Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System malfunction

2000 Nissan Maxima with 130K miles. The Vehicle Immobilizer System is malfunctioning.

I can go through the emergency procedure: leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position and wait approximately 5 seconds . Repeat steps 1 and 2. Restart the engine.

Works intermittently.

I can turn the switch to ON and wait 5 - 10 minutes and the car will start on the first attempt.

Then I can turn the car off, go back in 30 minutes, 1 hour or the next day and the car won't start. Then I can go through the emergency procedure or leave the switch ON for 10 minutel and the car starts.

All this is done without any other key or device on or near the Nissan key. It doesn't matter if I open the car with the key or the remote.

Help. Help.
You still have an open request in the a/c section.....

The only request we have is that you end the thread with what eventually fixed problem.....If you didn't fix it, just a quick note stating that would be ok.... This way people searching for the same problem will get an idea of what worked and what didn't....

You would be surprised how many 2 & 3 year old threads we get where someone reopens it & asks "Did you ever fix your problem, I have the exact same thing?"
Unfortunately this is going to be a tough one...

This has 2 systems, vehicle security (breaking in to the car) & vehicle immobilizer (stealing the car). Both systems require a Consult II (factory scan tool) to diagnose & repair. I'm unaware of any AM scan tools that will work, but maybe someone has a work around I'm not familiar with...

Going off what you've posted it sounds like there is a glitch with the NVIS IMMU (the chip) in the lock cyl. Intermittently it's sending the wrong or no signal the PCM (computer). The procedure you are using is obviously working to get it going again.

The problem is, if/when you replace the cyl with a new chip, it will have to be reprogrammed and the only way I know of is with a Consult II. If anyone knows of a work around, I would love to hear it....

So your options would be to keep doing your procedure or bite the bullet & have it replaced... From my experience, those problems usually get worse with time & always pick the worst possible time to go out completely.

Probably not what you want to hear but it's all I got at this point.............sry......