[holli.brown]

I have a 2018 Nissan Murano SL - no issues in the past. Last week, I went to start it and received the message on the dashboard: I-key error: see owners manual. The dashboard lights up, the lights work, the liftgate works, but the fobs will not work and neither will the interior power locks. After trying a few tricks I found on Youtube, it still wouldn't work, so I had to have it towed to the dealership. The tow truck driver did try to jump it to see if it would start, and it did but I still took it in. The service tech told me they never saw an I-key error and it started fine for them. Then they said they saw the error one time and a check engine light. After running a diagnostic test, they said it needed a new ADAS control unit. The unit was replaced, and $800 dollars later, I picked my car up only to drive 10 miles for gas and find the I-key error message on my dash again and a car that would not start. I can not put it in neutral or start it by touching the key fob to the push-start button. This time, we could not jump start it, but I still had lights, radio, phone charging but no interior power locks or use of either key fobs. Another tow later, the service tech is giving me the song and dance about only being able to do what the computer tells them based on the codes they receive.

Has anyone had this I-key error message and a car that would not start before? I am desperate for help and do not have the funds to throw parts at a car and not have it actually usable and running.

 

[MuranoSL2003]

I'd have your battery and alternator load tested to be sure the are not marginal. It's always the best place to start IMO...

 

[holli.brown]

C

I'd have your battery and alternator load tested to be sure the are not marginal. It's always the best place to start IMO...

The battery was replaced in November of 2021. Maybe it's a bad battery? Is it possible for the battery to be charged enough to turn on the radio/display screens but not start the actual car?

 

[MuranoSL2003]

C


The battery was replaced in November of 2021. Maybe it's a bad battery? Is it possible for the battery to be charged enough to turn on the radio/display screens but not start the actual car?

Yes. Today's computer controlled cars require a very stable electrical supply, various weird things can occur when it's marginal...

I mentioned have both the battery and alternator to be load tested because everything else depends on them... Every time a lead acid battery is run down to dead it compromises the batteries life... Also make sure your battery terminals are totally free of corrosion and snug.

The problem may be something else, but start with making sure the electrical supply is optimal.

 

[I need coffee]

C


The battery was replaced in November of 2021. Maybe it's a bad battery? Is it possible for the battery to be charged enough to turn on the radio/display screens but not start the actual car?

Sure, it's possible. One would expect that the dealership would have tested the battery as an initial diagnostic step, but they might not have.

Since you have a dealership involved in this they really need to make things right since you've already spent a considerable amount of money, but the problem is clearly not fixed. Speak to the service manager (if you haven't already) and if you don't get satisfactory results then elevate your case to Nissan corporate. BTW, is the car still under warranty?

 

[MuranoSL2003]

It boggles my mind that repair shops often replace very expensive parts that end up not being the solution to their initial diagnosis...and not provide some reasonable reimbursement when they are wrong...

 

[18cayenneSL]

C


The battery was replaced in November of 2021. Maybe it's a bad battery? Is it possible for the battery to be charged enough to turn on the radio/display screens but not start the actual car?

It's absolutely possible for your battery to have enough juice to power lights, radio, etc. and not have enough to turn over the car.

 

[carrerachas]

I assume you paid for the initial bill of $800 hopefully on a credit card. I would dispute the charge with your credit card company until the problem is resolved.

 

[holli.brown]

Update: They were finally able to recreate the error code resulting in a non-start. The tech called Nissan and was walked through a series of steps. After their conversation, the Nissan engineer said there were other people with a similar problem and it was due to the ABS module. They said to replace it. Another $900 later, I picked up my car. It started, but now 5 warning lights are flashing including ABS, brake, and cruise control. I drove straight to the dealer as the lights were flashing. He hooked it up and saw codes but the tech wasn't there. Since then, the tech cannot recreate the same codes, drove it 45 minutes, checked all fluids and made sure there wasn't air in the brake lines but the warning lights and the code does not show up. I am supposed to pick up the car tomorrow, but I am really not hopeful for a long term solution. This has been an expensive road and I have little confidence in taking my car out of town at this point for fear or issues again.

 

[Pilgrim]

Did the lights go out? Sometimes you just have to drive it for a while.