 Nissan
North America Inc. states that cell phones kept near Nissan "intelligent
keys" can erase the keys' electronic codes, making the starters worthless, The problem is limited to electronic key fobs that start 2007 Altima sedans and luxury Infiniti G35, Nissan said. Instead of metal keys, those cars use plastic fobs that send an electronic signal to the car's ignition system. The fobs are designed to let owners start their cars at the push of a button.  But when some cell phones touch the I-Key while the phone is sending or receiving a call, "the I-Key will not start the vehicle and cannot be reprogrammed," Nissan said in a statement. Owners can prevent the problem by keeping their phone and fob "at least one inch apart at all times," the automaker's statement said. A spokesman would not discuss or speculate why the problem was not discovered in testing. A new version of the fob should be available this fall, Nissan said. In the meantime, Nissan will replace defunct fobs free of charge. |
