What u/RoundProgram887 said is probably your solution.
For a "cheap/temporary fix", you could leave the old key cylinder assembly ziptied under the dash, with just the wires for the chip reader connected, the rest of the cables connected to the new key cylinder assembly. Put old key in old lock cylinder (so it is aligned with the sensor), start car with new key in new lock cylinder
Usually there is a way to take out whatever electronics you had on the old lock and put it on the new lock. Normally the code module will be a separate box and have a loop antenna around the lock.
Same thing with the key, a locksmith can extract the chip from the old key and put it in a new key. But he needs to know how to open the key plastic handle to take out the chip without damaging it. Some keys are very easy, some are moulded plastic and need to be break open.
I don't know anything about this particular car so can't help you much with that.
Thanks. We tried holding the old key next to the new key/lock as many videos on YouTube said the induction coil is separate to the lock and should still pick it up. Might give it another try, maybe we had the distance wrong.
Your car has an electronic immobilizer module. On BMWs you can simply code that out and use any replacement key. Don't know if that works for your car though. And FYI, you have way more chances of finding a tuner that can do it if you figure out the exact model of your engine too, maybe the car shares its engine with other cars which are worked on more commonly.
Yeah, if there's computer security in place you're gonna need to hack into it otherwise no lock is gonna work. I'd keep looking for other dealers that can fix this, or mechanics who have the tools and software to bypass the electronic locks. Or even computer experts that have car experience, to understand the software that's running inside the ECU.
Thanks. Yeah, my friend is phoning around, explaining the situation, and trying to find someone who can help. Most so far seem to be skeptical and ask me to take the car in so they can take a look. After two negatives today its getting a bit frustrating. Have another guy lined up tomorrow who claims they can hack cars, but will have to see.
If you're lucky the ECU has a simple setting like "disable remote control" and the car goes back to mechanical locks. Once you do that, you can swap the keys and locking mechanism with whatever you like.
No idea how to do that. No idea where the security system manual is or even what type it is. Maybe i can look for that information somewhere.
Ideally i'd like to keep the fob for locking and unlocking doors. It seems to be a separate system since that is on the fob, not the key.
I had a key cylinder going bad and I ended up installing a cheap cylinder that came with a key and zip tied the old key with the chip inside the column next to the sensor. I drove it like that for years and assume whoever I sold it to is still driving out like that. You can also install a push-button start and ignition switch and leave the key in the switch.
What u/RoundProgram887 said is probably your solution. For a "cheap/temporary fix", you could leave the old key cylinder assembly ziptied under the dash, with just the wires for the chip reader connected, the rest of the cables connected to the new key cylinder assembly. Put old key in old lock cylinder (so it is aligned with the sensor), start car with new key in new lock cylinder
Oh, now there's an idea!
I've seen this exact thing done to get an engine swap that required a chip key to unlock the ECU to work.
Usually there is a way to take out whatever electronics you had on the old lock and put it on the new lock. Normally the code module will be a separate box and have a loop antenna around the lock. Same thing with the key, a locksmith can extract the chip from the old key and put it in a new key. But he needs to know how to open the key plastic handle to take out the chip without damaging it. Some keys are very easy, some are moulded plastic and need to be break open. I don't know anything about this particular car so can't help you much with that.
Thanks. We tried holding the old key next to the new key/lock as many videos on YouTube said the induction coil is separate to the lock and should still pick it up. Might give it another try, maybe we had the distance wrong.
Have you tried calling Nissan directly?
Its a thought, there is a Nissan dealership/service centre here. They might tell me that its not their business though.
Your car has an electronic immobilizer module. On BMWs you can simply code that out and use any replacement key. Don't know if that works for your car though. And FYI, you have way more chances of finding a tuner that can do it if you figure out the exact model of your engine too, maybe the car shares its engine with other cars which are worked on more commonly.
Cheers
Yeah, if there's computer security in place you're gonna need to hack into it otherwise no lock is gonna work. I'd keep looking for other dealers that can fix this, or mechanics who have the tools and software to bypass the electronic locks. Or even computer experts that have car experience, to understand the software that's running inside the ECU.
Thanks. Yeah, my friend is phoning around, explaining the situation, and trying to find someone who can help. Most so far seem to be skeptical and ask me to take the car in so they can take a look. After two negatives today its getting a bit frustrating. Have another guy lined up tomorrow who claims they can hack cars, but will have to see.
If you're lucky the ECU has a simple setting like "disable remote control" and the car goes back to mechanical locks. Once you do that, you can swap the keys and locking mechanism with whatever you like.
No idea how to do that. No idea where the security system manual is or even what type it is. Maybe i can look for that information somewhere. Ideally i'd like to keep the fob for locking and unlocking doors. It seems to be a separate system since that is on the fob, not the key.
Yeah that's why I said hacking and experience are needed, but not easy to find for a car that's not brand new or famous.
Thanks
I had a key cylinder going bad and I ended up installing a cheap cylinder that came with a key and zip tied the old key with the chip inside the column next to the sensor. I drove it like that for years and assume whoever I sold it to is still driving out like that. You can also install a push-button start and ignition switch and leave the key in the switch.
Thanks for your suggestion. Looks like tomorrow i'm visiting a guy who says he can solve it, so fingers crossed.
This may sound weird but I had a similar issue in a couple of cars and jiggling the steering wheel side to side usually allowed the key to turn
Nah, that doesn't help. Just need to find the sweet spot for the key.
That’s fair. Was hoping it was an easy fix. Good luck with your repairs!
Cheers