Losing or damaging your car key can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, for many Nissan owners, programming a new or existing key fob can be done right at home, saving you time and money compared to dealership or locksmith services. This guide will walk you through the process of programming your Nissan key, focusing on models with push-button start and intelligent key systems.
This DIY approach is applicable to a range of Nissan vehicles equipped with Intelligent Key (Smart Key) and Push Start functionality. These commonly include models such as:
- Nissan Altima (2013-2015)
- Nissan Teana (2013-2015)
- Nissan Murano (2015)
- Nissan Rogue (2013-2015)
- Nissan Maxima (2016)
- Nissan Pathfinder (2013-2015)
- Nissan Sentra (2016-2017)
- Nissan Titan (2016-2017)
For these Nissan models, the key fobs are often user-programmable for basic functions like locking and unlocking doors, as well as starting the engine with the push-button start. This means you can potentially program these features yourself without needing professional assistance, provided you have a programmed key and follow the correct procedure. The programming typically involves a sequence of key insertions and button presses that can be completed in just a few minutes.
Programming a Nissan Remote Key Fob
This method is generally used for programming the remote lock and unlock functions of your key fob.
What you’ll need:
- Your Nissan vehicle
- An existing programmed Nissan key or the key fob you wish to program.
Steps:
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Ignition Cycling: Insert your Nissan key into the ignition switch and remove it twice in quick succession (within 5 seconds). On the fourth key cycle, leave the key inserted in the ignition switch.
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Programming Mode: Watch for the security indicator light on your dashboard. It should flash once, indicating that your Nissan has entered programming mode.
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Transmitter Activation: Within 20 seconds of entering programming mode, take the key out of the ignition. Press and hold any button on the first key fob you want to program.
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Confirmation: The security light should turn off after the button on the transmitter is pressed. This confirms that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Programming Additional Fobs (Optional): If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat steps 3 and 4 for each fob within the same 20-second programming window. You can program up to four transmitters using this method.
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Completion: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, the programming process is complete. Test each key fob to ensure it correctly locks and unlocks your car doors.
Programming a New Nissan Smart Key (Push Start Models)
This procedure is typically used when programming a new key fob for push-button start Nissans, or when the previous method doesn’t fully program the push-start function.
What you’ll need:
- Your Nissan vehicle with push-button start
- A programmed Nissan key (working key)
- The new Nissan smart key fob you wish to program
Steps:
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Turn Ignition OFF: Ensure your Nissan’s ignition switch is in the OFF position.
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Insert and Turn ON with Programmed Key: Insert your existing programmed key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON position. Do this quickly, within 5 seconds of turning the ignition OFF.
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Button Press Sequence: Within 30 seconds of turning the ignition ON, take out the programmed key. On the new key fob you are programming, simultaneously push and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for approximately 1 second. Repeat this button press sequence for each additional remote you want to program. It’s crucial to program all remotes you need in one go, as the process may need to be repeated if interrupted.
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Confirmation and Repetition (If Needed): Listen for a confirmation signal from your vehicle (like a beep or light flash, though not explicitly mentioned in the source). If you don’t receive confirmation or the programming is unsuccessful, you may need to repeat step 3. Ensure you follow the timing and button sequence precisely for successful programming.
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Testing: After completing the steps, test the new Nissan smart key fob to ensure it successfully unlocks/locks the doors and starts your Nissan using the push-button start.
While these methods are generally effective for many Nissan models, there might be instances where professional programming is required, especially for newer models or in complex situations. If you encounter difficulties or are unsure about any step, consulting your Nissan owner’s manual or contacting a certified Nissan dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith is always recommended.
For further assistance with any automotive needs, including key programming or other services, feel free to visit our dealership. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.
