Newer Nissan Altimas are among several vehicles that have foregone conventional key ignition systems for a key fob approach with push-button starters. On the one hand, it feels good starting a car with a single button press. But there’s plenty that can go wrong with new features.
What exactly can go wrong with the Nissan Altima starter?
To list some of the main problems in brief:
- Brake switch may come loose
- Lights come on but car won’t start
- Car does not respond to key fob at all
- Starter may fail
Below we’ll explain how the starter button works, details involving these problems, and how to address them. Read on.
Push Button Starters and Key Fobs
Key fob-based cars use wireless technology to save you the time of unlocking your car doors and starting the ignition with your key. All you need is to have the key fob in your pocket, and the wireless technology will do the rest.
As handy as this solution may be, it introduces several new things that can go wrong, like dead key fob batteries, for example, or the problems we outline below.
4 Common Starter Problems in the Nissan Altima
Brake Switch May Come Loose
To start your car with the starter button, you need to be pressing the brake. One of the most common reasons for your car failing to start has to do with a loose brake switch. Your brakes will still work, but they won’t send the signal to your starter that it’s safe to get started.
This is the easiest fix in the world. You don’t even need your toolbox. Just press the switch back into place. This video will show you what you need to do.
Lights Come on But Car Won’t Start
When the dashboard lights come on but your car won’t start, at least we can rule out the battery being dead or defective. In some instances, this problem may be the brake switch, or, your car could be locking your key fob access out due to too many presses of the starter button.
Step out of the car, with the key fob in your pocket, and then get back in. This will reset the system and let you try again. If nothing happens, keep troubleshooting.
Car Does Not Respond to Key Fob at All
If absolutely nothing happens, no dashboard lights, no sounds, no anything, it might be the battery.
If you can put a new battery in place and give it a try, you’ll know right away if this is the problem.
Starter May Fail
Sometimes the starter simply fails, and that’s all there is to it. If it’s not the battery, it’s not the brake switch, and it’s not the key fob, there might be nothing left to do but replace the starter.
Luckily replacing the starter isn’t the toughest DIY fix, but if you’re still under warranty you can save yourself some trouble by having the dealer perform the repairs.
