My GF has a 2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8SE. A couple days ago, when she turned the car off, pulled the key out, and her engine stayed on. She put the key back in, turned it to on, turned it to off again and pulled out the key. The engine still remained on. She put the key in one last time, turned it to on, put it in reverse and backed up a little, then put it in park and shut it off. This time the engine did shut off. Her car is completely stock except she has an automatic car starter. What do you think happened?

 

Sounds like the ignition lock. I believe there's an interlock from the tranny to the switch. That's where I would look, unless the car is under warranty. If so, let Nissan handle it.

 

Unfortunately it's out of warranty now.

 

I showed up and stayed for an appointment at the dealer once and there was a car running in a parking spot the entire time I was there. I asked what was going on, and they said the owner brought it in because it wouldn't turn off. They also had a remote starter. Was really odd seeing it idle there while they finished a job and cleared a bay for it....

/pointless story

 

you sure it wasnt just the fans?
the fans would stay on on my altima after a long drive for a few mins

first time im hearing about engines staying on after the keys are removed

 

No it's not pointless, it suggests that the culprit may be the remote starter. Thanks.

Yup, that was the first thing I asked her. She was able to get it into reverse, back it up, put it in drive, drive forward a bit, then put it in park and it finally shut off when she turned the key.

 

sorry SS buy I have to ask where you at Sterne Acura? I have it on good athority that they are useless. PM me if you want the details. To the OP sounds like it's the remote starter thats the culprit

 

No, this was well before I even had the Acura....different brand, years ago.

Either way, I can't remember exactly what they suggested could be wrong with it -- they told me, but I forget, so didn't want to post what I thought they said... They gave me factual information: the owner wasn't able to turn off the engine, and the car had a remote starter. I don't see how that can be turned into a reflection of how good or bad the dealer was.

 

Was this an aftermarket or factory remote start system? Sounds almost like it has a turbo timer (which it probably doesn't) the brain could be malfunctioning, or there could be a short between the constant and accessory wire at the ignition or something. That's really weird though.... I'm assuming its the latter though, usually on a remote start if you take the key out and press the brake, it'll kill the car.