Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 1999 Nissan Pathfinder? Don’t worry, you don’t need a trip to the dealership and their expensive programming fees. You can easily program a new key fob yourself right from the driver’s seat. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to get your new 1999 Nissan Pathfinder Key Fob working quickly and affordably.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 1999 Nissan Pathfinder Key Fob
This straightforward procedure will allow you to program your key fob without any special tools. Just follow these steps carefully:
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Prepare Your Key Fobs: Ensure that all key fobs you intend to program have fresh batteries installed and are ready to be programmed. It’s a good idea to test the batteries beforehand to avoid any interruptions during the programming process.
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Enter the Vehicle and Lock the Doors: Sit in the driver’s seat of your 1999 Nissan Pathfinder. Using the power door lock button located on the driver’s side door panel, lock all the doors. You should now be inside the vehicle with all doors locked and the engine off.
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Ignition Key Cycling: This is the crucial step to enter programming mode. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch and remove it rapidly six times within a 10-second period. The speed isn’t critical, but maintain a steady rhythm of inserting and removing the key fully each time.
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Hazard Lights Confirmation: Upon successful completion of the key cycling, your Nissan Pathfinder’s hazard lights will blink. This visual cue indicates that your vehicle has entered key fob programming mode. Listen for the relay click and observe the hazard light indicator on your dashboard to confirm.
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Engage Accessory Mode: Once the hazard lights blink, immediately re-insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “ACC” (Accessory) position. This step is vital and often missed, but it’s necessary to activate the key fob learning function.
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Initiate Key Fob Programming: Press any button on the key fob you wish to program. After pressing a button, observe the hazard lights. They should blink again to confirm that the signal from the key fob has been received and the fob is successfully programmed to your 1999 Nissan Pathfinder.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have a second or additional key fobs to program, use the driver’s side power door lock button to first unlock and then relock all the doors. Immediately after relocking, press any button on the next key fob you want to program. The hazard lights should blink again to confirm successful programming of the additional fob.
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Exit Programming Mode and Test: Manually unlock the driver’s side door using the door handle or the manual lock. Exit the vehicle and close the door. Now, test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are functioning correctly. Typically, one press of the “unlock” button will unlock the driver’s door, and a second press will unlock all other doors and the rear hatch. When locking, the hazard lights might blink twice to confirm the lock command.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Hazard Lights Not Blinking? If the hazard lights do not blink after the key cycling step, you might need to repeat step 3, ensuring you are completing the key insertions and removals within the 10-second timeframe. Double-check that the doors were locked using the power lock button before starting.
- Key Fob Still Not Working? Ensure you turned the key to the “ACC” position in step 5. This step is essential for the programming to take effect. Also, double-check the battery in your new key fob and ensure it is properly installed.
- eBay Key Fobs: As mentioned in the original guide, key fobs from eBay can be a cost-effective solution. Ensure you are purchasing fobs that are compatible with the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder model.
Programming your 1999 Nissan Pathfinder key fob is a simple task you can accomplish at home. By following these instructions carefully, you can save time and money while regaining the convenience of keyless entry.
