Nissan Key Fob and Car Key Programming

How Nissan car keys and key fobs are programmed, by model year, what you can sometimes do yourself, and when a mobile automotive locksmith is the faster, safer choice. Dealerkeys programs Nissan keys on site across East Tennessee.

Nissan key programming by model year

Nissan uses a different key system for older and newer vehicles. Find your vehicle below.

Nissan 1998–2009

May be self-programmed (older system) Models: Altima, Maxima, Sentra, Frontier, Pathfinder

Method: On-Board Key Fob / NATS OBD2

  1. Close and lock all doors with driver door power lock switch.
  2. Insert and pull key out of ignition completely at least 6 times within 10 seconds (hazard lights flash).
  3. Insert key and turn to ACC.
  4. Push any button on remote. Hazard lights flash.

Note: Transponder chip keys require NATS OBD2 programming tool.

Nissan 2010 and newer

Locksmith required Models: Altima, Rogue, Maxima, Pathfinder, Titan, Z

Method: OBD2 / BCM 20-Pin Security Converter

Requires OBD2 key programmer with 20-to-32 pin BCM security gateway conversion to program Intelligent Key fobs.

Note: Requires valid locksmith credentials or active security bypass.

This guide is general information. Procedures vary by model, trim and equipment, and a wrong attempt can leave a vehicle unable to accept new keys. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we will tell you what yours needs.

Can you program a Nissan key fob yourself?

Some older Nissan models (Altima, Maxima, Sentra, Frontier, Pathfinder, 1998–2009) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer Nissan vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.

Lost all your Nissan keys?

Dealerkeys is a mobile automotive locksmith with more than 26 years of experience and over 150,000 vehicles serviced across East Tennessee. For an all-keys-lost Nissan, we pick the lock if needed, make a new key, and program it at your vehicle. We quote the price first, and we make a key only after you show ID and proof of ownership. See our dead key fob guide if the car just will not start with your fob, or mail-in module repair for BCM, ECU and TIPM trouble.

What to have ready when you call

The year, make and model of the vehicle, the VIN if you can read it through the windshield, and where the vehicle is parked. Tell us how many keys you have left, if any, and what kind of key you want. Plan to be with the vehicle, with your ID and registration, title or other proof of ownership.

Nissan key questions

Can I program a Nissan key fob myself?

Some older Nissan models (Altima, Maxima, Sentra, Frontier, Pathfinder, 1998–2009) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer Nissan vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.

What if I lost all my Nissan keys?

We come to you, open the vehicle if it is locked, make a new key for your Nissan and program it on site, so there is no tow to a dealer. You need to be with the vehicle, with ID and proof of ownership.

How much does a Nissan key replacement cost?

It depends on the model, the year and the type of key. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we quote the price before any work begins.

Nissan locksmith service across East Tennessee

We dispatch to your vehicle in these areas and the towns around them:

Call or text Dealerkeys

Dispatch — Knoxville area
(865) 405-5359
Dispatch — Chattanooga area
(423) 250-5397

Programming guides for other makes

CallAreaRepair Shop