Attempted to start a 2009 Nissan Maxima with a smart key (push button start) clicking noise came from the hood, instrument panel lights stayed light, could not turn them off, turned on head lights stayed lit, could not turn them off, disconnected battery terminal to turn lights off.

Phil Lovisek

• 726 Answers
• Posted on Jul 27, 2008

SOURCE: 96 NISSAN MAXIMA SHUTS OFF UPON DECELLERATION OR WHEN STOPPED

Check to see if the floor on the passanger side is wet. If so, than your A/C drain clogged up and your ECM/computer got flodded by water causing all sorts of funky stuff happening. Right next to the gas pedal is a small cover attached to the computer. It has a clip in it. Remove the clip and tug on the cover. Look at the top of the computer to see if its rusted up. Remove the other side cover also, which is on passanger side floor next to your left foot(if you sitting in passenger seat). and check other side of ECM/computer. Check the ECM for rust on top.
If ALL of that looks OK, than I would replace the switch,(since you are telling me that the key got VERY hot) that is mounted on the back of the ignition cylinder. Its a white round switch that failes after a while especially car beeing 1996, just think about how many times that ignition has been turned ON/OFF since 1996. The mechanism in the switch failes, causing starting issues and funky electrical issues.
Does the car have a remote starter installed?? Or didi it have one in the past?? I have seen companies that install them cause some damage to the harnesses on the switch that is mounted to the back of the igniton cylinder. They use "scotch locks" to connect the remote starter and after a while the connection corrode and cause problems too.
Anyways, check the computer for rust first. Than I would install that switch on back of the igniton. You can buy the switch seperately. You dont need the whole ignition assembly/switch only. Switch is pretty cheap (approx $50 ?). Try that and post results. I would feel pretty good about the switch beeing faulty. I have ssen them fail in the past and that's where your power comes into for the starter circuit.(key getting HOT, switch shorting out, making the key hot and starting the car without the key)

SOURCE: when i turn lights my instrument light go off 1999 nissan maxim

check the instrument cluster dimmer control make sure it isn't turned down

SOURCE: Nissan FB15 Identification of instrument Panel lights

Nissan FB 15 ( Four wheel drive) petrol tank needed.pls send me the place ( Sri Lanka) to buy it. tell me the price also.

SOURCE: 91 nissan terrano wont start

First things first; 1) check Terminals and make sure tight & clean 2) Make sure the batteries good 3) Make sure connection from battery to starter is secured 4) Make sure its not the starter clicking if it is change it. 5) Make sure starter relay is good located with all fuses!

SOURCE: Ignition switch won't turn over starter

put key in trunk and pop it try this it may work