NEED HELP! 2011 Nismo Z Not Starting
 

Hey guys, I need some help. I feel like I’ve tried everything. Here is my situation.

I have a 2011 Nismo. It has 6000 miles, never had an issue. Recently, I installed coilovers, camber arms etc, and an exhaust. When I tried starting it, the battery was dead. So, I charged it up and it was still not even letting me unlock the car. So, I started thinking - maybe this is a steering lock issue. I believe some 2011 Z’s were affected. I ended up replacing the battery just in case.

Anyways, I went ahead and ordered the steering lock bypass from ConceptZ, because my Z was showing all the signs. I took the plastic off under the steering wheel and found that my Z doesn’t even have a steering lock (rookie mistake, I know...).

So, now I have no clue. I have a new battery which I tested. I swapped the key fob batteries and still nothing. The car interior lights turn on etc, but when I go to start the car, it goes to ACC mode, then the ON mode, but I can’t do anything past that. Then it’s stuck on the ON mode, and the only dash lights that are on are the two key lights (like it doesn’t recognize my key). One last note, even though my key fob doesn’t lock/unlock the car, when I press the unlock button the signals light up in the gauge cluster. My hazards work also. Makes no sense lol.

Does anyone have any ideas? I’ll paypal someone 20$ if they help me resolve this haha.

Sounds like the clutch switch.

The fact that the car will cycle through the modes indicates that the antenna and receiver are working (car recognizes fob). cv129 is probably right about the problem being the clutch switch. Try lifting up on the pedal with your toe before pushing the start button; or* check with a ohm/volt meter.

*Edit: Oops. Confused brake and clutch pedals.

If it were a clutch switch issue, why would the intelligent key light be on? :-/

That key light comes and goes.. to be honest. I had pulled the fuse for my steering wheel lock AND cut the brown wire running into the steering lock and had the key light come on before and after addressing this potential problem.

Would the clutch switch also cause my lock and unlock buttons not to work?

Im not sure man, it sounds like you may have a key fob that wasn't programmed correctly.. thats just my guess.

Did you mess with anything electronics wise?

That may or may not be a separate issue. As SouthArk said, the fact that your car actually cycles through "acc" then "on" means your car does recognize the fob.

Process of elimination, confirm the clutch switch first.

I don't have an FSM handy to verify but I'm pretty sure the clutch pedal switch has nothing to do with the door locks.

I have headlights with demon eyes and halos, but that’s just a cable running to the battery. I’ve had them installed for a about a year though with no issues.

I wish there was a way to reprogram the keyfob without taking it to the dealer lol. I would rather not trailer my Z to Nissan just for that.

OP, I'm having the same issue as you on my 2012. Car doesn't recognize FOB key, can't lock/ unlock doors, no ignition, only goes to the on position and freezes until i disconnect battery. i tried everything, seems i will be bring it to the dealer for a reprogramming service. Do you have both fob key lights on?

Video>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TuvSLMpraE

http://www.the370z.com/members/jmroy...1-img-4470.jpg

Not being able to cycle the door locks could be caused by a faulty antenna - separate antennae are used to sense if signal is coming from inside the car or outside.
Range is somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 foot, line of sight. IIRC, the Owner's Manual has some figures.

I still think there is a very good chance that the starting problem is a clutch (6MT) or brake (7AT) pedal switch.

This is my EXACT problem! I am calling a key guy tomorrow that may be able to come to my house to do this. We'll see if I can skip a tow to Nissan...lol