Just bought a 2011 xs sedan and the key has to be in the key slot to start the car, I also can't turn the little honk off when locking. The fob unlocks and locks just fine. Could the key just not be calibrated or something?

 

When was the battery in the FOB last changed?

 

previous owner said he got new fobs entirely a few months ago

 

Change the battery.

 

This fixed the turning off the lock honk, but still have to have the key in the slot to start it.

Are there any other things that could cause this?

thank

 

By chance do you have a TPMS light on your dash? I seem to remember both wireless things (Ignition Key FOB and Tire Pressure Sensors) use the same controller.

Other than that, I'm out. You might have to hit up your local Nissan/Infiniti Service Dept.

 

No lights on the dash. Youre probably right, the dealerships probably my best bet.

 

1. Previous owner replaced both fobs. Did they say why?
2. Any evidence of water on the passenger-side floor?

This is one of those problems where it can either be software or hardware-related:

-Software- being the fobs were replaced, were they programmed correctly? Were both codes (IVIS and iKey) stored properly? RKE operates similarly but that code, or frequency, is "verified" by the RKE module, not the BCM, which is why you are able to lock/unlock with the fob. Are you able to lock/unlock the door OR open the trunk using the exterior buttons (NOT THE FOB BUTTONS)?

-Hardware- it could be a bad antenna, or a issue with the antenna circuits, or the BCM itself. The BCM uses the cabin antennas to read the iKey code and, after verification, starts the engine. Being the engine only starts with the fob in the slot, points to a possible issue with said antennas as the key slot has its own built-in antenna and the code is being verified.

Unfortunately, without the proper CONSULT3 tool (or equiv.) we would be flying blind trying to diagnose. The dealership, or a qualified Nissan repair shop, can easily connect the car to the tool and almost immediately pinpoint the issue.

Congrats on on the new ride...

 

Exterior buttons work. Thanks for the reply, definitely helpful. Ill have the dealer take and look and see if its something I can DIY.

 

Definitely sounds like a antenna issue as all else works as intended.

Please let us know what you find out.

 

Working exterior buttons seems to indicate the fob is correctly registered to the car and points to a possible interior antenna issue. Is the radio stock or has it been changed? Here's the FSM which shows all the components of the Intelligent Key system:
https://www.nicoclub.com/service-man...2011%2FDLK.pdf

Page 18 drawings H & G show where the in-cabin antennas are located, one being in the center dash just in front of the gear shift. If that antenna is disconnected it could cause your issue. (That's why I asked about the radio). As an experiment, try holding the fob between and behind the two front seats. There is an antenna in the back of the center console (driver's right arm rest) which monitors the back seat area. See if the car will start if you hold the fob back there.

 

Awesome thanks for the info. Stock radio. Ill check that antenna and see if having the key in the back lets me start it. I'll report back with what I find.

 

Any updates? They aren't aftermarket fobs are they?

 

i havent done much with it yet. Switching the back fob panel with the spare allowed me to turn the lock horn off, but key still has to be in the slot to start it.

They are after market fobs so that might be the issue.

 

Get some oem fobs. Used are fine. Can get them for around $50. Can have 4 programmed to the car at 1 time. EBay or they have sites that sell new or used ones. Me and my buddy with an Altima had issues with aftermarket fobs. Before covid they used to charge $35 to program. $85 now plus $10 for the key cut. https://www.batteriesplus.com/servic...ob-replacement