Modern Nissan key fobs are more than just keys; they are your gateway to a range of convenient features, including the ever-useful remote engine start. Understanding what each button on your Nissan key fob does can significantly enhance your vehicle experience. Let’s delve into the meaning behind those buttons, with a special focus on the remote start function.
Most Nissan key fobs feature a standard set of buttons: lock, unlock, trunk release, and panic. These are fairly self-explanatory. The lock button, usually represented by a closed padlock icon, secures all doors. The unlock button, often depicted as an open padlock, unlocks the driver’s side door or all doors depending on your vehicle settings. The trunk release button, typically showing a car with an open trunk, pops open the trunk or liftgate. Lastly, the panic button, usually red and marked with an exclamation point (!), activates the car alarm for emergency situations.
Nissan key fob with lock, unlock, trunk, panic, and remote start buttons
However, the button we’re particularly interested in is the remote engine start button. This is often indicated by a circular arrow symbol, sometimes resembling a recycling icon or the letter ‘R’ within a circle. This feature, available on many newer Nissan models, allows you to start your car’s engine from a distance – a true boon in extreme weather.
To utilize the remote start on your Nissan key fob, the process is straightforward. First, press the lock button on your key fob. Even if your doors are already locked, this is a necessary first step to activate the remote start sequence. Immediately after pressing the lock button, press and hold the remote start button (circular arrow) for a few seconds, usually around two to three seconds.
Once activated, your Nissan’s engine will start, and the parking lights will typically flash to confirm successful remote start. The engine will run for a pre-set period, usually ten minutes. This allows your car’s climate control system to begin warming or cooling the cabin, making your drive far more comfortable from the moment you step inside. If you need a longer warm-up or cool-down period, you can usually repeat the remote start process one more time after the first cycle ends, granting you another ten minutes of engine runtime. After two consecutive remote starts, you will need to manually start the engine using the push-button start inside the vehicle.
Understanding the meaning of each button on your Nissan key fob, especially the remote start, unlocks the full potential of your vehicle’s features and adds a layer of convenience to your daily driving. Explore your owner’s manual for model-specific details and enjoy the ease of modern Nissan technology.
