Classification:

Reference:

Date:

KS08-029D

ITB08-051D

March 24, 2021

INTELLIGENT KEY INOPERATIVE
This bulletin has been amended. Please see AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:

All Infiniti with Intelligent Key

IF YOU CONFIRM

The Intelligent Key is not functioning for any reason.
ACTIONS

1. Inspect the outside of the Intelligent Key for physical damage.


Look for cracks, dents, or other signs of physical damage.

NOTE: Non-operation of the Intelligent Key due to physical damage is not covered under the vehicle
warranty.
EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL DAMAGE

Dents on
the outside
of the key

Figure 1

Infiniti Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained
individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe
that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Infiniti retailer to determine if this
applies to your vehicle.

1/7

Instructions for 2017 – 2018 QX30 start at step 6. For all other vehicles, continue to the next step.

2. Open the Intelligent Key.
a. Remove the mechanical key from the Intelligent Key.
b. Place a piece of tape on the end of a small flathead screwdriver.
c. Insert the screwdriver into either of the slots shown in Figure 2.
d. Turn the screwdriver until the two cover pieces separate.

Insert into
Insert screwdriver
screwdriver
either
slot

Turn to separate
cover pieces

Figure 2

Figure 3

DO NOT PRY OPEN
THE CASE FROM THE SIDE

Figure 4
2/7

ITB08-051D

3. Inspect the inside of the Intelligent Key for physical damage.


Look for components that are out of place or loose.
EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL DAMAGE

NOTE: Non-operation of the
Intelligent Key due to physical
damage is not covered under
the vehicle warranty.

Component
out of place
Figure 5

4. Inspect the inside of the Intelligent Key for signs of water intrusion.
NOTE: Non-operation of the Intelligent Key due to water intrusion is not covered under the vehicle
warranty.
EXAMPLES OF WATER DAMAGE

Corrosion on the
inside of the key cover

Corrosion around
the battery

Corrosion on
the circuit board

Residue

Residue
Residue
Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

3/7

ITB08-051D

This side UP

5. Verify that the battery is inserted correctly.


The + side of the battery should not
be showing when inserted correctly.
Make sure the + side of the battery is
facing down.

Skip to step 8.

Figure 9
Steps 6 and 7 are for 2017-2018 QX30 only.

6. Open the Intelligent Key.

Mechanical key

a. Remove the mechanical key from
the Intelligent Key by sliding the
mechanical key release switch.

Mechanical key
release switch

Figure 10

4/7

ITB08-051D

b. Place a piece of tape on the end of a small flathead screwdriver.
c. Insert the screwdriver into the slot shown in Figures 11 and 12.
d. Push the screwdriver into the slot until the two cover pieces separate.
Use screwdriver to depress this tab

Figure 11

Figure 12

e. Verify that the battery was inserted
correctly. (+ side up)

Figure 13

f.

Remove battery from location to view
board underneath.

Inspect board
here

7. Inspect the inside of the Intelligent Key for
physical damage.


Inspect the visible interior of the Intelligent
Key for physical damage such as a gouge
to the board or components out of place.



Inspect the battery and visible interior of
the intelligent key for signs of water
intrusion and/or corrosion.
Figure 14
5/7

ITB08-051D

8. Check the battery voltage.


Refer to the applicable Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for battery voltage inspection instructions.
Depending on the vehicle, this information can be found in one of the following locations:
 DOOR & LOCK section, “Check Intelligent Key Battery”
 BODY, LOCK & SECURITY SYSTEM section, “Intelligent Key Battery Inspection”

9. Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for additional Intelligent Key diagnostic and repair
information.

CLAIMS INFORMATION


The Infiniti New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover incidents due to physical damage. Refer to
the Infiniti Assurance Products Resource Manual (APRM) for guidelines on warranty coverage. The
vehicle owner's manual contains the complete details regarding the limited warranty.



Reference the current Infiniti Flat Rate Manual for claims information and coding.

6/7

ITB08-051D

AMENDMENT HISTORY
DATE

REFERENCE

DESCRIPTION

December 10, 2008

ITB08-051

May 4, 2011

ITB08-051a

August 23, 2016

ITB08-051b

Original bulletin published
Amended to add information about damage to inside of key and
proper method of opening key
Bulletin amended to include latest models and model years

March 21, 2018

ITB08-051c

Steps have been added for inspection of the QX30 Intelligent Key

March 24, 2021

ITB08-051D

Classification number updated

7/7

ITB08-051D