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Nissan Remote-Head Key Programming by Ignition Cycling

Updated 2026 159 vehicles 2002–2017

This procedure covers 159 Infiniti and Nissan vehicles from 2002 to 2017. Check that yours is listed below, then follow the steps.

Need the fob itself?

Pick your vehicle to see replacement fobs on Amazon. Match the FCC ID on your old fob before you buy.

Not sure which fob is yours? Find your year below for the exact FCC ID and part number.

If your Nissan uses a proximity (smart) key or push-button start, it can't be programmed at home — an automotive locksmith or dealer must do it. If it uses a remote-head key (a key blade with the buttons built in), follow the steps below. Have every remote with you, since any you don't program will stop working.

Before you start

  • A remote-head key, not a proximity/smart key
  • Every remote (any not programmed now will go inactive)
  1. 1Close and lock all doors using the power-lock switch on the driver's door.
  2. 2Insert the key into the ignition (don't turn it) and pull it out — at least 6 times within 10 seconds, about one second apart, until the hazard lights flash. It can take 10–12 tries; pull the key fully out each time.
  3. 3Insert the key and turn it to ACC.
  4. 4Within 5 seconds, press LOCK once on the remote. The hazards flash. (Press it only once.)
  5. 5For each additional remote: unlock then lock the doors with the driver's-door switch, and within 5 seconds press LOCK on the next remote. Repeat for every remote, including working ones.
  6. 6Turn the key to OFF, remove it, unlock the doors with the switch, and open the driver's door. Test all remotes.

Which fob does your vehicle take?

These steps program a fob to your car — they can't tell you which fob to buy, and one that isn't the right part for your vehicle will not pair no matter how carefully you follow them. Find your vehicle below: tap your year for the exact fob it takes — FCC ID, OE part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model.

Find your vehicle

Vehicles this procedure covers

These steps apply to the 159 vehicles below — 22 models across 2 makes. Tap a year for that exact vehicle's fob details — FCC ID, part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model on Amazon.

Every year, make and model this key fob programming procedure applies to
Make Model Years covered
Infiniti EX35 Shop fobs for the Infiniti EX35 on Amazon
Infiniti FX35 Shop fobs for the Infiniti FX35 on Amazon
Infiniti FX45 Shop fobs for the Infiniti FX45 on Amazon
Infiniti G35 Shop fobs for the Infiniti G35 on Amazon
Infiniti I35 Shop fobs for the Infiniti I35 on Amazon
Infiniti Q45 Shop fobs for the Infiniti Q45 on Amazon
Infiniti QX4 Shop fobs for the Infiniti QX4 on Amazon
Infiniti QX56 Shop fobs for the Infiniti QX56 on Amazon
Nissan 350Z Shop fobs for the Nissan 350Z on Amazon
Nissan Altima Shop fobs for the Nissan Altima on Amazon
Nissan Armada Shop fobs for the Nissan Armada on Amazon
Nissan Frontier Shop fobs for the Nissan Frontier on Amazon
Nissan Maxima Shop fobs for the Nissan Maxima on Amazon
Nissan Murano Shop fobs for the Nissan Murano on Amazon
Nissan NV1500 / NV2500 / NV3500 Shop fobs for the Nissan NV1500 / NV2500 / NV3500 on Amazon
Nissan Pathfinder Shop fobs for the Nissan Pathfinder on Amazon
Nissan Quest Shop fobs for the Nissan Quest on Amazon
Nissan Rogue Shop fobs for the Nissan Rogue on Amazon
Nissan Sentra Shop fobs for the Nissan Sentra on Amazon
Nissan Titan Shop fobs for the Nissan Titan on Amazon
Nissan Versa Shop fobs for the Nissan Versa on Amazon
Nissan Xterra Shop fobs for the Nissan Xterra on Amazon

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Rather pay someone to do it?

What a locksmith or dealer charges to program a fob, and what a lost key costs to replace outright:

All key fob programming procedures →