Really wierd

My wife's key starts the car.
Mine cranks the motor, but it won't fire. Why?

Thanks


KT

Otherwise, fun car...

What kind of car?
many new cars have chips in the keys. Maybe yours is not being recognized by the computer so it shuts off the fuel pump.

on most new cars, there's a chip/sender in the key (anti theft device)
so the key may fit the lock, but if the electronics don't match up your car will crank, but not start...

edit: darn... Dan beat me to it

the pill in the remote might not be programed?
what kind of car and what year?

My '03 Nissan Altima...My key used to work until recently.


KT

Have any work done to the car recently?
In the shop with your wifes key being used by techs?

New engine

Under warranty, of course.

The key problem happened right before I dropped it off.


KT

for some reason the computer is not recognizing your key.
Maybe the computer took a when the motor was going south?
I would take it back to the dealer and tell them to reprogram your keys.
Maybe your wife just doesn't want you driving her car?

QUOTE

Maybe your wife just doesn't want you driving her car?

She has told me that I will not be a/x'ing or track driving her car.


KT

Just as I thought. She is protecting her ride. She probably had the dealer trash your key

Seriously, I am sure you will have to take it to the dealer to have the key reprogrammed.
Too bad, another trip to the dealer, car gone all day for a 10 minute job.

Stopped at Vallejo Nissan on the way to a Bay Area appt.

Took five minutes. Alls well ( except the part about not tracking it )


KT

For future reference, take a look in the owners booklet for your car. It usually explains the key transponder system, and has instructions on how to add a key that is not recognized by the car's computer.

Demick

I'll look for that...but.

I don't think that will work this time. They used a small computer wired into an under-dash port.

Each key was programmed and tested with it in the ignition switch.

I could do without this feature.


KT

So could thieves...

I never thought about that.

The slam the screwdriver ignition key won't work here.


KT