Nissan Micra owners (2002 onwards) - had problem with ignition or ECU ? (Electronic Control Unit)?

My Micra is only 3 years old, yet suddenly one morning 2 weeks ago it wouldn't start. It started later in the day. Then one morning the intelligent key didn't work, I couldn't get in the car. I got in using manual key but again car didn't start. Just a click, no turn over. Again it was Ok later in day. Next day, the same. Local garage couldn't fix it. I took it to main dealer. They fixed it. Something to do with the communication between electronics and immobiliser? Cost 拢90. Two days later, same problem. Garage said whole new ECU now needed, by doing previous repair they were trying to keep cost down by only replacing small part but whole ECU needed replacing. Cost 拢370. Another mechanic then told me there was a recall on some Micras - a faulty ignition. My Micra is 1.2 SE, April 2003.|||If there was a recall on the ECU, the dealership should have the notice on it. Take it to a dealership and have them check it for you.


If there is a recall, it shouldn't cost you anything.


Hope this helps.


Master tech 40 yrs.|||All new shape micras have been called in to have the ignition switch replaced, just had mine done even though it was not giving any problems, the work was free of charge. Take the car to any nissan agent.|||There is a recall on ignition switches on k12 micras and more than likely the garage will have plugged your car into consult 2 and it would have shown a fault code and then they have a set procedure they would have followed(matrix) The dealer would have been better to have disconnected battery for at least 10 mins and the re-booted system and then used consult again ensuring the NATS card was used and navigated to the BCM, right handle and started the test and it points to the control unit which is not receiving start signal. Most of the time its the earth connections which are bad for corroding infact when they built these horror cars they did not use the proper connectors and some of the earth points are not earthed ie not making a metal connection. Battery, gearbox, engine bay bulkhead, rear of engine, alternator area and under dash have earth connections which are clearly not sound.


Hope this helps.|||There was a recall. I ve got 03 Micra and took it in for an ignition check in August. I had a new ignition fitted. They didn't tell me if it was faulty though.|||Would just like to add, I have a Nissan almeera which is about 4 years old. One morning the thing wouldn't start either. This problem remained for months. To be honest I think the NATS system is flawed. I realised what I was doing wrong was. I was starting up the engine to quickly and switching off the engine too quickly. So now whenever I start up I put the ignition in to electronics for about 10sec and then turn the engine on, then when I switch off I put the Ignition in to electronics for about 10secs and then turn the engine fully off. Since Ive been doing this Ive not had a problem. I think the designers incorporate things like this in to their designs so the dealers can make a bit more money out of the repairs. Sorry you've had your problems.