2012-2021 Nissan NV models for the U.S./Canada market use a standard metal ignition key with an embedded transponder chip and a separate keyless entry remote fob, rather than a smart key or push‑button start system. Programming typically involves enrolling the transponder key to the vehicle’s immobilizer and pairing the remote fob to the body control module using the vehicle’s onboard programming procedure or appropriate diagnostic tools, depending on equipment and locksmith/dealer practices. Replacement remotes and transponder keys must be correctly cut and programmed to the specific NV to operate both the doors and engine immobilizer.
Key types used on the NV:
transponder chip key with separate keyless entry remote (non-flip, non-smart) (2012-2021)
2012 Nissan NV
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming steps (28 steps)
Programming step
1 Preparation for Programming
Programming step
2 Have all transmitters ready
Programming step
3 Ensure all previous codes will be erased
Programming step
4 Other transmitters will be non-functional until reprogrammed
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming steps (24 steps)
Programming step
1 Programming Preparation:
Programming step
2 Have all transmitters ready before programming.
Programming step
3 Erase previous codes when programming a new transmitter.
Programming step
4 Other transmitters become non-functional until reprogramming.
Close the doors
5 Close and lock all doors using the driver's side switch.
Remove the key
6 Insert and remove the key from the ignition six times within 10 seconds.
Programming step
7 Programming Steps:
Insert the key
8 Insert the key and turn to the ACC position.
Press / hold a fob button
9 Press any button on the remote transmitter within 5 seconds.
Programming step
10 Hazard lamps should flash to indicate successful programming.
Programming step
11 Repeat the process for each transmitter, old or new.
Programming step
12 Turn the key to OFF, remove it, unlock the doors, and open the driver's side door.
Programming step
13 Additional Information:
Programming step
14 Upgrade to a key with built-in remote buttons.
Programming step
15 Disclaimer, YouTube, and Privacy Policy links provided.
Programming step
16 Contact Information:
Programming step
17 Print the programming instructions for reference.
Programming step
18 All rights reserved for the content provided.
Programming step
19 Key Programming Tips:
Programming step
20 Follow the steps precisely for successful programming.
Programming step
21 Avoid pressing the button more than once during programming.
Programming step
22 Ensure each transmitter is programmed within the specified time frame.
Remove the key
23 Remove the key completely from the ignition each time.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
24 Use the driver's side power lock/unlock switch for door operations.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming steps (25 steps)
Programming step
1 Preparation for Programming
Programming step
2 Have all transmitters ready before starting
Programming step
3 Erase previous codes in memory when programming
Programming step
4 Ensure all transmitters are available for programming
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Lock all doors using driver's side power lock/unlock switch
Programming step
6 Follow specific steps to enter programming mode
Programming step
7 Initial Key Insertion Steps
Remove the key
8 Insert and remove key from ignition at least six times
Programming step
9 Hazard Lamps will flash if step is successful
Programming step
10 Key must be fully withdrawn each time
Programming step
11 Avoid performing the procedure too quickly
Turn ignition to ON
12 Turn key to ACC position after insertion
Programming step
13 Remote Transmitter Programming
Press / hold a fob button
14 Press any button on the remote within 5 seconds
Programming step
15 Hazard Lamps should flash to indicate successful step
Press / hold a fob button
16 Do not press the button more than once
Programming step
17 Repeat process for each transmitter, old or new
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
18 Lock and unlock all doors between programming each transmitter
Programming step
19 Finalization Steps
Turn ignition to ON
20 Turn key to OFF position and remove from ignition
Programming step
21 Unlock doors using driver's side power switch
Programming step
22 Open driver's side door after completion
Programming step
23 Upgrade to a key with built-in remote buttons if needed
Programming step
24 Additional Resources
Programming step
25 Access home, disclaimer, YouTube, and privacy policy links
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming steps (25 steps)
Programming step
1 Pre-Programming Preparation:
Programming step
2 Have all transmitters ready before programming.
Programming step
3 Previous codes erased once a transmitter is programmed.
Programming step
4 Other transmitters become non-functional until reprogrammed.
Close the doors
5 Close and lock all doors using driver's side switch.
Programming step
6 Key must be inserted and removed from ignition at least six times.
Programming step
7 Entering Programming Mode:
Insert the key
8 Insert key into ignition and turn to ACC position.
Wait / timing window
9 Push ANY button on the remote transmitter within 5 seconds.
Programming step
10 Hazard Lamps should flash to indicate successful entry.
Programming step
11 Avoid pressing the button more than once during this step.
Programming step
12 Repeat the process for any remaining transmitters.
Programming step
13 Finalizing Programming:
Turn ignition to ON
14 Turn the key to OFF position and remove it.
Programming step
15 Unlock doors using driver's side switch and open the door.
Programming step
16 Even if original key and remote were separate, upgrade is possible.
Programming step
17 Additional Information:
Programming step
18 Instructions can be printed for reference.
Programming step
19 Website disclaimer and privacy policy provided.
Programming step
20 Key Programming Troubleshooting:
Programming step
21 Ensure proper insertion and removal of key during programming.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (15 steps)
[Programming Mode Preparation]
Programming step
1 Have all transmitters ready before entering programming mode.
Programming step
2 All previous codes will be erased once a transmitter is programmed.
Programming step
3 Other transmitters will not work until reprogrammed.
Close the doors
4 Close and lock all doors using the driver's side switch.
Remove the key
5 Insert and remove the key from the ignition six times within 10 seconds.
[Programming Instructions]
Insert the key
1 Insert key and turn to ACC position.
Wait / timing window
2 Push ANY button on the remote transmitter within 5 seconds.
Programming step
3 Hazard Lamps should flash to indicate successful step.
Programming step
4 Repeat process for each transmitter.
Turn ignition to ON
5 Turn key to OFF position and remove from ignition.
[Additional Steps]
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
1 Unlock and lock all doors using the driver's side switch.
Wait / timing window
2 Push ANY button on the next remote within 5 seconds.
Programming step
3 Repeat for all transmitters, including existing ones.
Programming step
4 Unlock doors using driver's side switch and open the door.
Programming step
5 Original key and remote can be upgraded to a key with built-in remote buttons.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (18 steps)
[Programming Instructions]
Programming step
1 Instructions will only program the remote portion of a remote head key.
Programming step
2 Have a locksmith cut and program the key portion separately.
Programming step
3 Make sure to have all transmitters you will use on the vehicle.
Programming step
4 All previous codes will be erased from memory once a transmitter is programmed.
Programming step
5 Other transmitters will not work until reprogrammed.
[Initial Steps]
Close the doors
1 Close and lock all doors using the driver's side power lock/unlock switch.
Remove the key
2 Insert and remove the key from the ignition cylinder at least six times within 10 seconds.
Programming step
3 Hazard lamps will flash to indicate successful completion of the step.
Insert the key
4 Insert the key into the ignition cylinder and turn to the ACC position.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Within 5 seconds, press ANY button on the remote transmitter.
[Programming Additional Transmitters]
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
1 Unlock and lock all doors using the driver's side power lock/unlock switch.
Press / hold a fob button
2 Within 5 seconds, press ANY button on the next remote.
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
3 Hazard lamps should flash to confirm successful programming.
Programming step
4 Repeat the above step for each transmitter, including existing ones.
Turn ignition to ON
5 Turn the key to the OFF position, remove it, unlock the doors, and open the driver's side door.
[Upgrade Option]
Programming step
1 Even if the original key and remote were separate, you can switch to a key with built-in remote buttons.
Programming step
2 The upgrade allows for a more convenient key and remote combination.
Programming step
3 This upgrade enhances the functionality and convenience of the key fob.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.
Year
Route status
Exact steps
2012
Route verified
General guidance
2013, 2015
Route verified
General guidance
2014
Route verified
General guidance
2016
Route verified
General guidance
2017
Route verified
General guidance
2018
Route verified
General guidance
2019
Route verified
Source-verified
2020
Route verified
General guidance
2021
Route verified
General guidance
Common questions
Does the Nissan NV use a push‑button start or smart key system?
No. 2012-2021 Nissan NV models use a conventional metal ignition key with transponder chip and a separate keyless entry remote fob, not a proximity smart key or push‑button start system.
Can I program a replacement Nissan NV remote fob myself?
Some NV keyless entry remotes can be programmed using an onboard procedure published by aftermarket providers, though many owners use a locksmith or dealer to ensure correct pairing and operation.
Do I need both a new key and a new remote for my Nissan NV?
If only the remote fails, you may replace and program just the keyless entry fob. If the transponder key is lost or damaged, it must be cut and programmed to the vehicle’s immobilizer.
Can you program a NV key fob without going to the dealership?
For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.
Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?
It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.
What if my year says professional programming required?
Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.
How much does it cost?
It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.
Need your NV fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
