Nissan Maxima security lock system malfunction preventing car start on Nissan Maxima

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Nissan Maxima owners report experiencing issues with the security system that prevent the car from starting, often due to the immobilizer or anti-theft system being activated. These owners have noted that when the immobilizer system detects an incorrect key, it blocks the engine from starting, typically indicated by a warning light on the dashboard. Common symptoms include the car starting briefly before dying or failing to start altogether, even with the correct key. Additionally, problems with the ignition cylinder, damaged key chips, or the car's computer failing to recognize the key can contribute to these issues. Diagnostic trouble codes such as P1610 and P1614 may also signal NATS malfunctions, leading to a "LOCK MODE" condition. It is recommended that owners experiencing these problems seek professional assistance to diagnose and resolve the underlying causes effectively.

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