2004 Nissan Murano Key Fob Programming: Step-by-Step Guide

Lost your 2004 Nissan Murano Key Fob or need to program a new one? Reprogramming your key fob for your 2004 Nissan Murano can often be done yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership programming. This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions to help you reprogram your 2004 Nissan Murano key fob quickly and efficiently.

Why Reprogram Your 2004 Nissan Murano Key Fob?

There are several reasons why you might need to reprogram your 2004 Nissan Murano key fob:

• Lost or Stolen Key Fob: If you’ve lost your key fob, reprogramming ensures that the old fob will no longer work with your vehicle, enhancing security.
• New Key Fob Replacement: Whether you purchased a new key fob online or from a locksmith, it will need to be programmed to communicate with your car’s system.
• Malfunctioning Key Fob: Sometimes, a key fob might stop working correctly due to electronic glitches and reprogramming can resolve these issues.

Before you begin, ensure you have all your key fobs that you want to program with you, as the programming process may erase previously programmed fobs.

Programming Procedure – Method 1 (Using Ignition Cycling)

This is a common method for Nissan vehicles and often works for the 2004 Murano.

1. Get Inside and Prepare: Sit in the driver’s seat and ensure all doors are closed and locked.

2. Ignition Key Cycling: This is the crucial step. Insert your key into the ignition cylinder and remove it completely more than six times within 10 seconds. It’s important to withdraw the key fully each time. You should see your hazard warning lamps flash if this step is performed correctly. Note: Do not rush this process. The system needs to recognize the sequence. You may also notice the side marker, tail, license plate lamps, and interior lights flash twice to confirm successful entry into programming mode.

3. Turn Ignition to ACC: Insert the key back into the ignition cylinder and turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” (Accessory) position. At this point, the system is ready to accept new key fob ID codes, and any previously programmed codes will be erased.

4. Press Button on New Remote: Take the new 2004 Nissan Murano key fob you want to program and press any button on it once. You should observe the hazard warning lamps flashing again. Important: Only press the button once. Multiple presses can disrupt the programming sequence. The side marker, tail, license plate lamps, and interior lights should flash twice again to indicate successful programming.

5. Additional Key Fob Programming (Optional): If you have more than one key fob to program, you’ll need to repeat a step. Without turning off the ignition or removing the key, use the door lock/unlock switch (usually located on the power window main switch panel on the driver’s side door) to unlock and then lock the doors again. Then, repeat step 4 for each additional key fob you need to program.

6. Finish Programming: Once you have programmed all your desired key fobs, remove the key from the ignition.

7. Unlock and Test: Unlock the driver’s side door, open it, and then close it. Now, test each of your programmed key fobs to ensure they lock and unlock the doors and activate other remote functions.

An example of a Nissan key fob, similar to those used with the 2004 Murano. Reprogramming allows these devices to communicate with your vehicle’s security system.

Programming Procedure – Method 2 (Using Trunk Unlock – Alternative Method)

If the first method doesn’t work, you can try this alternative procedure which involves using the trunk unlock function.

1. Close and Lock Doors: Ensure all doors of your 2004 Nissan Murano are closed and locked.

2. Unlock Trunk via Door Switch: Use the door switch (if equipped) to unlock the trunk.

3. Ignition Key Cycling: Insert and remove the key from the ignition cylinder six times within 10 seconds. Remember to fully remove the key each time and avoid rushing the process. Successful entry into programming mode is usually indicated by the flashing of side marker, tail, license lamps and interior illumination twice.

4. Manually Unlock and Lock Driver Door: Manually unlock and then lock the driver’s side door using the manual lock switch on the door itself.

5. Press Button on New Remote: Press any button on the new key fob once. If you only have one key fob to program, proceed to step 7.

6. Additional Key Fob Entry (Repeat Steps): For each additional key fob, repeat steps 4 and 5.

7. End Programming and Test: This should conclude the programming process. Test all programmed key fobs to confirm they are working correctly with your 2004 Nissan Murano.

The ignition key cylinder of a Nissan vehicle. Rapidly inserting and removing the key from the ignition is a key step in initiating the key fob programming sequence.

Programming Procedure – Method 3 (ID Code Entry Procedure – Another Alternative)

This method is presented as an “ID Code Entry Procedure” and might be applicable if the previous methods fail.

1. Driver’s Seat and Door Lockdown: Sit in the driver’s seat, close, and lock all doors.

2. Ignition Key Cycling (Again): Insert the key into the ignition and remove it more than six times within 10 seconds. Hazard warning lamps should flash twice to indicate entry into programming mode. Ensure the key is completely withdrawn each time, and do not perform the procedure too quickly, as the system may not register it.

3. Turn Ignition to ACC: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ACC” position.

4. Press Button on Remote (First Fob): Push any button on the first remote controller once. Hazard warning lamps should flash twice. At this point, the oldest ID code is erased, and the new ID code is entered.

5. Additional Remotes?: Decide if you need to program more remotes. A maximum of four ID codes can be entered. If you attempt to enter more, the oldest code will be erased. If you are done, skip to step 9.

6. Lock Doors (For Additional Remotes): To program another key fob, lock all doors using the LH (driver side) lock/unlock switch on the door panel.

7. Press Button on Remote (Second Fob): Push any button on the next remote controller once (the instructions incorrectly state “twice” – it should likely be once, consistent with step 4 and general programming logic). Hazard warning lamps should flash twice. Again, the oldest ID code is erased, and the new ID code is entered.

8. More Remotes? Repeat: If you have more key fobs, unlock the doors and repeat steps 6 and 7 for each additional fob.

9. Complete and Test: Once finished, open the driver’s door and test the operation of all your programmed remotes.

A typical car door lock/unlock switch panel. Utilizing this switch can be part of the key fob programming process for some Nissan models.

Troubleshooting: What if it Doesn’t Work?

If you’ve followed these steps and your 2004 Nissan Murano key fob still isn’t working, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Timing is Crucial: The timing of the key insertion and removal is critical. Try the procedures again, paying close attention to the speed and completeness of each step.
• Battery Check: Ensure the battery in your new key fob is new and properly installed. A low battery can prevent successful programming.
• Correct Key Fob: Verify that the replacement key fob is compatible with your 2004 Nissan Murano. Check part numbers or consult a parts specialist if unsure.
• System Issues: In rare cases, there might be an underlying issue with your car’s immobilizer or remote keyless entry system.
• Seek Professional Help: If you’ve tried all methods and troubleshooting steps, and still cannot program your key fob, it might be time to consult a professional locksmith or your local Nissan dealership. They have specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to handle more complex programming or system issues.

Conclusion

Reprogramming your 2004 Nissan Murano key fob yourself is often achievable with these methods. By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, you can potentially save yourself a trip to the dealership. However, if you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to ensure your key fobs are correctly programmed and your vehicle’s security system functions as intended.