Intelligent Key System Warning Light...
 

I was driving my Z around yesterday, and noted the Key Warning light was lit, while I was driving.

I didn't remember that being lit before, so I looked it up...I guess I need to call the dealer =/

Anyone else have this issue turn up, or have some advice on what to try?



(from the manual)
Intelligent Key system warning light
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off. (--mine didn't--)
This light warns of a malfunction with the
electrical steering lock system or the Intelligent
Key system.
If the light comes on while the engine is
stopped, it may be impossible to free the
steering lock or to start the engine. If the light
comes on while the engine is running, you can
drive the vehicle. However in these cases,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair as soon as
possible.

I was playing around with my FOB, as I've got a hand made padded cover on it to help prevent me from pushing the buttons unintentionally, reason I was playing with it is that I couldn't remember which button locked or unlocked my doors (without pulling it out of it's cover, which was more of a PITA than I wanted to mess with) - so I was operating it inside the vehicle at one point - maybe I tripped something?

I guess if that's the case, I'll fire up my Z tonight when I get home and see if it's still lit.

OK, more oddity with this light.

Tonight, I went to a buddy's house. Got in my car just like normal, no light. He and I went to guitar center and back, no light.

I go to leave his house, and I have one of his guitars with me to rewire, so I open the passenger door first by pressing the button on the door twice to unlock the whole car.

Set the guitar in, get in on the other side...and key light all the way home.

I get home, pull it in the garage, turn it off, open the door, close the door, start the car up - key light not on.


Any clues? ECU reset then take to dealer?

Dunno...

Do you keep the key in your pocket all the time? I've noticed that with mine sometimes it will act like there is no key, especially if I have the keys buried in a coat pocket and I manage to really bury it. Maybe all the fabric blocks the transmission signal? In my case it's instantly remedied by taking the key out of my pocket.

I'd experiment by taking the fob out of the padded cover and see if it makes any difference.

Nah, no different than usual. I've had the cover for a few months now, and it's not overly thick, just has a piece of mylar between a couple layers of heavy cloth on the button side, the other side is a single layer.

Even then, the doors always unlock and the car always starts without issue.

just change the battery out of the keyfob and see what happens

^^ +1 Yup, sounds like a low battery in your ikey.

Could be battery, although it's odd the fob always seems to work for you without having to retry, and it only shows while the engine is running.

I would experiment with your second fob if you can... that way you could potentially tell if it was the battery/fob/protector causing problems.

Maybe try docking the fob in the dash to "reassure" the Z everything's gonna be all right?? :icon17:

any updates kannibul? im getting this light now too.

Duuuudes!!!!!
It has a piece of mylar between the layers of cloth. Mylar is used as an electrical insulator. The cover could definitely be blocking the FOB signal.

....particularly if the battery is low to start with.
.... or just like a flashlight where the batteries are dying - it lights when you turn it on & then it gets dim. Turn it off and wait for a while & the flashlight does the same thing again (light to dim).

Mylar is a dielectic, but not an RF insulator.

As for an update, I have none since I've not driven my car since they started salt/sand the roads - around late November. It'll be next month before I fire it up again at the earliest, and even then it may only be to change the oil as that's when I plan on doing all my vehicles (they get changed annually)

Sorry...

It can be a dielectric or an insulator - reference: PET film (biaxially oriented) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

:tiphat:

well i got the warning light now my car wont start FML lol. gotta get the car towed to the dealer tomorrow morning. cant even put the car on accessory or anything i hit the start button says lock and does nothing. trying to start the car by putting the key in the slot and it still doesnt work.

mine gave me the no key light twice already, both times i just locked and unlocked with the fob and i could start the car

Exact same thing happend to me Saturday- had car a year now no problems- parked it in my garage- got IKWL and start button just says LOCK- tried to get it towed but flat bed didn't have wheel dollies (steering locked). I tried to reset by disconnecting the battery but did not do anything. Do not use in winter so it sitting in my garage- talked to dealer they have no idea- will get it towed next week. Down in Costa Rica now enjoying the warm weather the Z can wait.

Any insight if you get fixed be appreciated:shakes head:

Dead/failed battery?