If only your Nissan key fob’s case is damaged, you might not need a full replacement. In these cases, a simple replacement battery is all you need.
Purchasing a third-party fob online and taking it to a qualified locksmith for programming is another way to save money. Just make sure the model is compatible with your vehicle.
1. Replacement Battery
If your Nissan key fob isn’t turning on, it may just be a battery issue. Key fobs have three to four years of life, so it’s important to replace the battery if needed. This will ensure that your car starts and can unlock doors even if the key fob isn’t activated. The good news is that you can save money by replacing the battery yourself rather than paying for a dealer service to do it for you.
The process for most cars is fairly simple. You’ll just need a screwdriver and a replacement battery. Most hardware stores and big-box retailers sell replacement batteries for around $10 or less, and you can also find them online or at auto parts specialty shops. If you’re handy enough, you can swap out the battery yourself in a matter of minutes. Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual or look up videos on YouTube for a step-by-step guide.
If you have a newer model Nissan, it may require special tools and programming to ensure the replacement key fob is compatible with your vehicle. A locksmith can help with this, though it will cost more than a traditional key fob from a hardware store or dealership. Some auto insurance policies cover this cost, but you’ll have to pay your deductible first.
Newer models of Nissan vehicles come with advanced features, like the ability to summon the car using a button on the key fob. This feature isn’t available in all models, but it can be helpful if you’re stuck in a parking lot.
The key fob has a small catch on the back that you can pull down to release the mechanical key inside. Once you do this, the key fob should easily open into two parts. You’ll then need to pry open the top half of the case, which is held together by a series of small slits. Just make sure to use the right tool for your model and be careful not to damage the small chip that communicates with your car’s computer system.
2. Replacement Case
If you have the metal key part of your Nissan Fob and the key fob’s battery is working, but you’ve lost or damaged its plastic case, you can often still get into your car and start it. Fortunately, replacing the case for a key fob is relatively inexpensive and can be done by a local locksmith.
A new key fob shell can be bought at an automotive parts store or online for about $10 or less, and you can then take it to a professional locksmith to have the key blade cut. The locksmith will probably also be able to add an imprinted message to your new key fob, which is handy if you want to make it obvious that the vehicle you’re driving is yours.
There are three types of Nissan car keys: a traditional metal key with no remote functions, a standard key fob that can lock and unlock the car doors, and an intelligent fob that can even roll down your windows by pressing a button or summon and auto-park the car. Each of these key fobs requires a different replacement and programming process, so it’s important to know what kind you have before getting started.
The cheapest way to replace your Nissan Fob is to go directly to the dealership, but that’s not always the best option. The dealership’s parts department can look up your car’s correct replacement key fob and provide a quote that includes installation and programming. If you purchase a replacement key fob from a third-party seller, it’s important to do your research to ensure the key is compatible with your Nissan and can be programmed to work properly.
Before you decide to pay full price for a Nissan key fob replacement, check your basic warranty, insurance, or roadside assistance coverage to see what your policy covers. Additionally, you should do some comparison shopping for the model of Nissan key fob you need before making your decision. You can also buy a used one on eBay and have it programmed to work with your Nissan, but it’s important to keep in mind that these aren’t as reliable as newer models.
3. Replacement Blade
A key fob is a small piece of plastic that houses the metal part of your car’s key, allowing you to lock and unlock your car with just a push of a button. If you’ve lost yours, replacing it can run from $50 to $100 at a dealership or with a locksmith. Clark recently got a question from a listener about how to get the best deal on one, so he searched for the lowest prices and found a few options to share with our readers.
The most common cause of a key fob that’s not working is the battery, which costs $10 or less to replace. You can find the battery at any hardware store or big-box retailer, and there’s plenty of advice on YouTube about how to do it yourself. The exact steps to take can often be found in your owner’s manual, too.
If your battery is fine, the most affordable way to replace a Nissan Key Fob is by buying one online and getting it programmed at a dealership or automotive locksmith. Look for a seller with a good returns policy and an optional warranty for extra peace of mind. Some third-party key fobs can look identical to the OEM ones, but it’s important to make sure you’re purchasing the right one by checking compatibility by model and year.
For example, a 2022 Nissan Altima Key Fob is an excellent option because it’s inexpensive, even after programming costs, and it will be compatible with your vehicle. Some third-party fobs aren’t able to be programmed at home, so it’s important to check the product listing for specific details about this. Some also come with uncut key blades, so you’ll have to take those to a locksmith or dealership for cutting before they work in your vehicle. That’s the only downside to these cheaper third-party fobs, but it can still be much less expensive than paying for a new OEM replacement at a dealership. This option works well if you have a spare key or are car-sharing.
4. Replacement Remote
If your Nissan key fob isn’t working, it could be that the battery needs to be replaced. This is an easy job that can be done at any hardware store or even some major retail chains. Just make sure you have the correct type of battery (CR2025 or CR2032) and you follow the instructions that came with the fob or those found in your owner’s manual.
Most of the modern key fobs need to be programmed in order for them to work with your car, but luckily you can avoid the dealership’s high price tag by doing it yourself. The process varies but usually requires the insertion of the key into the ignition and then pressing the corresponding button on the new fob six times in a row. You’ll need to know the exact buttons for your model, and if you aren’t sure, you can check your owner’s manual or YouTube for guidance.
You can also call an independent automotive locksmith to see if they have the equipment to program your fob. They may be able to provide a replacement fob, reprogram it for your specific vehicle, and cut a key to match the new fob for you. However, it’s important to be aware that some locksmiths don’t have the equipment needed for the latest makes and models, so you might end up needing to head back to the dealer.
We contacted multiple dealerships for quotes on replacing the key fobs of some popular and high-end cars and found that prices vary greatly. One dealer quoted as much as $500 to replace a key fob with the push-button start feature that is found on some BMW models. In addition, several dealers told us that they won’t work on Audi or Subaru fobs unless customers go to the dealer because of their expensive programming equipment. We also spoke to locksmiths who said they would be able to program off-brand fobs for less than the dealer but that it’s not something they recommend. Instead, they suggest you consider an OEM replacement, as these are guaranteed to work with your car and will be compatible with any replacement keys that are eventually needed.