it's worth more right now than what I've got into it, that almost never happens with a new vehicle off the lot.

The op will have to take it to a dealer to have the keys properly programmed, or he'll need a friend with the Nissan computer to do that for him.

[clinderw]

This was a salvage vehicle that we are fixing up.

So after troubleshooting, I have an update -

Nissan had to replace the ECU and BCM, then reprogram keys to the car.

Side note - tried to buy a used ECU and BCM but Nissan couldn't reprogram them. If anyone else has to go that route - don't but used.

Chris

[Rogue Jarhead]

The reprogramming and ecu/bcm replacement by the dealer fixed the shift and steering wheel lock problem ?

Just curious what other issues you have or were those the only ones.

Congratulations on saving a boatload of money, by the way. Having a project to fiddle with is always a challenge. I purchased a 1984 F350 dully dump truck recently from down south. It does have some rust issues which I'm currently fixing, but starts and runs instantly. It has a 351W with a 4spd transmission with granny gear. It's an absolute beast to drive but just so much fun.

[clinderw]

It fixed a bunch of stuff - the car now starts, all the anti-lock functions work, and the check engine light disappeared. The remaining codes are things we actually know are bad - (trunk lock and parking break button).

Effectively they both were wrong and not communicating properly so it was causing tons of issues. They had to start from scratch.