How to Start a Nissan or Infiniti with a Dead Key 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.
… Return to Part I, Getting In
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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.
These posts are 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.
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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Regardless, here are three things to know about these systems.
A disturbing trend appeared in the recalls (2015) we tracked since our last newsletter. Six recalls were issued involving automated electronic systems, including safety systems directly and indirectly. And they simply got more troublesome through the course of the month.
Subaru
To Autopilot or Not to Autopilot, that Is the Question
Autopilot Risks
A recent accident involving a Tesla Model S with its Autopilot function engaged cost the life of the car’s driver. Since then, there have been calls to disable the function or as least rename it.
But the technology has not yet matured and it remains incumbent on motorists to remain alert and engaged. This goes for backing up with the assist of a camera and proximity sensors, changing lanes while a blind spot monitor is active, and certainly will remain the case with an autopilot engaged.
Nissan will reportedly enlist countermeasures to ensure that drivers remain alert as it rolls out its ProPilot system. A torque sensor on the steering column will determine whether a hand is in contact with the steering wheel. Moving from warning lights through beepers to system disengagement, ProPilot will require driver input, period.
We applaud this from a company that has frankly been irresponsible in its advertising of other driver assist systems.
Tesla cites the fact that in order to engage its Autopilot function, the vehicle operator must pass through and accept a warning that the system requires the driver’s attention. It is essentially the equivalent of reading a software license agreement, which we all skim at best, and is not enough.
Airline Pilots Get Confused Too
Pilot confusion with an engaged Autothrottle system was cited as the cause of the crash of Asiana Airlines flight 214 in San Francisco in July of 2013. Pilots with thousands of hours of experience and training still managed to fall on human error. Drivers will never be given training remotely equivalent to that of an airline pilot. Nissan has it right in this case.
To be completely fair, 100 people die on average every day on U.S. roadways and a single fatality after well over one million miles driven on Autopilot has everyone shouting to the rafters.
For the foreseeable future however, autonomous driving system designs need to keep the driver in his or her seat – unlike this early Tesla example from a year ago – as well as engaged in the driving process. It may defeat the spirit and purpose of autonomous operation from the driver’s perspective, but safety is the ultimate goal.
Perhaps as vehicles became more computerized, a second seat could be given the driving responsibility at times.
——————————————————————-
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.
These posts are 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.
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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY