Why does the engine crank but not start?

AZGUY44

MEMBER
2005 NISSAN QUEST
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

The facts:
1. Bought at auction didn't have key.
2. Locksmith made new key.
3. Van drove home.
4. After driving 5-10 min, car randomly shut off and wouldn't start again.
5. Next day, I started up drove 5 minutes then shut off again. Unable to continue driving.
6. Lost key, had another locksmith come make another key
7. Still won't start.
8. Replaced battery. Fuel pump, cam and crank sensors, still won't start crank only.
9. Been 3 weeks now unable to figure what's the problem.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Hi,

Was the new key programmed into the vehicle? The vehicle came with the Nissan vehicle immobilizer system. If you had new keys made and not properly registered, the vehicle won't run.

Actually, this vehicle would have come with an advanced system that requires a password to register and specialized tooling to complete.

If the security light is staying on solid, it sounds like the key wasn't registered properly. If that is the case, it needs to be programmed into the body control module for it to work. This requires specialized equipment.

If you look below, I attached a pic of how the system works. A programmed/registered key is identified by the NATS (Nissan Anti-Theft System) antenna amp which sends a signal to the body control module. The body control module recognizes the key as either registered or not. If it is registered with the BCM, then the BCM will allow the ECM (engine control module) to start the engine.

Let me know. This may have already been done, but since you went through two different keys, this is my first suspect. Also, let me know if the security light is staying on solid.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)