Nissan/Infiniti OEM Remote Key Fob – 315 MHz Vehicle Remote

By Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith, mobile automotive locksmith. Reviewed by Ray Obar, Master Locksmith. Updated June 1, 2026.

Operating at 315 MHz, the Nissan/Infiniti OEM Remote Key Fob provides keyless entry functionality for a broad range of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles spanning the mid-1990s through the late 2000s. This unit is an original-equipment remote designed to communicate with in-vehicle receiver modules tuned to the same frequency band, enabling lock, unlock, and — depending on the specific variant — panic or trunk release functions. The Nissan/Infiniti OEM Remote Key Fob covers multiple platform generations, making it one of the more widely cross-referenced remotes in the Nissan parts ecosystem. Because the device serves both the Nissan and Infiniti lineups, locksmiths and vehicle owners will encounter it under part numbers associated with either brand. A properly programmed Nissan/Infiniti OEM Remote Key Fob pairs to the vehicle’s body control module and should respond immediately upon button press within the expected operating range.

Vehicle Compatibility for the Nissan/Infiniti OEM Remote Key Fob

This remote is validated for use across a substantial roster of Nissan and Infiniti models. The full list of confirmed fitments includes:

• Infiniti FX (2003–2008)
• Infiniti G Line (2003–2006)
• Infiniti I30 / I35 (1996–2004)
• Infiniti QX4 (1997–2003)
• Nissan Altima (1998–2001)
• Nissan Frontier (2000–2003)
• Nissan Maxima (2000–2003)
• Nissan Pathfinder (1999–2004)
• Nissan Quest (1999–2002)
• Nissan Sentra (1995–2006, spanning multiple generations)
• Nissan Xterra (1999–2004)

Because these vehicles share the same 315 MHz keyless-entry receiver architecture, a single remote design can serve all listed applications. However, exact button layout and housing style may differ slightly between Nissan-branded and Infiniti-branded variants, even when the internal circuitry is functionally identical. Locksmiths should verify the OEM part number stamped on the back of the fob housing before ordering a replacement to ensure a correct physical and electronic match.

315 MHz Frequency and Signal Characteristics

The remote transmits on the 315 MHz band, which was the dominant keyless-entry frequency used by Japanese automakers in the North American market throughout this era. At this frequency, the fob sends a rolling-code signal to the vehicle’s receiver each time a button is pressed. Rolling-code technology means the transmitted code changes with every activation, preventing simple replay attacks where an intercepted signal might otherwise unlock the vehicle. Range performance on a fresh battery typically falls between 30 and 50 feet under open-air conditions, though metal-heavy parking structures and RF interference can reduce effective distance.

If the remote’s range has degraded noticeably, the first diagnostic step is a battery replacement. These remotes generally use a CR2032 or CR1616 coin cell, depending on the specific housing variant. A voltmeter reading below 2.8 V on a nominally 3 V cell usually indicates sufficient degradation to justify replacement. If a fresh battery does not restore range, the issue may lie with the internal antenna trace on the circuit board or with the vehicle-side receiver module.

Programming and Enrollment Procedures

Enrolling the fob to a compatible Nissan or Infiniti vehicle typically involves one of two methods: an on-board programming sequence or a diagnostic tool procedure. Many of the vehicles on the fitment list above support a driver-initiated on-board sequence that requires cycling the ignition and pressing a door-lock switch in a specific timed pattern. When the body control module enters learn mode, pressing any button on the remote registers it to the vehicle. The exact number of ignition cycles and timing windows varies by model year and platform, so consulting the vehicle-specific service manual or a verified locksmith reference database is essential before beginning.

For vehicles where the on-board method is unavailable or fails — particularly certain Infiniti models that restrict self-programming after a security lockout — a professional-grade diagnostic scanner capable of communicating with the BCM (body control module) over the OBD-II port is required. Tools from major locksmith-equipment manufacturers that support Nissan and Infiniti platforms can read the current remote ID registry, add new remotes, and delete lost units to close the security gap.

A maximum remote count applies on most of these platforms. The BCM typically stores up to four remote IDs simultaneously. If four are already enrolled, one must be overwritten to add a new unit. During any programming session, it is advisable to have all remotes the owner intends to keep in hand, since some procedures clear the entire registry and re-enroll from scratch.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Considerations

The Nissan/Infiniti OEM Remote Key Fob carries the advantage of guaranteed compatibility with the vehicle’s receiver module. OEM units use the same circuit board revision, button-membrane material, and housing dimensions that the vehicle was originally built with, which eliminates fit-and-finish concerns that sometimes arise with third-party alternatives. Aftermarket remotes designed to replicate this unit are widely available and often cost significantly less, but quality varies. Some aftermarket boards use lower-grade crystal oscillators that drift slightly off the 315 MHz center frequency over time or in temperature extremes, resulting in intermittent range problems.

For locksmiths advising a customer on replacement options, the deciding factors are typically budget, urgency, and long-term reliability expectations. An OEM unit is the safest recommendation when the customer prioritizes longevity. An aftermarket clone may be appropriate as a temporary or budget-conscious solution, provided it programs successfully and demonstrates consistent range during a post-enrollment test.

Physical Inspection and Troubleshooting

When the remote stops working entirely, a systematic inspection should proceed in this order:

1. Battery voltage: Replace the coin cell and retest before any further diagnosis.
2. Button membrane: Open the housing and inspect the conductive pads on the rubber membrane. Carbon traces wear thin over years of use, creating an open circuit even when the button is pressed firmly. A pencil graphite rub or a conductive-paint repair can restore contact temporarily.
3. Circuit board solder joints: On high-mileage units, the battery-terminal solder joints and the crystal oscillator leads are common failure points. Reflowing with a fine-tip iron often resolves intermittent operation.
4. Vehicle-side receiver: If multiple known-good remotes fail to operate the locks, the fault shifts to the vehicle. The BCM antenna, typically a wire loop embedded in the rear-window glass or routed along the headliner, should be checked for continuity.

This remote does not incorporate an immobilizer transponder chip; it is a standalone keyless-entry device. Ignition-key transponder programming is a separate procedure that addresses the engine-start security system and is handled independently of remote enrollment.

When to Contact a Professional Locksmith

Vehicle owners who have lost all functioning remotes, who cannot complete the on-board programming sequence, or who suspect a BCM fault should contact a qualified automotive locksmith. A mobile locksmith equipped with the appropriate Nissan/Infiniti diagnostic interface can perform on-site programming, verify receiver functionality, and confirm that the replacement fob is transmitting correctly. This is also the recommended path when replacing a damaged unit on an Infiniti model that requires scanner-based enrollment rather than a self-programming sequence.

Related help: Infiniti auto locksmith, Nissan auto locksmith, car key replacement, car key programming.

Compatible and related keys: related key: Aftermarket Transponder Key, Aftermarket Smart Key Fob, Continental Automotive Smart Key Fob (FCC ID KR5TXN7), Nissan Transponder Key (compatible fob), Lear Smart Key Fob (FCC ID CWTWBU735) (compatible fob), related key: Lear Smart Key Fob (FCC ID CWTWB1U8), compatible Nissan 3-Button Remote Head Key.