Start a Nissan or Infiniti with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Nissan or Infiniti with a Dead Key Fob

This page holds all of the emergency start or back-up start procedures needed for Nissan or Infiniti vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the fob.

Starting Your Nissan or Infiniti

• But first, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
• Second, for video help, click here!
• Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Two methods exist in Nissan and Infinity vehicles. Some models use method 1. In this case, insert the Intelligent Key in the port provided. It will be found to the left of the steering column. It might be horizontal (first image) or vertical (second image).

If an attempt is made to start the vehicle with a discharged Intelligent Key, a guide light will illuminate at the port. Insert the key fob with the buttons up in the horizontal port or with the buttons facing the door in the vertical port. Make sure the key ring side is out.

Once the key fob is inserted, the vehicle can be started as normal by pressing the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. Note that the port does not recharge the fob’s battery.

If a port does not exist, method 2 comes into play. Simply touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent Key (a chime will sound). Push the ignition Start / Stop button while depressing the brake pedal within 10 seconds after the chime sounds to start the engine.

And finally, in the Infiniti QX30, the Start / Stop button appears to ‘float’ above the dashboard. Pull it away exposing the ignition switch. If necessary the tip of the mechanical key can be used as a pry bar.

Please, please, do NOT try this if you do NOT have a tapered key as shown above! Insert the tapered end of the key fob into the switch and turn to start the car old school style.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

Click here for video help with Nissan and Infiniti models and key fobs.

Models examined include 370Z, Altima, Armada, Cube, Frontier, GT-R, Juke, Kicks, Maxima, Murano, NV, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Sentra, Titan, Versa, Xterra, Z, EX, FX, G, JX-35, M, Q40, Q50, Q60, Q70, QX30, QX50, QX55, QX56, QX60, QX70, and QX80. Model years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

… Return to Part I, Getting In

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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