Nissan Rogue Push Button Start Problems: Symptoms and Solutions

The evolution of cars towards the modern world has opened the door for numerous improvements in traditional components. Each car manufacturer aims to lessen the manual parts that operate the vehicle by directing it to a more autonomous approach. Most examples of these are power windows, side mirrors, transmissions, etc.

One recent innovation is the push-start button. Whereas instead of moving the key in a rotating manner to start the engine, a simple push of a button will be enough to substitute the process. Thus, removing the need for a key. After all, who needs a long piece of metal when you can just press buttons to operate your car?

One of the car manufacturers that applied the push-to-start button in a vehicle is Nissan. A notable model will be the Nissan Rogue. The Nissan Rogue is a mid-size Crossover vehicle and tons of features make the vehicle prominent in its category. But in this article, we will focus on its Push-to-Start button.

How to operate Push Button Ignition

Since a key is no longer needed, it is replaced by a car key module or key fob. It is a wireless remote-like accessory that can lock and unlock the vehicle or other features can be added depending on the variant of the said vehicle.

Although, in worst-case scenarios, there is still a key hidden to use in case the module ran out of battery. To activate the push-to-start button, the car key module should be in the range of the vehicle.

First, the shifter should be placed in Park or P. Then step on the brakes and then push the button. This process will automatically start the engine of the vehicle. Meanwhile, in turning it off, the process will be reversed but with the absence of the brake. After coming to a stop, place the shifter into Park or P, then press the button and the engine will shut off.

If you do not intend to start the engine but want the accessories to have power, press the start/stop button without pressing the brake pedal. This will not engage the starter but will activate the peripherals of the vehicle.

How does the Push Button Ignition Work?

Pressing the Push-to-start button will activate a signal to the ECU or electronic control unit (the brains of a car) which is then transmitted to the starter in the engine. The starter will then pull power from the battery of the car and attach itself to the flywheel and force it to rotate.

This process will spin the crankshaft and will run the engine. Depending on the weather, this process may take a little longer- especially during cold days.

What if the key fob ran out of battery?

In the event wherein the key fob drains its battery, we need to detach the key hidden in the key fob. You can use this key to lock and unlock the doors using the keyhole located near the handle of the driver/passenger side without the need for the key fob.

In using the push button ignition, Nissan lets you tap the key fob above the Start/Stop Button. This action will activate the push button ignition and will start the car. Another process can be pressing the push button ignition with the key fob.

Replacement of a Car Key Module's battery is pretty straightforward. Batteries are abundant in shops and like most remote controls, a key fob's battery is located at the back covered by a panel. This panel can be flipped, and the battery replacement will be done. On the other hand, in other instances, the key module should be taken apart so the battery can be accessed inside.

To avoid this problem soon, preventive maintenance will ensure a reliable Car Key Module. Batteries of these modules usually last 2-3 years. Replacing them before they drain is ideal especially when the place is isolated or you're constantly on the go.

Push Button Problems

Push button ignitions can attract several problems through usage and time. Although, it is not limited to the button itself. Most problems are found in the components connected to the Start/Stop Button. These components can be Alternator, Battery, Key Module, etc. And we will run through them one by one.

• Key Module

As stated in the earlier part of this article, the Key Module or Key Fob should be in the range of the Start/Stop button for it to activate. If the key fob is not in range of the vehicle or it does not sense it, then the Push Button Ignition will not work.

A way to know if the key fob is working perfectly is to test its range. If the lock or unlock feature works only if the key fob is near the car, then it can be a sign that the battery of the key module is depleting. And it may be the reason why the car cannot sense the key fob resulting in an unresponsive push ignition button.

If the Key Fob functions even at further distances, then the culprit may be the key fob itself. Replacing the battery or replacing the Key Module or Fob as a whole can solve this problem. However, replacing the Key Module as a whole will need a certain level of skill for it needs programming of the new Key Module to function the same as the original.

• Battery

The battery can be compared to a human heart. It is responsible for pumping power to every electrical component of the car. Additionally, batteries of vehicles usually maintain voltages around 12V-13V. This range is what the components around the car are designed to operate at. If the battery fails to reach this range, then the components connected to it will not function properly.

On the other hand, if the battery is overloading, all fuses will break causing the car to be unusable. Monitoring the voltage of the battery is part of being a car owner. Even though batteries are maintained, their lifespan still ranges from 2-4 years tops.

In some cases, if the vehicle had not been touched for a month or two, the battery tends to discharge by itself. However, it does not mean that it needs to be replaced. A local battery store can recharge batteries to regain the optimum voltage. This can delay the replacement of your battery for up to months. Trying this method before buying a new one will save a few bucks.

• Alternator

The battery is charged by the alternator. The alternator is a small generator that lets the battery regain its lost voltage while the engine is running. Without the alternator, the battery will just drain itself and the engine will shut down due to the absence of power. One of the processes to know if the alternator is working properly is removing the battery from the system.

The battery is responsible for providing voltage from scratch. But when the engine is already running, the alternator compensates for the voltage needed by the engine to run. First, start the car and idle it for at least 1 minute.

Then, remove the connection of one of the ports of the battery (Either positive or negative) to disconnect the battery from the engine. If the engine continues to run then the alternator is functioning properly. If the engine dies, then fixing or replacing the alternator will fix the problem.

• Starter

As mentioned earlier, the starter is responsible for forcing the flywheel to rotate until the engine reaches its stable state. So, it is located at the circumference of the flywheel which just needs to pop out to engage with the flywheel.

It engages the flywheel with the use of gears. Through time and usage, these gears will grind their teeth like any other metal and lose grip on each other. Or just like any other motors, starters may need some rewinding or rewiring because these parts are rarely checked during periodical maintenance.

The starter may be a simple component but reaching the starter itself requires removing different parts along the way. This is the part where you hire a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the job. They are trained to diagnose and properly repair components, decreasing the risks involved in doing it on your own.

Final words

Push Button Ignition is one of the improvements which makes vehicles more reliable and less prone to human error. Traditional or Old ignition mechanisms are manually activated by the driver. Too much cranking may burn the windings of the starter causing it to break completely. It is also prone to being stuck or breaking the key.

These problems are eliminated because of a simple push of a button. Although there can be downsides to this process, nothing can beat the comfortability and efficiency of an automated feature. Just take note that preventive maintenance and periodical maintenance is a must in dealing with these electronic features.