Originally Posted by Bladecutter
Sorry I didn't see this sooner, Franc.
I know you wanted to add another fem to your collection...
Anyway, Nissan's with the intelligent key have a slot in the dash you can plug the key into in the event of this type of occurrence. Usually located on the left side of the dash, above the knees.
Can needs to be in either Park or Neutral, with the foot on the brake, and then just a quick press of the button gets the starter to engage.
Was her car able to go into the modes where she could listen to the radio, or use the windshield wipers? If yes, then I would suspect that the brake sensor on the car failed, which is what tells the ECU that the brake is being pressed.
If it wouldn't go into those modes, the next best thing to do is pop the hood, disconnect the battery terminals (both), and then touch them together, and turn on the headlights for a moment. This drains all the residual electrical charge in the car's electrical system, and clears out any issues.
Then reconnect the battery terminals, and try again.
Usually does the trick with the few reports of this issue I have seen on the Nissan forums I frequent.
If not, then the BCM most likely lost the key programming (rare, but happens), and only a dealer can fix it.
BC.
Thanks BC. She had radio and some other functions. However, with the key fob inseted into the slot nothing. As it was ther mother's car She did not have an actual "Key."
Knowing how many modern cars react to sensor failures, I should have thought about the battery disconnect.
But to be completely honest her babyblues (actually they were gold) and tight blouse had this old degentrate's brain fuddled.
There is a good chance next time, it will be an old couple. So maybe I canget my act together and be somewhat useful.
again, thanks
franc