As a seasoned auto repair expert at carcodereader.store, I understand the frustration of needing to program a new key fob for your vehicle. For Nissan Xterra owners, especially those with models from the late 1990s and early 2000s, programming a keyless entry remote can often be done at home without the need for expensive dealership visits. This guide will walk you through the process of how to program your Nissan Xterra key to car, ensuring you regain full access and control of your vehicle’s security system.
Programming Procedure
This procedure is specifically designed for Nissan models including the Xterra, Maxima, Pathfinder, Sentra, Altima, and Frontier from 1998-2000, and the 2000 Quest. Follow these steps carefully to successfully program your Nissan Xterra key fob:
A. Prepare Your Vehicle:
Begin by getting inside your Nissan Xterra. Ensure all doors are completely closed. Use the power door lock switch located on the driver’s side door to lock all doors. This is a crucial first step to initiate the programming sequence.
B. Initiate the Programming Cycle:
This step requires a specific sequence of key insertions and removals. Insert your ignition key into the ignition cylinder and remove it completely. Repeat this insertion and removal process more than six times, but less than ten times, within a ten-second period. It’s important to maintain a consistent rhythm, approximately one insertion and removal cycle per second. Make sure to fully withdraw the key from the ignition cylinder each time.
C. Enter ACC Mode:
After completing the key cycling process, turn the ignition key to the “ACC” (Accessory) position. Crucially, leave the key in the “ACC” position for the remainder of the programming procedure. Do not start the engine or turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
D. Program the First Remote:
Take the remote controller you wish to program. Press any button on the remote control one time only. It is vital to press the button just once. Multiple presses can disrupt the programming sequence and lead to failure.
Upon successful programming of the remote, the hazard warning lights on your Nissan Xterra will flash twice. For 2000 Quest models, the side marker, tail, and license plate lamps will flash instead. This visual confirmation indicates that the remote’s signal has been successfully recognized and programmed by your vehicle’s system.
E. Programming Single or Multiple Remotes:
If you are only programming a single remote, proceed directly to the “End Programming” section (Step 3A). If you need to program additional remotes (up to a maximum of 4), continue to the next section, “Programming Additional Remote Controllers” (Step 2A).
Programming Additional Remote Controllers (Maximum of 4 Remotes)
If you have more than one Nissan Xterra key fob to program, or wish to program remotes for other compatible Nissan vehicles, follow these additional steps after successfully programming the first remote:
A. Stay in the Vehicle:
Remain inside your Nissan Xterra after the successful programming of the initial remote. Do not exit the vehicle or turn off the ignition.
B. Use the Door Lock Switch Again:
Utilize the driver’s side power door lock-unlock switch to first unlock and then immediately lock the doors. This action prepares the system to accept programming for the next remote.
C. Program Additional Remotes:
Take the next remote controller you wish to program. Press any button on this additional remote one time only. Again, ensure you press the button only once to avoid programming errors.
Similar to the first remote, the hazard warning lights (or side marker/tail/license lamps for 2000 Quest) will flash twice to confirm successful programming of the additional remote.
If you have more remotes to program, repeat steps 2A through 2C for each subsequent remote. Remember, the system can store up to a maximum of four remote codes.
End Programming
Once you have programmed all desired Nissan Xterra key fobs, you need to finalize the programming sequence:
A. Remove the Key:
Simply remove the ignition key from the “ACC” position.
B. Unlock and Open Driver’s Door:
Use the door lock-unlock switch on the driver’s door to unlock all doors. Then, open the driver’s door. This action signals the system to conclude the programming mode.
C. Test All Remotes:
Thoroughly check the operation of each programmed remote controller. Use each remote to lock and unlock the doors to ensure they are all functioning correctly. This verification step is crucial to confirm that each remote has been successfully programmed to your Nissan Xterra.
By following these detailed instructions, you should be able to successfully program your Nissan Xterra key to car and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry once again. This DIY procedure can save you time and money compared to dealership programming services.
