Posted by Matthew Yu on Thu, Feb 25, 2010 @ 04:57 PM
Anti-theft systems have been around since individuals began stealing other people's property and have evolved accordingly to thwart increasingly complex methods of theft. Nissan vehicles come equipped with what is called NATS (Nissan Anti-Theft Systems) immobiliser. It is an advanced multi-random code hopping alarm system with anti-towing sensors, high-powered siren and electronic override touch key. They can be deactivated by a plug-in dongle, touch key, card, but most modern cars have a chip built into the key that is programmed to your vehicle that says you can start the car with it. Any other key, whether it fits the door or ingition, and does not have this gadget will not work.
All immobilisers work on the same principal of disconnecting 1 or more circuits usually starter, ignition and fuel pump. The ignition barrel has a coil of wire around it, and this gets a signal from the correct key when inserted into the lock and the electronic control box then connects all the circuits so you can start the car. When you remove the key, the immobiliser is activated automatically. Some systems can be bypassed, some are impossible without changing very expensive parts, and reprogramming. Because of the chips in new keys, it is also a lot harder to get a new one cut and programmed. Almost becoming a dealer only option on some models, hence very expensive especially those with remote buttons built in.
That is why some scan tool developers have implemented the capability to reprogram new keys to your NATS immobiliser so that you may be able to take your vehicle to your local repair shop to process jobs that previously was only capable for the manufacturer dealers.
You MUST process key programming when replacing any of the following items:
- NATS ignition key
- ECM
- Immobiliser
Below you will see how to program your NATS immobiliser and car key:
