Lost or need to replace your key fob for your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder? The good news is you don’t always need to visit a dealership and pay hefty programming fees. You can program a new key fob yourself right at home with a simple procedure. This guide will walk you through the steps to program your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder key fob, saving you time and money.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Key Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have your new, unprogrammed key fobs ready with fresh batteries installed. Programming must be done inside the vehicle, so make sure you are in a safe and accessible location with your Nissan Pathfinder.
Here’s how to program your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder key fob:
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Enter the Vehicle and Lock Doors: Sit in the driver’s seat of your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder and use the power door lock button located on the driver’s side door to lock all doors. Ensure the vehicle is off and all doors are securely locked from the inside.
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Ignition Key Cycling: Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch, and then remove it completely. Repeat this insert and remove process six times in rapid succession within a 10-second timeframe. The speed is not critical, but a steady and consistent pace is recommended.
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Hazard Light Confirmation: Upon successful completion of the key cycling, your Nissan Pathfinder’s hazard lights should blink. This indicates that the vehicle has entered programming mode. You should be able to see the hazard lights flashing on your dashboard and hear the relay clicking sound.
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Enter ACC Mode: Crucially, once the hazard lights are blinking, re-insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “ACC” (Accessory) position. Do not start the engine; simply turn the key to the ACC position.
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Program the First Key Fob: Press any button on the first key fob you wish to program. After pressing a button, the hazard lights should blink again to confirm that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have a second key fob to program, use the driver’s side power door lock button to unlock all doors and then immediately relock them. After relocking, press any button on the second key fob. The hazard lights should blink again, indicating successful programming of the second fob.
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Exit Programming Mode and Test: Manually unlock the driver’s side door using the door handle and exit the vehicle. Now, test both 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, you may observe the hazard lights blinking twice as confirmation.
Troubleshooting and Important Notes
- Battery Check: If the programming procedure doesn’t work, double-check that the batteries in your new key fobs are new and correctly installed.
- Timing: While the timing for key cycling isn’t extremely strict, try to maintain a steady pace and complete the insert/remove cycles within 10 seconds.
- ACC Position: Forgetting to turn the key to the “ACC” position after the hazard lights blink is a common mistake. Ensure you turn the key to ACC before pressing any button on the key fob.
- Trunk Release Button: Note that while your key fob might have a trunk release button, it may not be functional on all 2013 Nissan Pathfinder models, as highlighted in some user experiences.
By following these steps, you can easily program your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder key fobs and regain full remote access to your vehicle without the need for professional assistance. This DIY method is a cost-effective and convenient solution for Nissan Pathfinder owners.
