Experiencing intermittent starting problems with your 2011 Nissan Murano can be incredibly frustrating. You turn the key, and sometimes it starts right up, other times… nothing. One owner recently encountered this exact issue, leading them down a rabbit hole of potential culprits, from the car battery and alternator to the starter motor. After replacing several components, the key fob battery emerged as a surprising point of interest. Let’s delve into this perplexing situation and explore whether a seemingly simple key fob battery could be the key to resolving your 2011 Nissan Murano starting woes.
It’s a common first thought: when a car hesitates to start, the battery is often the prime suspect. In this case, initial checks of the car battery and alternator came back positive. Even replacing the starter motor, a more costly repair, didn’t permanently solve the intermittent starting problem. The issue returned just days later, highlighting the elusive nature of the fault.
This is where the key fob battery entered the equation. On a hunch, the owner replaced the 2011 Nissan Key Fob Battery, assuming a low voltage might be causing the issue. Surprisingly, despite the old battery still registering a healthy 3V charge, replacing it seemed to temporarily resolve the starting problem. However, the relief was short-lived, and the intermittent starting issue resurfaced.
This scenario begs the question: can a 2011 Nissan key fob battery, even with seemingly adequate voltage, contribute to starting problems? While a completely dead key fob battery typically won’t prevent the car from starting (you can usually use the physical key), a weak or inconsistently performing battery could potentially cause communication issues with the vehicle’s immobilizer or security system. This is less about voltage and more about the battery’s internal resistance or ability to consistently deliver power when the key fob attempts to communicate with the car.
To understand this better, let’s consider the role of the key fob in modern vehicles. Your 2011 Nissan Murano key fob is not just for remote locking and unlocking. It also plays a crucial role in vehicle security and starting. The fob transmits a signal to the car’s computer, confirming the correct key is present and authorized to start the engine. If this signal is weak or intermittent due to a faltering key fob battery, it could lead to starting issues, even if the battery isn’t completely dead.
Troubleshooting Steps for 2011 Nissan Murano Starting Problems:
If you’re facing similar starting issues with your 2011 Nissan Murano, here’s a step-by-step approach, keeping the key fob battery in mind:
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Rule out the Basics (Again): While you might have already checked them, re-verify your car battery terminals are clean and tightly connected. A loose connection can cause intermittent issues. Although tests were good, consider the age of your car battery itself. Batteries have lifespans, and even if testing okay now, an aging battery can behave erratically.
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Focus on the Key Fob Battery:
- Replace the Battery: Even if your old battery reads 3V, try a fresh, high-quality 2011 nissan key fob battery. This is an inexpensive and easy first step. Ensure you are using the correct type of battery (usually CR2032).
- Check for Key Fob Damage: Inspect your key fob for any physical damage, especially around the battery compartment. Damage could interfere with battery contact.
- Try Your Spare Key Fob: If you have a second key fob, try using it exclusively for a few days to see if the starting issue persists. This helps isolate whether the problem is related to a specific key fob.
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Consider the Immobilizer System: Modern cars have immobilizer systems that prevent theft. These systems rely on communication between the key fob and the car’s computer. Intermittent starting issues could be related to a glitch in this system. While less likely to be user-fixable, it’s something a mechanic can diagnose.
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Inspect the Starter System (Again): Although the starter was replaced, ensure the replacement was correctly installed and is functioning optimally. Wiring issues to the starter motor can also cause intermittent problems.
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Look for Other Electrical Issues: Intermittent electrical problems can be notoriously difficult to diagnose. Consider if there are any other electrical symptoms in your Murano, such as flickering lights, issues with power windows, or, as in the original post, problems with the automatic trunk gate. These seemingly unrelated issues could point to a broader electrical system problem.
Alt text: Opening a Nissan key fob to access and replace the CR2032 battery, a common step in troubleshooting key fob issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your 2011 Nissan Key Fob Battery:
Changing the 2011 nissan key fob battery is a simple DIY task:
- Identify Your Key Fob Type: Nissan key fobs vary slightly in design. Look for a small notch or release button on the side or bottom of your fob.
- Open the Fob Casing: Use a small flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to gently pry open the fob casing at the notch or press the release button. The fob should split into two halves.
- Locate the Battery: The CR2032 battery is usually easily visible once the fob is open.
- Remove the Old Battery: Gently pry out the old battery. Note the orientation (+ side up).
- Install the New Battery: Insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the + side is facing upwards, matching the orientation of the old battery.
- Reassemble the Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed.
Addressing the Automatic Trunk Gate Issue:
The original poster also mentioned an issue with the automatic trunk gate not latching via the key fob or dashboard button. This could be a separate issue, possibly related to the trunk latch mechanism itself or a wiring problem affecting both the trunk and potentially contributing to the starting issue if it indicates a broader electrical system concern. It’s worth mentioning this to your mechanic during diagnosis.
Conclusion:
While a 2011 nissan key fob battery might seem like an unlikely culprit for intermittent starting problems, it’s a simple and inexpensive component to check and replace. In the case of the 2011 Nissan Murano owner, it provided a temporary fix, suggesting a potential link, even if not the root cause. By systematically troubleshooting, starting with the key fob battery and moving through other potential electrical and mechanical issues, you can increase your chances of pinpointing the cause of your 2011 Nissan Murano’s starting problems. If the issue persists, seeking professional diagnosis from a qualified mechanic is always recommended to ensure accurate identification and repair of the underlying problem.
