Spence

iTrader: (1)

What's up guys. For the past couple weeks my Max has had trouble starting. I can put the key in the ignition but then I can't get it to turn forward. I understand the factor of the steering column binding and all that and turning the steering wheel back and forth used to solve the problem.

But I went out the other day before work and I tried for at least 10-15 minutes and got nothing at all. So basically I can't drive my car now due to it being too skeptical that I can't restart the car back up.

I got it to start this morning somehow once but it didn't work again after I took the key out. My alignment is way out of whack so the steering wheel is slightly turned at all times when the tires are straight. It's a 2000 SE with 210k on it.

Am I going to need a whole new ignition cylinder or are there any tricks to correct this problem? Because there's no way in hell I'm going to get new keys reprogrammed to this car lmao

Thanks in advance
-Spence

Chris Gregg

iTrader: (59)

I understand your concern about having to cut new keys which would absolutely need to be programmed to the ecu. I wonder though, if you can order a lost key from Nissan based on the vin code and it match your locks.....can you not order an ignition cylinder already set to your key?

Nevermind, I was just wishing and dreaming it was that easy. Called www.nissanpartsasap.com for you. They're price for new ignition switch and two new keys is $144. Locally I got a locksmith to program a key for me at about $30-40 bucks. So, I know almost $200 is a lot, but if
That's what it takes to fix your car, only other option is to find one with the key in a junkyard or part out in the for sale forums. However, I just learned there are two or three different part numbers depending on whether GXE or SE. Why, I don't know, but is what I was just told.

If you call Nissanpartsasap then have your vin # so they can match the right switch.

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

You can have a combination of things happening, each one by itself not being a problem.

My first bet would be the ignition key is worn. I took my car to a locksmith and they have a tool that will analyze the tumblers in a lock and then they can make a key from that. They will use the trunk lock or the glove box lock as those 2 are the least used. But the key they make also has to be programmed to the car. If you go this route, have them make 2 keys as it sounds like you don't have a spare.

The ignition lock may be worn also, but with a fresh key, it may work. If not, a locksmith can replace the tumblers.

A local locksmith is usually less than Nissan, but check them both out.

Chris Gregg

iTrader: (59)

Ohhhh, I heard locksmith could replace tumblers but didn think it could be done on new switches with chip keys. Good to know! Definately worth looking into! Got me thinking about doing this myself, would save me from replacing the ignition switch on my 260z. Thanks Dennis!

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

Another thing that can be done is that you can transfer the chip from one key to another. I had a key break on me and I ended up getting a key that did not include the chip. It was made to have a chip and you transferred the chip from the old key. You get the replacement key cut at the local hardware store, pop the chip in and skip the programming.

But what might be a caution is that I don't know if the shape and size of the chip is universal. I got a key where the plastic head looked like the one that I broke. Nissan uses different shaped plastic heads.