The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover that made its US debut for the 2018 model year.
Like most other vehicles, it uses beeps, chimes and noises to alert the driver’s attention.
If you’re unsure why your Nissan Kicks keeps beeping, this article is here to help.
Table of Contents
Nissan Kicks Beeping
A common cause of beeping on a Nissan Kicks is related to the Speed Alert feature, however other causes include the seatbelt sensor, lane departure warning, key fob left in the car, a door or rear hatch is ajar whilst driving, or another vehicle is in the blind spot.
Finding out what’s causing your Kicks to beep can often be a process of elimination, we’ve outlined the most common causes below.
Speed Limit Alert
If you’ve bought a used Kicks then the previous owner may have set up the Speed Alert feature or it may have been set up at the dealership.
The Speed Alert will deliver a warning beep to the driver once a certain speed threshold has been reached, reminding the driver to slow down.
This feature can be enabled or disabled on the NissanConnect Services app or MyNISSAN Owner Portal.
On some models you can disable speed warnings via the main display unit.
Lane Departure Warning
The Lane Departure Warning System on the Nissan Kicks will beep if you drive too close to the road markings.
The LDW system can be quite sensitive on Nissan models and will often beep at everything, even when you cross cracks in the roads.
Blind Spot Warning
When the system detects a vehicle driving in an adjacent lane approaching the rear of the driver’s vehicle – a common blind spot area, it notifies the driver with an indicator – usually a beep.
Key Inside Vehicle
From the Nissan Kicks owners manual:
Doors do not lock with the door handle request switch with the Intelligent Key inside the vehicle and a beep sounds to warn you. However, when an Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle, doors can be locked with another Intelligent Key.
Weight on the Passenger Seat
If you’ve got an item such as some groceries or even your pet pooch on the passenger seat this can trigger a beeping noise as your car will think your ‘passenger’ needs to buckle up as it detects a presence on the seat.
You can simply buckle the seatbelt to see if this stops the beeping.
Key Reminder Chime
A beep sounds if:
The driver’s door is opened while the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position or placed in the OFF or LOCK position with the key left in the vehicle.
Make sure the ignition switch is placed in the LOCK position, and take the key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Parking Brake
If the parking brake is not released when you begin to drive, a chime will sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
Shift to Park
When stopping the engine, you must put the shift lever in the park position or you will hear a warning chime.
12V Battery
If the battery is starting to die you may hear a warning beep, most 12V car batterys last 3-4 years on average.
You can always check the battery life with a voltmeter, by measuring the voltage across the battery’s terminals.
If it’s under 11V then this is causing the beeps and you’ll need to replace it.
Key Fob Battery
If the key fob battery is running low, then a warning beep is used to warn you.
Low Tire Pressure
A chime will sound if the system detects low tire pressure.
Lights
It’s a good idea to make sure that no bulbs have blown, check your headlight, emergency (hazard) lights and brake lights, this may trigger a warning noise.
Oil & Fluid
It’s always worth checking your fluid levels are all correct, such as:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer
Faulty latches or Sticking Door Mechanisms
If you’ve got a door latch that’s sticking this will make the car think you’ve got a door open or ajar when you haven’t.
This is a common cause of beeping on many car models.
Try giving a good clean to all door mechanisms and lubricating with WD-40.
Make sure all door locks are opening and closing as they should.
Nissan Kicks Beeping Under Hood
A common cause of a beeping noise coming from under the hood of a Nissan Kicks is due to a problem with the power steering pump which will need to be replaced.
The power-steering pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid that helps the driver turn the steering wheel.
Signs of steering-pump failure include:
- Leaks
- Noises
- Decreased assistance while steering
If you’re hearing a beeping noise from under the hood then you should take your car to the dealership as this isn’t a good sign.
There are no electronic system under the hood that should be beeping.
Nissan Kicks Beeping Sound When Off
Your Nissan Kicks may be beeping when you turn it OFF because you opened the car door or unfastened the seat belt before turning OFF the engine. You may have loosened the seat belt before turning off the car engine.
You can prevent this by following the desired workflow of the car:
- Remove the seat belts and open the door only after turning OFF the car engine.
- Ensure there is nothing heavy on the passenger seat.
- Don’t let the fuel drop below the desired level.
- Close all doors carefully, making sure they are properly shut.
If the noise is coming from the engine, then this could be caused by a faulty power steering pump.
See the section above.
Nissan Kicks Beeping Sound While Driving
If you’re Nissan Kicks is beeping whilst driving this is most likely caused by the Speed Alert feature, this is designed to send a warning beep once a certain speed has been reached.
This feature has left many Nissan owners confused, as they have no idea where the beeps are coming from.
Fortunately, this feature can be disabled quite easily on the NissanConnect Services app or MyNISSAN Owner Port
Nissan Kicks Beeping When Door Opens
If you’re Nissan Kicks beeps when you open the door, this can be because you need to turn off the engine first, put the vehicle into Park and then open the door.
Nissan Kicks Doesn’t Beep When Locked
If your Nissan Kicks doesn’t beep when locked this is because the Answer Back Horn feature has been disabled. It can be activated and deactivated using the Key Fob.
To Deactivate: Press and hold the ‘locked padlock’ and ‘unlocked padlock’ buttons on the key fob for at least two seconds.
The hazard indicator lights will flash three times to confirm that the answer back horn feature has been deactivated.
To Activate: Press and hold the ‘locked padlock’ and ‘unlocked padlock’ buttons on the key fob for at least two seconds once more.
The hazard indicator lights will flash once and the horn will sound once to confirm that the horn beep feature has been reactivated.
Deactivating the horn beep feature does not silence the horn if the alarm is triggered.
Nissan Kicks Three Beeps
Three Beeps from a Nissan Kicks can be caused by the Rear Automatic Braking system which detects obstacles behind the vehicle using the parking sensors located on the rear bumper. It may also be caused by the Lane Departure Warning or a warning that your car is still ON.
From the Nissan Kicks owners manual:
If a risk of a collision with an obstacle is detected when your vehicle is backing up, the RAB system warning indicator will flash in the vehicle information display, a red frame will appear in the center display (for vehicles with the Intelligent Around View Monitor system), and the system will chime three times.
The system will then automatically apply the brakes. After the automatic brake application, the driver must depress the brake pedal to maintain brake pressure.
Make sure your sensors are free of dirt and debris.
Be sure to check all your gauge and information displays for information too.
What Features Driving Aids Cause Beeps?
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
- Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- ProPILOT Assist
- Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)
- Rear Sonar System (RSS)
Faulty or dirty sensors, wiring shorts or electronic faults may cause unexplained beeps.
Alternative Suggestions
Disconnect the Battery
Some innocuous beeps can disappear with a simple reset.
Disconnect the battery for 20 seconds.
Check the Gauge Cluster
When the beeping occurs can you see any lights come on at the same time on the gauge cluster?
This can give a clue as to whats causing the beeping.
On some vehicles, a warning beep indicates a bulb in the gauge cluster is blown.
Take it to a Nissan Dealership
If needed, take your car to the dealership.
Tell them you are NOT paying for a check on what the problem might be.
Ask them if they will check it for free.
Most dealerships and other places do quick/initial diagnosis for no money as they plan to make money for the repair of your vehicle.
Check for Recalls or TSBs:
By entering your car’s VIN number on Nissans recall page you can determine whether or not there is a recall for your vehicle and if there is you’ll want to get it fixed.
Similarly, a quick google search will help you determine whether there is a Technical Service Bulletin for your car, these are less serious but may give a reason why your car is beeping.
A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer for issues that are safety-related, while a TSB covers components that may be malfunctioning but don’t compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Diagnosing Beeps With a Scanner
Another possible option if you’re hearing a beeping sound is to use an OBD2 diagnostic scanner tool.
These are fairly easy to use, you simply plug them into your car – there’s usually an OBD2 port under the steering wheel.
Once you have the scan codes you can research these online specifically for the Trailblazer.
There are also OBD apps available so you can connect your car straight to your smartphone (either with a cable or Bluetooth) without even needing a scanner.
Warning Signals
From the Nissan Kicks owners manual:
To help prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly by erroneous operation of the Intelligent Key or to help prevent the vehicle from being stolen, a chime or buzzer sounds from inside and outside the vehicle and a warning is displayed in the instrument panel.
When a chime or beep sounds or a warning is displayed, be sure to check the vehicle and the Intelligent Key
Related: 6 Best & Worst Nissan Kicks Years (With Facts & Stats)
