Is your 2000 Nissan Xterra key fob not working, or did you get a new one that needs programming? No need to rush to a dealership and spend a fortune. You can program your key fob yourself right in your driveway! This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step procedure sourced directly from the Nissan Service Manual, ensuring you get it done correctly the first time. Whether you’re adding a spare remote or replacing a lost one, this process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient for your 2000 Nissan Xterra.
Step-by-Step Key Fob Programming for Your 2000 Nissan Xterra
Follow these instructions carefully to program your 2000 Nissan Xterra key fob. It’s crucial to adhere to each step and timing for successful programming.
1. Initial Setup Inside Your Xterra:
- Get into your Nissan Xterra and ensure all doors are completely closed.
- Lock all doors using the power door lock switch located on the driver’s side door panel. This is a critical starting point for the programming sequence.
2. Ignition Key Cycling:
- This is where timing is important. Take your ignition key and insert and remove it from the ignition cylinder rapidly more than six times within a 10-second period. Aim for a rhythm of approximately one insertion and removal per second.
- Important Note: Make sure to fully remove the key from the ignition cylinder each time. Avoid rushing this step, but maintain a consistent pace within the 10-second timeframe.
3. Enter Programming Mode:
- After the key cycling, turn the ignition key to the “ACC” (Accessory) position. Do not start the engine. Leave the key in the “ACC” position throughout the entire programming procedure for all key fobs.
4. Programming the First Key Fob:
- Take the key fob you want to program first.
- Press any button on the remote ONCE. Just a single press is needed.
- Note: Pressing the button more than once at this stage will disrupt the programming sequence, and you’ll need to start over.
- Confirmation: If this step is completed correctly, the hazard warning lights on your 2000 Nissan Xterra will flash twice, indicating successful programming of the key fob. For 2000 Quest vehicles (note: this guide is primarily for Xterra), the side marker, tail, and license plate lamps will flash twice instead.
Alt text: A Nissan Xterra key fob remote control, used for keyless entry and alarm system activation.
5. Programming Additional Key Fobs (Up to 4 Remotes Total):
- If you have more than one key fob to program, you can program up to a total of four remotes.
- Stay inside your Xterra after successfully programming the first key fob.
- Use the driver’s side power door lock-unlock switch to unlock the doors and then immediately lock them again.
- Take the next key fob you want to program.
- Press any button on this additional remote ONCE.
- Confirmation: Again, the hazard warning lights will flash twice to confirm successful programming. Repeat steps 2A through 2C for each additional key fob you need to program.
6. Completing the Programming Sequence:
- Once you have programmed all your desired key fobs, it’s time to exit the programming mode.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
- Use the door lock-unlock switch on the driver’s door to unlock the doors.
- Open the driver’s door. This action finalizes the programming sequence.
7. Test Your Key Fobs:
- Now, test each programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly.
- Use each remote to lock and unlock the doors of your 2000 Nissan Xterra.
Alt text: The dashboard of a 2000 Nissan Xterra, highlighting the power door lock switch on the driver’s side door panel, used in key fob programming.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily program your 2000 Nissan Xterra key fob without any special tools or dealership assistance. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed remote! If you encounter any issues, double-check each step and ensure you are following the timing and button presses precisely.
