Replace the Key Fob Battery

When the remote on your Nissan Xterra (N50, 2005–2015) only locks the doors up close, or the buttons stop responding altogether, the coin cell inside has run down. Swapping it is a two-minute job needing one cheap battery.

The Battery to Buy

The N50 Xterra remote takes a single CR2025 3-volt lithium coin cell (or an equivalent). Fit a fresh one — a cell that has been in a drawer for years may already be half-flat.

Changing the Cell

1. Look at how the two halves of the fob fit together before you split it.
2. Ease the case apart at its seam with a small flat screwdriver — wrap the tip in tape so it does not scar the plastic.
3. Pop out the old cell, noting which face points up.
4. Drop in the new CR2025 the same way round. Keep fingers off the flat faces and keep grit and oil away from the cell and the contacts.
5. Press the halves back together until they click shut.
6. Try the lock and unlock buttons two or three times to confirm it works.

Still Not Working?

Double-check the cell is the correct way up and seated firmly, and that the metal contacts are clean. If a known-good battery still does nothing, the remote may need re-syncing to the truck or have failed internally. Either way you are not stuck: the Xterra unlocks and starts on its mechanical key regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which battery fits the N50 Xterra fob? A CR2025 lithium coin cell, or any equivalent brand.

Do I have to reprogram the remote afterwards? No — changing the cell does not wipe the programming. A genuine loss of sync is a separate re-registration step.

Range is poor even with a new cell — why? A weak off-brand battery, dirty contacts, or a worn button pad can all cut range. Start with a fresh branded CR2025.

Can I still drive with a dead remote? Yes — the Xterra uses a conventional ignition key, so a flat fob never leaves you locked out or stranded.

Chasing another niggle on your Nissan? Our sister site autodtcs.com covers engine trouble codes when a warning light appears.