How to program keys for Nissan with Immobilizer 2 system using Consult III

It applies to 2020–2022 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with the Immobilizer 2 system, such as 2020–2022 Sentra, 2021–2023 Rogue, and 2023–2024 Pathfinder. (Newer models use Consult 4 - see below.) 

Which Consult version do you need? Keys for most 2019-and-older Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be programmed with aftermarket key programmers - you don't need Consult 3 or Consult 4 for those. Only 2020-and-newer vehicles require Consult. Of those: 2020–2022 Nissan and Infiniti use Consult 3, and newer models use Consult 4 with a current yearly subscription and the Nissan VI3 interface - specifically 2023+ Ariya; 2024+ Rogue; 2025+ Kicks, Murano, Pathfinder, Armada, QX60, and QX80; and 2026+ Leaf and Sentra. Consult 4 key and immobilizer programming only works with the yearly subscription and the VI3 interface. The key-registration steps below are written for Consult III Plus; Consult 4 follows a similar immobilizer flow.

Note: most Consult 4 vehicles also require an Immobilizer Reset purchased from nissan-techinfo.com before keys can be programmed, and that reset requires NASTF locksmith credentials. Contact AE Tools for current pricing. 

How to set up Consult III for Nissan key programming

Step 1: Open the Consult III Plus application. You will be greeted with a User Group selection page. Change it to "USA/Canada Aftermarket" and click OK.

Step 2: Log in using your Nissan Account Login credentials.

Step 3: On the main screen of the Nissan Consult III software, you need to select your diagnostic device. If you are using a J2534 device, click on "Select VI/MI," then in the next menu click on "VCI" and choose your device. If you are using the Nissan VI 2 or the Nissan VI 3, your device will automatically be selected for you.

How to start Nissan Immobilizer 2 key registration

Step 4: Click on "Immobilizer" on the right side of the Consult III main screen, then click Next on the following screen.

Step 5: At this point the Consult III software should be attempting to read the VIN from the vehicle. If it doesn't read the VIN automatically, you can manually enter the VIN.

Step 6: Once the vehicle shows up, click Confirm.

Step 7: Click on "When performing key registration," then click on "Register key."

How to prepare the Nissan vehicle for key programming

Step 8: On the Preparation screen, make sure the Hazard Lights are on and that the vehicle is in Park. Then click Next.

Step 9: Click Next on all the following preparation screens. When you reach the screen showing key fob placement instructions, place the key fob sitting in front of the push button ignition switch. The Intelligent Key must be center-to-center on the push-button, parallel to the surface, touching the button at less than 10 degrees, and not moved during key registration. Do not press any Intelligent Key buttons. Do not insert or remove the mechanical key during registration. Click Next.

How to register and add Nissan key fobs

Step 10: With the key fob still on top of the push button, click "Add." The key status will turn green showing "Confirmed." To add more keys, put the next key up to the push button and click "Add" again. Repeat for each additional key.

Step 11: Once all keys are added, click Next, then click Next again when it says "Obtain Immobilizer Code."

Step 12: You have to register the keys again by repeating step 10 — place each key on the push button and click Add.

Step 13: On the next screen, test each key to make sure it works, then click End.

Troubleshooting Nissan Immobilizer 2 key programming failures

If key programming fails at step 10, it is most likely a bad key fob - especially if you are using non-OEM key fobs. Try a different key fob before contacting support.