The Nissan Kicks, known for its stylish design and modern features, often comes equipped with a convenient keyless entry and ignition system. This system, while incredibly user-friendly in day-to-day use, can raise questions when you find yourself in a situation where your key fob isn’t working – or isn’t even present. If you’re wondering how to start your Nissan Kicks without a key fob, you’re not alone. Many drivers find themselves pondering this, especially when faced with a dead key fob battery or a misplaced key.
This guide will delve into the ins and outs of starting your Nissan Kicks when your key fob isn’t cooperating. We’ll explore the system’s design, understand why it works the way it does, and provide you with practical steps and knowledge to handle those moments when you need to get your Kicks going without the usual key fob convenience.
Understanding the Nissan Intelligent Key System
Before we dive into starting your Nissan Kicks without the fob, it’s helpful to understand the system we’re working with. Nissan’s Intelligent Key system is designed for ease and convenience. As long as your key fob is within a certain range of your vehicle, you can unlock the doors, start the engine, and drive away – all without physically inserting a key into the ignition.
This system relies on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Your key fob emits a unique signal that your Nissan Kicks recognizes. When the system detects this signal, it allows you to start the car. This is why you can typically start your Kicks simply by pressing the start/stop button while the fob is in your pocket or purse.
Why Your Nissan Kicks Might Still Run Without the Fob After Starting
One common point of confusion, and the starting point of our original forum discussion, is why a Nissan Kicks will continue to run even after the key fob is no longer detected after the engine is already running. This is not a malfunction, but a deliberate design feature for safety reasons.
Imagine this scenario: you’re driving on a busy highway, and suddenly, your key fob battery dies, or the fob signal is temporarily blocked. If the car were to immediately shut off because it no longer detects the key, it could create a dangerous situation.
To prevent this, Nissan, like many other manufacturers, has designed the system to allow the car to continue running once it has been started, even if the key fob is removed from the vicinity or becomes non-functional. The logic is that it’s safer to allow the driver to maintain control of a moving vehicle and reach a safe stopping point than to risk an abrupt engine shutdown in potentially hazardous driving conditions.
As one forum user, pwlorraine, pointed out, “If the system shut down everytime it didn’t detect the key you’d run the risk of having the car shut off on the highway when the key battery failed or it was hidden electrically by something else like your laptop. That would be unacceptable.” This perfectly encapsulates the rationale behind this design choice.
However, this feature does come with a potential downside. As also mentioned in the forum, “The disadvantage is that you can drive off if you drop or leave your key and strand yourself.” It’s possible to drive away, realize you’ve left your key behind, and then be unable to restart the car once you turn it off.
Starting Your Nissan Kicks When the Key Fob is Not Working
Now, let’s address the core question: how do you start your Nissan Kicks if the key fob isn’t working, or if you don’t have it with you? While the keyless system is convenient, there are backup methods to get you going.
1. Check and Replace the Key Fob Battery
The most common reason for a key fob malfunction is a dead or weak battery. Nissan key fobs typically use a CR2032 battery, which is widely available.
Steps to replace the battery:
- Locate the small notch or release button on your key fob. This is usually on the side or bottom of the fob.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or your car key to gently pry open the fob casing. Refer to your Nissan Kicks owner’s manual for specific instructions for your key fob type as designs can vary slightly.
- Remove the old battery. Note the orientation (+ and – sides).
- Insert the new CR2032 battery in the correct orientation.
- Snap the key fob casing back together until it is securely closed.
After replacing the battery, try starting your Nissan Kicks again using the start/stop button. In many cases, this will resolve the issue.
2. Using the Mechanical Key (Emergency Key)
Most Nissan Intelligent Key fobs contain a mechanical key hidden inside. This key can be used to manually unlock the driver’s side door and, in some cases, may be needed for starting the vehicle in emergency situations.
To access the mechanical key:
- Look for a small release lever or button on your key fob. This is usually a small sliding switch or button.
- Activate the release and pull out the mechanical key.
Using the mechanical key to unlock the door:
- Insert the mechanical key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder.
- Turn the key to unlock the door.
Starting the engine with a dead fob and mechanical key:
While the mechanical key will unlock the door, it typically does not start the engine directly in a Nissan Kicks with keyless ignition. The mechanical key is primarily for unlocking the car when the keyless entry system is not functioning.
However, in some Nissan models with Intelligent Key, there is a procedure to start the engine even with a completely dead fob by using the start/stop button in conjunction with the fob itself. This often involves holding the fob very close to the start/stop button while pressing the button.
For the Nissan Kicks, consult your owner’s manual for the specific procedure to start the vehicle with a potentially dead or malfunctioning fob. The exact method can vary slightly depending on the model year and trim level. It’s crucial to refer to your vehicle’s manual for the most accurate instructions.
3. Contacting Roadside Assistance or a Locksmith
If you’ve tried replacing the key fob battery and cannot locate or use a mechanical key, or if you’re still unable to start your Nissan Kicks, it’s time to seek professional help.
- Nissan Roadside Assistance: If your vehicle is still under warranty or you have a roadside assistance plan, contact Nissan Roadside Assistance. They can provide assistance, which might include jump-starting, towing, or sending a locksmith.
- Automotive Locksmith: A qualified automotive locksmith can often provide on-site assistance. They can diagnose key fob issues, reprogram keys, or in some cases, create a new key for your vehicle.
Preventing Key Fob Issues
While knowing how to start your Nissan Kicks without a key fob in an emergency is important, it’s even better to prevent key fob issues in the first place.
- Regularly Replace the Key Fob Battery: Don’t wait for your key fob battery to die completely. Replace it proactively every 1-2 years, or when you start noticing the range of your key fob decreasing.
- Keep a Spare Key Fob Battery in Your Glove Compartment: Having a spare battery readily available can save you in a pinch.
- Protect Your Key Fob from Damage: Avoid exposing your key fob to extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical damage.
- Consider a Spare Key Fob: If you only have one key fob, consider getting a spare programmed. This can be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
- Pay Attention to Warning Signals: As mentioned in the original forum post, some Nissan vehicles display a “low battery” warning for the key fob on the dashboard. Heed these warnings and replace the battery promptly. While the fob may continue to work for a while after the warning appears, it’s best to address it before it becomes a problem. As zozoka1212 noted, “Only thing I can think of being over kill is when it shows your battery level getting low in the fob. You can have the same battery for months after it shows the batery is low. Still working. I can kind of understand they don’t want you be in trouble and they set it too sensitive.” While the warning might seem early, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
While the Nissan Intelligent Key system offers great convenience, understanding what to do when the key fob isn’t working is crucial for every Nissan Kicks owner. By knowing how to replace the battery, being aware of the mechanical key, and understanding the system’s logic, you can confidently handle situations where you need to start your Kicks without relying solely on the electronic fob. Remember to consult your Nissan Kicks owner’s manual for the most specific and accurate instructions for your vehicle model. Being prepared ensures that a minor key fob issue doesn’t turn into a major inconvenience.
