Classification:

Reference:

EL13-050c

Date:

NTB13-107c

October 15, 2019

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED
ENGINE WILL NOT START
This bulletin has been amended. See Amendment History on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:

All Nissan vehicles equipped with Intelligent Key
OR Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS) key

SERVICE INFORMATION
Applied Vehicles use Radio Frequencies (RF) that are similar to other wireless devices.
In the event another wireless device (e.g. aftermarket alarm system) is transmitting at the
same time as a key, it can interfere with the signals being received by the BCM.
If there is interference with Intelligent Key signals, the following symptoms may
occur:
 The Intelligent Key is not detected, causing:
 The engine to not start (no response when the Stop/Start button is pressed)
 “Incorrect Key ID” displayed in the instrument cluster
 “No I-Key Detected” displayed in the instrument cluster
 Intermittent operation of the buttons on the remote (Key FOB).
 Intermittent operation of the door request switches.
If there is interference with NATS Key signals, the following symptoms may occur:


The NATS key is not detected, causing:
 The engine to not start (no response when the key is turned)
 The Immobilizer warning lamp will illuminate (see Figure 2 on page 2)
 DTCs B2191 (Difference of key) will be stored in the BCM, and P1615
(Difference of key) will be stored in the ECM

The above symptoms are usually intermittent and can be difficult to diagnose.
If a vehicle has experienced the above symptoms, or a customer has reported the above
symptoms, refer to Supplemental Diagnosis / Information on page 3.
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly
and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that
it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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HINT:
 If the key warning indicator on the dash remains illuminated during attempts to start
the engine, this could indicate that the key was not authenticated properly.

Immobilizer warning will
illuminate when trying to
start the engine

Figure 1

Figure 2

NOTE:


The supplemental diagnostic items listed on the next page should be checked before
replacing any parts or performing any repairs.



Refer to the appropriate Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for complete key system
diagnosis and repair information.

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NTB13-107c

Supplemental Diagnosis / Information for both key types


If an RFID token (see Figure 3) is placed within close proximity to the vehicle key it
can interfere with the RF signals, resulting in an inability to authenticate the key and
cause a no start concern.



Other contributors are:
 Keys with a similar transponder frequency
 Multiple keys on one keyring



Remove all aftermarket devices from the vehicle, including all other keys, while
diagnosing a no start concern.

Supplemental Diagnosis / Information for vehicles equipped with Intelligent Key


Intelligent Key fob battery check:
 Use the Signal Tech II IKEY Battery Test to confirm the battery state of charge.



Location of Intelligent Key: An Intelligent Key should not be stored where the RF
signal can be obstructed by nearby metal objects.



Interference from other personal devices: Confirm the Intelligent Key is not placed in
close proximity to phones, other Intelligent Keys, highway PASS Card, USB charger,
Personal Computer (PC) charger, etc. that may be transmitting similar RF signals.

Supplemental Diagnosis / Information for vehicles equipped with NATS Key


NATS keys also contain a transponder that can be affected by interference.



For interference to cause a no start condition, the source of the interference will
typically be in close proximity to the key; for example, an RFID chip on a key chain
with the key. See Figure 3, below.

Figure 3

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NTB13-107c



If none of the previous are causing any symptoms, check for the presence of an
aftermarket alarm system, radar detector, or ANY electronic devices, including other
keys.



RF signals coming from the vehicle surroundings can interfere with the key signals,
such as radar detectors or aftermarket alarm systems in other vehicles or
surrounding buildings.



If you are unable to duplicate the concern, it is important to determine WHERE the
vehicle was located when the customer experienced the no start concern.

Example of electrical
devices that can
cause interference

Figure 4
AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE REFERENCE

DESCRIPTION

December 11, 2013

NTB13-107

Original bulletin published

November 29, 2016

NTB13-107a

Updated Applied Vehicles and made changes in the
body of the bulletin

March 26, 2018

NTB13-107b

Updated Applied Vehicles

October 15, 2019

NTB13-107c

Updated Applied Vehicles and made changes in the
body of the bulletin

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NTB13-107c