Lost your Nissan Xterra key fob or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, programming your key fob for your Nissan Xterra can be a straightforward process you can do right at home. This guide, based on the Nissan service manual, will walk you through each step to program your key fob for 1998-2000 Maxima, Pathfinder, Sentra, Altima, and Frontier vehicles, and 2000 Quest and Xterra models. Let’s get started and get you back in control of your vehicle’s keyless entry system.
Programming Your Nissan Xterra Key Fob – Step-by-Step
Follow these instructions carefully to successfully program your Nissan Xterra key fob. It’s crucial to adhere to each step precisely for the programming to work.
Step 1: Initial Setup
Begin by getting inside your Nissan Xterra. Ensure all doors are completely closed. Once inside, use the power door lock switch located on the driver’s side door to lock all the doors. This initial step is vital to prepare your vehicle for programming mode.
Step 2: Enter Programming Mode
This step requires a rhythmic action with your ignition key. Insert your ignition key into the ignition cylinder and remove it completely more than six times, but less than ten times, within a ten-second timeframe. Aim for a rate of one insertion and removal cycle per second. It’s important to maintain a steady pace and fully remove the key from the ignition cylinder each time. Rushing or being too slow can prevent the system from entering programming mode.
Once you’ve completed the key cycling, turn the ignition key to the “ACC” (Accessory) position. Crucially, leave the key in the “ACC” position for the remainder of the programming process, including when you program any additional remote controllers.
Step 3: Program the First Remote
Now, take your first Nissan Xterra key fob remote. Press any button on the remote control one time only. It’s important to press the button just once. Pressing it multiple times in this step will disrupt the programming sequence and you will have to start over.
Upon successful programming of the remote, the hazard warning lights on your Nissan Xterra will flash twice. For 2000 Quest models, you’ll see the side marker, tail, and license plate lamps flash twice instead. This visual confirmation indicates that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
Step 4: Programming Additional Remotes (Optional)
If you need to program more than one key fob, perhaps for multiple drivers or as a spare, you can program up to a maximum of four remotes. To program additional remotes, remain inside the vehicle after programming the first one.
First, use the driver’s side power door lock-unlock switch to unlock the doors and then immediately lock them again. After locking the doors, take your next key fob remote and press any button on it one time only. Again, ensure you press the button just once to avoid programming issues.
Just like with the first remote, the hazard warning lights will flash twice to confirm successful programming. Repeat steps 2A through 2C for each additional remote you wish to program, up to the maximum of four.
Step 5: Exit Programming Mode and Test
To finalize the programming process, remove the key from the ignition. Then, use the power door lock-unlock switch on the driver’s door to unlock the doors. Open the driver’s door to fully exit the programming mode.
Finally, test each of your programmed remote controllers. Press the lock and unlock buttons on each remote to ensure they correctly operate the door locks. If all remotes function as expected, you have successfully completed the Nissan Xterra Key Fob Programming process.
By following these steps, you can easily program your Nissan Xterra key fob, saving time and money. Enjoy the convenience of your keyless entry system once again!
