2001 nissan pathfinder remote start

[c_law23]

I would like to get a remote starter installed on my pathy. any problems with programming my locks and everything on a new remote at whatever shop i have do it?

Thanks

[c_law23]

bump

[Buzzman]

I can't see how it would be a problem if you have a reputable shop do the install.I don't have one in my Pathfinder, but my '03 Sentra and my '06 Altima have them.The Sentra I had done at Zeibart, and the Altima at Best Buy.They work fine, except the Sentra unit is older and doesn't have the range that my Altima one does.Also, The one I had put in the Altima is a 2-way, but not the one in the Sentra.I would go for a 2-way if I were you.Hope this helps.

[KoukiS14]

I want one as well - I was bonin' up on the one available at Ziebart, and you can set a timer for how long you want it to run (up to 48 min!!) -- I didn't want one before because 15 min isn't enough for my tastes. You can also set a range of 1-4 hours for when you want it to start up.

I wish they made one where you could set the exact TIME you want it to start and not have to actually press the button at all.

My post is worthless, but you got me thinking.

[gwhunt23]

The issue that you will run into with a QX4 remote start is that the key is programmed so that the car will only start with it's presence (i.e. you can't just make a copy of a QX4 key and start it up - you will need a special computer chip programmed in the key at the dealer.)

When installing a remote start, most people get around this by taping their spare key to the steering column or anywhere near the ignition. This will allow a remote start, however, it takes away any security that the computerized key offered in the first place.

That's the case for the QX4, not quite sure about the Pathfinder. If spare keys for the Pathy cost $80+, it's going to be a computerized key.

[Buzzman]

Sorry, but I have a hard time accepting that you have to leave a spare key in the car in order for the remote start to work.There are thousands of late model cars out there with remote starts, and I have never heard of anyone having to hide a key in their car.My Altima remote start works just fine without the spare key, as does my Sentra.The thing you have to remember is that when you start the car with the remote, even if the car is left unlocked, you cannot just get in and drive it away. It doesn't work like that. When the car starts, there is no key in the ignition, and the tumbler has not been turned to the run position. Most of the accessories are therefore still disabled. For example, the radio will not be on, nor will the wipers work. The only thing that is working on remote start is the heater/air conditioning system, and possibly the rear defrost, if you have that option (which I do). Not only that, but the steering wheel will still be locked, and you won't be able to get the car in gear. If you do get in the car after it has started, and try to drive it, as soon as you touch the brake pedal, it will shut off anyway. You still need to put the proper key in the ignition and turn it to the run position. Thats when all the other stuff starts to work.Even better, in the case of my Altima, if I accidentally leave the door unlocked, and open it without using the keyfob first, my alarm goes off, while it is still running.As for KoukiS14, the starter can be programmed to run the car for as long as I want, but like you said, only in predetermined intervals (15, 30, 45 minutes, etc.) I find 15 minutes is plenty long enough.So, for Law23, go ahead and get a remote starter. You'll like it.

[timmack]

this is true, i got a new key made and all the sudden my remote start didnt work. turned out to be an extra key taped under the dash with a wire wrapped around it. that key wasnt included in the reprogramming process, therefore it didnt have the new code.

[Buzzman]

How old is the remote starter? When was it put in?I'm still not sure I get what you are saying either.The key that you found under the dash, was it an OEM key?You normally get 2 keys with a car, so am I to assume that the installer took one of those keys and taped it under the dash?Sorry, maybe I'm brain dead tonight, but I just don't get it.Not only that, but should I be looking for a magic key somewhere in my Altima?Help.

[c_law23]

Thanks all for the responses, Im still shopping around, but Winter is killing me.

[KoukiS14]

Friend of mine got remote on a 99 ML320, and had to give up one of those keys for it. If you knew where the thing was, it'd sure be an easy steal

[timmack]

not sure how old the remote start is, came with the car when i bought it and theres no reciept in the glove box or anything. that particular model is still for sale though. the key is an aftermarket key, says "ilco" on the rubberhead as opposed to "nissan". according to the shop that found my key, that spare has to be in there if your car has a programmable key. some installers just tape the key under the dash while others actually install whats called a bypass that the key goes into. either way that key has to be in there to send the signal to the security system in the car to allow it to start. this is what the guy at the stereo shop told me, anyway.

[timmack]

i called the guy that worked on mine and asked him about the key thing, he said that yea if the car has a programmable key then there must be one hidden in the car somewhere. either that or someone went to great lenghts to wire around it. as far as having a spare key in your car, he said best thing you can do is conceal it as well as you can, and dont tell anyone. meaning that the more stuff you have to take off around the column to hide it, the better. most shops wont do this because, in his words, its not their car and they just dont care.

[KoukiS14]

Seems to me that a plus side of this would be that you could make any ol key copy work on it. I'd think that sacrificing one of the factory keys by cutting the metal key portion off and then affixing what's left inside of the steering column would be the way to go.

[timmack]

yep from what i understand, it needs have the same code learned as the actual key you use to start the car and then youre all set. kouki might have hit on something with that grinding the teeth off idea, or at least just the 1st 1/2 inch or so. i would assume the chip is in the rubberhead part of the key? dunno.

[Buzzman]

I called the guy that worked on mine and asked him about the key thing. He said that yea if the car has a programmable key then there must be one hidden in the car somewhere. Either that or someone went to great lengths to wire around it. As far as having a spare key in your car, he said best thing you can do is conceal it as well as you can, and don't tell anyone. Meaning that the more stuff you have to take off around the column to hide it, the better. Most shops wont do this because, in his words, it's not their car and they just don't care.

Now I'm starting to worry. Thanks guys.Seriously though, I think I'll drop by the shop where I had my remote installed and ask them about this key thing.I'll let you know what they say.

[timmack]

definitely let us know what they say.

[Buzzman]

definitely let us know what they say.

Well, I finally got around to visiting Best Buy (and Future shop), and spoke with the guys that install the remotes. Very interesting.At one time, the "key in the box" was what was done to get around the security issue. However, that is not done anymore. If you have a key taped to the underside of the dash, it's either an older install, or they were just lazy. What they use now is a bypass module, programmed with your keycode. It's basically nothing more than a flash memory stick wired to the starter module. It typically costs around $75.00, and is included in the install. The module can be removed and reprogrammed to another car if you ever decide to remove the starter and sell the car. I also asked about the new Altima Coupe and other cars with push button starts. Best Buy won't install a remote starter on a push button car yet because they don't have all the technology worked out. There are issues with the OEM alarm system and other stuff that needs to be researched. Over at Future Shop, they said they could do it, but it's expensive because they need extra hardware and software to bypass all the security issues. They didn't sound too keen on doing it.All in all, I feel better about my Altima's remote start. There is definitely no spare key hidden in the car.

[timmack]

so its something best buy can do to an existing starter which previously had the key under the dash? hmmmm, interesting. i might call my local best buy and look into that, id like to have that starter working instead of sitting under there doing nothing

[slickroger]

this is probably late but i have a remote starter.

i believe that under my dash is a rubberhead so there are no teeth on that key. but hey mine doesnt work anyway it sucks balls.