Is Your Customer's Key Not Being Detected?

Is Your Customer’s Key Not Being Detected?

This Tech Tip will help you determine what may be interfering with a Nissan Intelligent Key or Anti-Theft system.

Nissan keys use radio frequencies (RF) similar to other everyday wireless devices. In the event another wireless device is transmitting at the same time as a key, it can interfere with the signals being received by the BCM.

MODELS

All Nissan vehicles equipped with Intelligent Key or Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS)

If interference with Intelligent Key signals exists:

• The engine will not start. 

• No response when the Stop/Start button is pressed.

• “Incorrect Key ID” displayed in the instrument cluster.

• “No I-Key Detected” displayed in the cluster.

• Intermittent operation of the buttons on the fob.

• Intermittent operation of the door
    request switches.
If there is interference with NATS Key signals:

• The engine will not start and no response when the key is turned.

• The Immobilizer warning lamp will be illuminated 

Figure 1

(see Figure 1).

• DTC B2191 (Difference of key) will be stored in the BCM, and P1615 (Difference of key) will be stored in the ECM. 

These symptoms are usually intermittent and can be challenging to diagnose. If a customer has reported the above symptoms, here is Supplemental Diagnosis/Information.

NOTE: If the key warning indicator on the dash remains illuminated during attempts to start the engine, this could indicate that the key was not authenticated properly.

If an RFID token (see Figure 2) is placed within close proximity to the vehicle key, it can interfere with the RF signals, resulting in an inability to authenticate the key and cause a no-start concern. Other contributors:

• Keys with a similar transponder frequency.

• Multiple keys on one keyring.

NOTE: Remove all aftermarket devices from the vehicle, including all other keys, while diagnosing a no-start concern.

Figure 2

For Vehicles Equipped With Intelligent Key, check the condition of the battery in the key to confirm it has enough power.

• Location of the Intelligent Key: An Intelligent Key should not be stored where nearby metal objects in the cabin can obstruct the RF signal.

• Interference from other personal devices: Confirm the Intelligent Key is not placed near phones, other intelligent keys or highway toll cards. Also, items like USB chargers might be transmitting similar RF signals.

NATS keys also contain a transponder that can be affected by interference. For interference to cause a no-start condition, the source of the interference will typically be close to the key – for example, an RFID chip on a key chain with the key in Figure 2.

If none of these items causes symptoms, check for the presence of an aftermarket alarm system, radar detector, or ANY electronic devices, including other keys, in the car or in the surrounding area. RF signals can interfere with the key signals from surprising distances

You May Also Like

Solving Ride Complaints With Alignment Diagnostics

The source of the complaint can be the angles, electronics or tires.

Chassis alignment can be an art when you have to resolve a chassis or steering complaint from a customer. The source of the complaint can be the angles, electronics or tires. The diagnostic process can be more challenging than curing a misfire or no-start problem.

Your alignment bay should be treated as a colossal scan tool that can pull the angles from the vehicle so they can be used for chassis and suspension diagnostics. Performing camber and toe adjustments are just like calibrating a sensor, but the process is, of course, completely mechanical.

Diesel Engine Air Filter Replacement Rationale

Servicing the air filter for a diesel application requires more care than the air filters in the average gasoline engine.

Diagnosing Electrical Problems With Your Multimeter

Transform your team’s electrical diagnostics skills with these routine multimeter tests.

Battery Management Means Knowing How It Ages

The battery may be fully charged, but you also need to measure how low the voltages go while the engine is cranking.

Acura Turbo Engine Service

It is important to check the operation of the solenoids that control vacuum to the actuators.

Other Posts

Read ShopOwner’s April Issue Online Now!

ShopOwner includes valuable business management and technical editorial content.

Aftermarket Division of Bosch Launches EV Training Tour

Training for up to 20 attendees per eight-hour workshop will be available over the course of 20 weeks.

ASE Education Foundation Seeking Outstanding Instructor

Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 Byrl Shoemaker/ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year award.

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

You can get a good idea of what to expect by adding the official ASE practice tests to your study plans.