Security light flashing I need to reset the system?

Tiny
VITALIYTHEGREAT
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA
I recently bought a 08 Altima coupe at an auction. The problem with the car is that when I put the key into the slot a blinking red key comes on on the dash and a yellow arrow telling me basically to remove the key. What could be wrong? Does the key have to be programmed by a dealer? Do you know where the computer for the security system is located in the car?
Thursday, September 30th, 2010 AT 9:38 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
AB1975
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Either the auction gave you the wrong key and it will have to be programmed by the dealer OR the ignition itself has been damaged and is no longer accepting that key. I would do a hard system reboot, remove the negative battery cable and hold it to the positive post for 1 minute then reconnect. This will discharge all capacitors so the system can come back online. This guide can help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
TANISHA DELOACH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Car would not start so I tried to jump the car lights and everything comes on but would not catch. So took battery out to Autozone they told me battery was no good. Put new battery in does same thing. Assumed it might be starter put starter in doing same thing now fire is getting to the starter, but it will not turn over. Another thing, if my heads lights are on when I try to start it the headlight goes out as I turn the key.
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
That's the classic symptom of dirty, corroded, or loose battery cables. Also follow the smaller positive battery wire to the under-hood fuse box and be sure that connection is clean and tight.
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
Check for 12 volts at starter battery post with a multimeter, If you don't get 12 volts you have a voltage drop possible dirty, corroded, or loose cables and/or corrosion on the inside of cables that can't be seen.
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TANISHA DELOACH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No crank no start, everything comes on change battery and starter.
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Hey TANISHA,

Does the security light flash or stay on steady when you are trying to start it? If so you may need to reset the system.

Here is a guide that will help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken

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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORUBA YUSUF KEBBEH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
My security light on car is on when car is on but car will not start.
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Probably due to security system needs to be reset. See our link and try that.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Security reset or a bad key or faulty transponder reader are the most likely items.
Try a reset as HMAC suggests. If no luck with that you would need a good scan tool to look at the security system inputs and see if it recognizes the key. If not you can use the information it tells you to track the problem down.
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KELLYRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 275,000 MILES
Okay, I ran out of gas as pulling up to the gas station I put a few bucks tried starting it and after about maybe ten years I ran the battery dead. Every since then I have not been able to start my car. It turns over but no start. I'm pretty sure it is my anti theft system, but I don't remember the reset for the unplugging the battery. I have one key that unlocks every lock and used to start the car. No key fob or remote. Can you help me get this car rolling again? Please
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Okay, try this anti-theft reset procedure first. Here is the tutorial to view:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

After viewing scroll the page to find Nissan.Hope this helps and let me know.Thanks for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)

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