2021-2022 Nissan Rogue / Pathfinder Remote Engine Start Issue

If you're experiencing issues with your Nissan Rogue Remote Start or Pathfinder's Remote Engine Start (RES) system, you're not alone. Nissan has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB21-005B to help diagnose and resolve situations where the RES feature fails to activate. This bulletin outlines specific conditions that must be met for the system to function correctly and provides a detailed troubleshooting guide for common activation problems.

Symptoms

The primary symptom addressed by TSB NTB21-005B is the failure of the Remote Engine Start (RES) feature to activate. This means that when you attempt to start your vehicle remotely using the Intelligent Key, the engine does not turn on, or the sequence of lights (turn signals flash, parking lights turn ON) does not occur as expected. This can be frustrating, especially when relying on the convenience of remote starting your vehicle.

Fault Codes / DTCs

The service bulletin mentions that "DTCs are stored" or a "Key System Error" warning may appear in the vehicle's information display if the Remote Engine Start system is not functioning. However, TSB NTB21-005B does not list specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that would be associated with this issue. If a "Key System Error" warning is present, or if DTCs are stored, the bulletin advises technicians to diagnose, repair, and erase all codes using the C-III plus diagnostic tool.

What the Service Bulletin Says

Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB21-005B details several conditions that must be met for the Remote Engine Start (RES) feature to operate. These include:

• The RES feature must be enabled using the C-III plus diagnostic tool; it can no longer be enabled or disabled via the combination meter.
• The vehicle's ignition must be OFF.
• The shift selector must be in the "P" (park) position.
• All doors, the hood, and the hatch must be closed and locked.
• The hazard warning lights must be OFF.
• The Intelligent Key must be within 197 feet (60 meters) of the vehicle, with no obstructions.
• The vehicle must already be locked using the Intelligent Key or the exterior door handle request switch.

If these conditions are met and the RES still doesn't work, the bulletin provides a "Supplemental Diagnosis Table" for troubleshooting. Common causes include not waiting long enough after turning off the engine (wait 6 seconds), activating RES too many times consecutively, doors or hood not being fully closed/locked, not pressing the LOCK button before the RES button, or not holding the RES button for at least two seconds. RF signal interference from other devices or an active security system can also prevent activation.

What to Do

If your 2021-2022 Nissan Rogue or Pathfinder is experiencing problems with the Remote Engine Start feature, first ensure all the basic conditions outlined in the service bulletin are met. Understanding why your Nissan Rogue Remote Start might not be activating can save you time and a trip to the dealership. Check that all doors, the hood, and the hatch are securely closed and locked, the ignition is off, and the shift selector is in park. Also, make sure you are pressing the LOCK button on your Intelligent Key before pressing and holding the RES button for at least two seconds.

If the issue persists, it's recommended to contact your authorized Nissan dealer. They have access to the full Technical Service Bulletin NTB21-005B and the necessary diagnostic tools, such as C-III plus, to properly diagnose and resolve the problem. They can check for stored DTCs, verify system settings, and perform any required repairs to get your Nissan Rogue Remote Start working correctly.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10207875, TSB Reference: NTB21-005B