Experiencing issues with your Infiniti QX60 key fob can be frustrating, especially when it stops working unexpectedly. A key fob malfunction can disrupt your daily routine, from remotely starting your engine for climate control to simply locking and unlocking your doors. If you’re facing a situation where your Infiniti QX60 key fob is not working, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through common causes and troubleshooting steps to get your key fob functioning again, ensuring you can seamlessly access and control your vehicle.
Common Reasons for Your Infiniti QX60 Key Fob Remote Start to Fail
Before diving into troubleshooting, understanding the potential culprits behind a non-responsive key fob can save you time and effort. Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your Infiniti QX60 key fob remote start might not be working:
Dead Key Fob Battery
The most common and simplest reason for a key fob malfunction is a depleted battery. Like any electronic device, your Infiniti QX60 key fob relies on a battery to transmit signals to your vehicle. Over time, this battery weakens and eventually dies, rendering the key fob useless.
Key Fob Programming Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the battery but the key fob’s programming. Your key fob needs to be properly programmed to communicate with your Infiniti QX60’s security system. If the programming is lost or corrupted, the key fob will fail to operate, including remote start and door lock/unlock functions.
Vehicle Battery Problems
While less direct, a weak or dying vehicle battery can also indirectly affect your key fob’s performance. If your car battery doesn’t provide sufficient power, it might not properly receive or process the signals from your key fob, leading to remote start and other key fob features not working.
Receiver or Antenna Issues
Your Infiniti QX60 has a receiver and antenna that pick up signals from the key fob. If there’s a problem with this receiver or antenna, it might not be able to detect the signals from your key fob, even if the key fob is functioning correctly.
System Glitches or Software Malfunctions
Modern vehicles like the Infiniti QX60 are complex systems with onboard computers and software. Occasionally, glitches or software malfunctions can occur, affecting various electronic components, including the keyless entry and remote start system. These issues might temporarily disable your key fob’s functionality.
Troubleshooting Steps for an Infiniti QX60 Key Fob Not Working
Now that we’ve covered the potential causes, let’s move on to troubleshooting. Follow these steps to diagnose and potentially fix your Infiniti QX60 key fob remote start issue:
1. Check the Key Fob Battery
The first and easiest step is to replace the key fob battery.
- Identify the Battery Type: Consult your Infiniti QX60 owner’s manual to determine the correct battery type for your key fob (usually a CR2032 battery).
- Open the Key Fob: Most Infiniti key fobs have a small release button or notch. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to open your QX60 key fob.
- Replace the Battery: Carefully remove the old battery and insert the new one, ensuring the polarity (+ and – sides) is correct.
- Test the Key Fob: After replacing the battery, test all key fob functions, including remote start, lock, and unlock.
Alt text: Infiniti QX60 parked on a city street, highlighting the convenience a working key fob provides for everyday vehicle access and remote start.
2. Try Your Spare Key Fob
If replacing the battery doesn’t solve the problem, try using your spare key fob, if you have one. If the spare key fob works correctly, it indicates that the issue is likely with the original key fob itself, possibly due to damage or internal malfunction, rather than a vehicle-related problem.
3. Check Your Infiniti QX60 Vehicle Battery
A weak vehicle battery can sometimes interfere with key fob functionality.
- Check Battery Voltage: If you have a voltmeter, check your Infiniti QX60’s battery voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If it’s significantly lower, your vehicle battery might be the issue.
- Jump Start (If Necessary): If your car battery is very weak, try jump-starting your Infiniti QX60. If the key fob works after jump-starting, it suggests a problem with your vehicle battery or charging system.
- Consider Battery Replacement: If your vehicle battery is old or consistently weak, consider replacing it.
4. Ensure Vehicle Conditions for Remote Start are Met
Sometimes, remote start might fail if certain vehicle conditions aren’t met. These are safety features to prevent accidental starts or starts under unsafe conditions. Ensure the following:
- Vehicle Doors are Closed and Locked: Double-check that all doors, including the trunk or liftgate, are securely closed and locked.
- Hood is Closed: The hood must be fully closed.
- Windows are Up: Ensure all windows are closed completely.
- Transmission is in Park (P): Your Infiniti QX60 must be in Park.
- Infiniti Intelligent Key is Outside the Vehicle: The key fob should be outside the vehicle during remote start attempts.
- Brake Pedal is Not Depressed: Make sure the brake pedal is not being pressed.
5. Consider the MyINFINITI App as an Alternative (If Equipped)
If your Infiniti QX60 is equipped with INFINITI InTouch services, you can use the MyINFINITI app on your smartphone as an alternative to the key fob for remote start and other functions.
- Use the MyINFINITI App to Remote Start: Open the MyINFINITI app and use the remote start function. If the app works, it further points to a potential issue with the key fob itself rather than the vehicle’s remote start system.
Alt text: MyINFINITI app interface displaying remote engine start controls, offering a smartphone-based alternative when the Infiniti QX60 key fob remote start is not functioning.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Infiniti QX60 Key Fob
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your Infiniti QX60 key fob is still not working, it’s time to seek professional help.
Dealer Service is Recommended
For key fob issues beyond battery replacement, especially programming, receiver problems, or system glitches, it’s best to take your Infiniti QX60 to an authorized Infiniti dealer.
- Key Fob Programming and Replacement: Dealers have the specialized tools and expertise to diagnose complex key fob issues, reprogram key fobs, and replace faulty key fobs if necessary.
- System Diagnostics: They can also perform comprehensive diagnostics of your vehicle’s keyless entry and remote start systems to identify and resolve any underlying problems.
Maintaining Your Infiniti QX60 Key Fob
Preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your key fob and minimize issues.
- Battery Maintenance: Replace the key fob battery proactively every 1-2 years, or when you notice the key fob range decreasing.
- Protect from Damage: Avoid dropping your key fob or exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
Conclusion
A non-working Infiniti QX60 key fob can be a major inconvenience. By following these troubleshooting steps, starting with the simple battery replacement and progressing to checking vehicle conditions, you can often identify and resolve the issue yourself. However, for more complex problems, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from your local Infiniti dealer to ensure proper diagnosis and repair. Keeping your key fob in good working order is essential for enjoying the convenience and security features of your Infiniti QX60.
