One more Nissan story for the archives, aka searchable data base. Had a 2004 Xterra w/ 3.3L (VG33E) A/T, RWD. And it was a no crank. And the driver door lock cylinder was abused. I didn't think anything of that door lock at first. Ooops.

The ignition key was a metal key, and according to the scan tool (MODIS) there was no anti-theft system. PCM or TCM data showed both the park/neutral switch functioning, and the ign. switch start position was recognized.

Well long story short, although the vehicle is not NATS equipped, there IS a switch on the door lock and IF that switch/connector falls off, it CAN disable the relay to the starter motor (PNP Relay) by way of the Vehicle Security Relay. That VSR is controlled by the Smart Entrance Control Unit.

Pulling the door panel off, revealed a switch hanging down inside the door. Turning the switch slightly allowed the vehicle to crank, (and start).

Geoff Welsh
Consultant/Technician
Kaanapali Car Care
Lahaina, Hawaii, USA