2021-2022 Nissan Security Alarm After Mechanical Key Use

What's Changed in Nissan Security Systems

Nissan has released Service Bulletin NTB18-071B to inform owners and technicians about a change in the security system's functionality for various models, including the 2021-2022 Nissan Rogue. This bulletin clarifies that newer vehicles are no longer equipped with a door unlock sensor or the necessary Body Control Module (BCM) software to support this sensor. As a result, the BCM will not recognize operation of the mechanical key in the same way older models did.

This design change means that using the mechanical key to lock or unlock the driver's door will result in different behaviors compared to vehicles built before specific dates. Owners should be aware of these changes to understand why their vehicle may behave differently.

Symptoms of the New Behavior

Owners of affected Nissan vehicles, such as the 2021-2022 Nissan Rogue, may notice specific behaviors when using the mechanical key. If you use the mechanical key to unlock the driver door while the security system is set, the alarm will sound when the door is opened. This is a direct consequence of the BCM not recognizing the mechanical key's operation as a valid unlock input.

Additionally, if the mechanical key is used to lock the driver door, the security system will not set. This means that if the vehicle is subsequently broken into, the alarm will not sound. The mechanical key will also only lock or unlock the driver's door; other doors will remain in their previous state.

How Mechanical Key Operation Works Now

For vehicles built after the specified dates (e.g., Altima after January 15, 2018, Rogue after August 18, 2017), the mechanical key's function is limited. When the mechanical key is used to lock the driver door, only that door will lock, and the security system will not activate. This leaves the vehicle vulnerable if other doors are not secured.

When the mechanical key is used to unlock the driver door, only that door will unlock. If the security system was previously set (e.g., by using the Intelligent Key), the alarm will sound once the driver's door is opened. It's also important to note that the mechanical key will not operate the power windows on these vehicles.

Important Owner Information

To silence the security alarm if it sounds after using the mechanical key, owners can use the Unlock button on the Intelligent Key. Alternatively, pushing the request switch on the driver or passenger door with the Intelligent Key in range, or using the Intelligent Key to start the vehicle, will also silence the alarm. Owners should be aware that the security system will not set if the mechanical key is used to lock the driver door, meaning the alarm will not sound if the vehicle is broken into.

This bulletin clarifies the normal functionality of these vehicles and is not indicative of a fault or defect. It's crucial for owners to understand these operational changes to avoid confusion and ensure proper vehicle security. If you experience a Nissan Rogue security alarm sounding, remember these steps.

Bulletin History

This Service Bulletin, initially published as NTB18-071 on October 22, 2018, has undergone several revisions. It was updated to NTB18-071a on February 9, 2021, to reflect a classification number update. The latest revision, NTB18-071B, was issued on February 22, 2022, primarily to update the list of applied vehicles.

NHTSA ID: 10208955