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Nissan Electronic Keys Erased By Cell Phones
Complaints About 2007 Altima, Infiniti G-35
POSTED: 4:37 am PDT May 24, 2007
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Cell phones rub some of Nissan's "intelligent keys" the wrong way, the automaker is warning car owners.
Complaints about some cell phones erasing Nissan's I-keys for the 2007 Altima sedan and 2007 Infiniti G35 have the automaker advising customers to keep cell phones and the plastic fobs containing the starters "at least one inch apart at all times."
A statement released by Nissan North America, Inc., says some cell phones, if allowed to touch the I-Key while sending or receiving a call, "may alter the electronic code."
"When this happens the I-Key will not start the vehicle and cannot be reprogrammed," the statement said.
Nissan is developing a modified I-Key "to prevent this from happening and will provide customers with these new keys in the early fall," the statement said.
The problem is limited to the 2007 Altima and G35.
Nissan did not return telephone messages seeking additional comment.
Brent Adams, vice president and general manager at Action Nissan in Nashville, said the problem involves only a "certain type of phone and this particular service," which he declined to specify.
He described the number of complaints as "minute."
Ken Hunt, owner of Hunt Nissan in Chattanooga, said the dealership was including a warning in the vehicle packet for purchasers. He said no retail customers have complained.
"I have ordered extra keys in case," Hunt said.