Experiencing issues with your 2007 Infiniti M35 Key Fob can be incredibly frustrating. Imagine heading out, only to find your key fob refusing to unlock your doors or start your vehicle remotely. This scenario is more common than you might think, and understanding the potential pitfalls of key fob programming, especially for older models like the 2007 Infiniti M35, is crucial. This article delves into the complexities of key fob programming for your vehicle, drawing from real-world experiences to provide you with valuable insights and actionable advice.
One common route many owners consider is purchasing a replacement key fob online, often from platforms like eBay, in an attempt to save money. While seemingly cost-effective, this approach carries significant risks. Firstly, ensuring compatibility is paramount. Key fobs must match the specific model and radio frequency requirements of your 2007 Infiniti M35. Acquiring an incorrect fob renders it completely useless for your vehicle.
Secondly, and perhaps more critically, pre-owned key fobs that have already been programmed to another vehicle often prove to be unprogrammable to a new car. This could be a security feature implemented by manufacturers to prevent unauthorized key cloning or theft. While the exact technical reason remains debated, numerous accounts suggest that once a key fob is linked to a vehicle, it becomes permanently bound to that system. Therefore, investing in a used key fob from online marketplaces might ultimately be a gamble that doesn’t pay off, potentially leading to further expenses and frustration. It’s generally recommended to consider the slightly higher cost of a new, unprogrammed key fob from a reputable source to avoid these potential complications.
When it comes to programming, even professional dealerships can encounter challenges, particularly with older Infiniti models like the 2007 M35. The standard key programming procedure typically involves erasing all previously stored key information from the vehicle’s memory. This necessitates having all key fobs you intend to use present during the programming session. Any key not present will be effectively wiped from the system and will require reprogramming to function again. This process, while designed to be straightforward, can sometimes go awry, even causing previously working key fobs to malfunction. This unfortunate situation can arise if the programming sequence is interrupted or encounters unforeseen errors, leaving you with no functional key fobs at all.
A crucial point to consider, particularly for 2007 Infiniti M35 owners, is the diagnostic equipment used for programming. Infiniti vehicles of this era were primarily designed to be diagnosed and programmed using the Consult 2 system, Nissan/Infiniti’s older diagnostic tool. While dealerships today predominantly utilize the newer Consult 3 system, anecdotal evidence suggests that Consult 3 may not always be fully compatible with the older systems in vehicles like the 2007 M35, especially when it comes to the remote function programming of key fobs. Some technicians have reported success only when reverting to the older Consult 2 system for these specific models.
The key fob programming process for the 2007 Infiniti M35 is often a two-step procedure. The first step involves security programming, which registers the key with the vehicle’s immobilizer system, allowing the car to start when the key is inserted into the ignition or detected nearby. This step is often successfully completed even with aftermarket software or Consult 3. However, the second step, remote function programming, which controls door locking/unlocking and remote start features, appears to be more sensitive and may require the Consult 2 system for reliable execution on older Infiniti models. If the remote function programming fails, your key might still start the car when inserted, but the keyless entry and remote start features will cease to function.
In conclusion, while attempting to program a 2007 Infiniti M35 key fob, especially if you’re encountering issues, consider these key takeaways: purchasing used key fobs online carries risks, dealership programming isn’t always foolproof, and compatibility with the Consult 2 diagnostic tool might be essential for successful remote function programming on your older Infiniti M35. If you are facing persistent key fob problems, it is advisable to seek out a Nissan or Infiniti dealership that has experience working with older models and ideally possesses the Consult 2 diagnostic system to ensure proper and complete key fob programming for your 2007 Infiniti M35.
