The red car symbol on dashboard Nissan is a puzzle to many drivers. This symbol can illuminate the dashboard before starting or while driving your car. And like other Nissan warning lights, the red car with key symbol can indicate several issues.
If you’re getting this warning light, determining its meaning, the cause, and how to resolve it is essential. Sometimes, it’s normal to see this light flashing on the dash before starting the engine. But what if it prevents your engine from starting?
I discuss the red car with key symbol on dashboard Nissan. You’ll know what causes this light to stay on and how to fix it.
Question: What is the Red Car Symbol on Dashboard Nissan?
The red car symbol with a key inside indicates your car’s anti-theft system is activated. The anti-theft system or vehicle’s immobilizer is a security feature preventing the car from starting with unauthorized keys. As its name suggests, the anti-theft system protects thieves from accessing and driving the vehicle.
This symbol will start flashing when someone tries to access your car without the original key. Moreover, the anti-theft system will set off a loud alarm. If you accidentally trigger the security alarm, the symbol can also appear on the dash.
The good news is that you only need the right key to start the engine and clear this warning light.
Usually, you’ll see this light flashing when the ignition is in the “OFF,” “AUTO ACC,” or “LOCK” positions. But what if the symbol keeps flashing on the dash, preventing the engine from starting? What should you do if the symbol suddenly appears while driving?
In such cases, the flashing red car symbol on dashboard Nissan signifies an underlying issue with the security system.
Answer: Causes of the Red Car Symbol on Your Nissan’s Dashboard
Below are the common reasons behind the red car with a key symbol:
- Malfunctioning immobilizer
- Problematic key fob
- Drained car battery
- Damaged key lock
Malfunctioning Immobilizer
A faulty immobilizer system can cause the red car with a key symbol to illuminate your dash. In this case, the light can flash even when you’ve turned on the engine.
The immobilizer can malfunction due to damaged or corroded wiring. Physical damage, overheating, and water can cause the immobilizer to malfunction.
In such cases, the immobilizer won’t recognize your original key, thus triggering the security system. The system will inform you of a problem by turning on the red car with a key symbol.
Problematic Key Fob
Is your immobilizer system okay but doesn’t recognize the original key fob? If so, the key fob could be to blame. The most common cause of a malfunctioning key fob is a dead battery.
Key fobs feature small-rounded batteries that last up to three years. The battery powers the fob, ensuring smooth communication with the immobilizer system. If you have a dead or drained battery, the immobilizer won’t recognize input from your key fob.
The key fob can malfunction due to worn-out buttons or physical damage. Your car’s security system won’t recognize the fob, resulting in the flashing red car symbol.
Drained Car Battery
The anti-theft system relies on your car battery to detect the key fob and protect the car from a break-in attempt. The same battery powers many accessories, including headlights, the radio, windows, and parking lights.
If you leave these accessories on overnight, they’ll drain the battery, causing the security system to malfunction. As a result, the system won’t recognize the key, triggering the red car with key symbol on dashboard Nissan.
Damaged Key Lock
Your car’s locking mechanism needs to be in good condition to allow opening of the doors. If the key lock is defective, it won’t allow you to unlock the door. This will happen despite using the original car key.
The key lock can malfunction due to a broken lock assembly or cylinder. If you insert and turn the key, but the door fails to open, the problem could be the lock assembly. If your key fob doesn’t open the door, the issue could stem from the lock cylinder.
Other possible causes of a defective key lock are dirt, debris, and extreme temperatures. In such cases, the security system fails to recognize the key or fob, thus turning on the red car with key symbol.
Answer: How to Fix the Red Car Symbol on Dashboard Nissan
Below are ways to fix this issue.
Reset your Nissan
Several methods can help you reset the car to clear the red car with key symbol. First, start by locking and unlocking your vehicle several times. If the symbol persists, turn the ignition on and off at least twice.
If the two methods fail, disconnect the car battery’s terminals. You’ll need to start with the negative terminal. After disconnecting the terminals, wait for 10-15 minutes. Reconnect the terminals and check if the symbol is gone. Head over to the following fixes if resetting doesn’t help.
Use the Spare Key Fob
If the system doesn’t recognize your key fob, use the spare fob to start the engine. Almost all Nissan cars have an extra key fob programmed into the system. Use it to unlock and start the engine. If everything works fine, the warning light will disappear.
Replace Key Fob’s Battery
If your fob’s battery has outlived its lifetime, you must replace it. Replacing this battery is a straightforward task you can finish in no time. You only need a flat-bladed screwdriver to open the fob and change the battery. And the good thing is that this battery costs $10 or less.
Repair or Replace the Key Fob
If changing the key fob’s battery doesn’t help, your fob might be damaged. Check for signs like worn-out buttons, moisture damage, or physical damage. You can look for compatible rubber buttons to replace the old ones.
However, if your fob looks damaged or broken, contact the Nissan dealership for a new one. You’ll need to have the new key fob programmed to work with your car’s immobilizer system.
Recharge the Car Battery
Open the hood and use your multimeter to check the battery’s amperage. If the amperage reading on your multimeter is below 12V, you’ve identified the cause. In this case, the battery doesn’t provide enough power to keep the anti-theft system functional.
Try recharging the battery in your garage or using a different battery from another car. A fully charged battery will power the security system, ensuring it recognizes your key.
Seek Professional Help
If the above fixes fail to clear the flashing red car symbol, allow a professional to check your car. A dealer or experienced mechanic will examine the immobilizer system to identify and fix the root cause.
If you suspect the key lock is to blame, allow a locksmith to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Question: Should You Drive With the Flashing Red Car Symbol?
If this symbol pops up on the dash, you can continue driving. But due to the importance of this feature, fix it as soon as you reach home or the nearest service shop.
Note: The red car with key symbol can occur when the engine is off and prevent you from starting the vehicle.
When this happens, you must check the immobilizer, key fob, and car’s battery for issues. Fix the underlying problem to clear this light and start the engine.
Wrapping Up
You now know what the red car symbol on dashboard Nissan means and what to do if it turns on. Whether you’re driving or starting the engine, it’s essential to determine the cause of this warning light. Start by resetting your car to see if the light will turn off.
If the warning light persists, check the key fob, key lock, and car’s battery. Lastly, allow a professional to examine and fix the immobilizer system or key lock issues.