I've been looking everywhere for the original Maxima key blank with the plastic on it, similar to this: http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/N...k-p/556053.htm

All I can find is the ugly plain metal ones. My car came with the metal ones from the PO, and I've been trying to find the OEM ones, anyone seen them anywhere? I've tried pretty much everywhere.

 

Did you try ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...s#ht_550wt_935

i know it doesnt say nissan but i don't think nissan makes them anymore.

 

Thanks I've seen those, but I'm pretty sure the 4th gen uses a different key shape, so I kinda doubt that it would work for "82-98 Maximas". Can anyone confirm that the 4th gen keys are different? I've messaged the seller to see what they say...

According to this, http://www.kaba-ilco.com/key_systems...ttachment=True, the DA-31 does fit the 3rd gen. But my current metal key says DA-27

 

My 3rd gen (93 GXE) has a key similar to my 4th gen (98 SE). Got replacements made at the Nissan dealer, although the new ones no longer say NISSAN in the black plastic. I think i paid $7 at the dealer a few years ago. The key on Ebay looks similar to my replacements. The one from Ron's Home Hardware does not look like my Maxima keys.

 

Thanks for that 93CSMax. Can you confirm that the keys are interchangeable between the 3rd and 4th gens? That is, can you slide the 4th gen key into the 3rd gen cylinder and vise versa? Obviously you won't be able to turn the key, but if they slide in, that should be all we need to confirm.

 

Nissan discontinued the 3rd gen style key a long time ago. There's actually 2 versions of that key. The earliest ones have NISSAN printed lengthwise next to the center line, and the later version has the small burger logo. I'm sure someone, somewhere has a whole stockpile, but you can't get them from the dealer anymore.

Awhile back I was able to grab a few of the keys they superseded our style with, which are discontinued as well.. I could probably part with one for a fair offer. PM if you want. Pay no mind to the aftermarket knock offs although they're kind of cool imo.

 

Sorry for not responding yesterday...my son took the car to the movies and I couldn't check your request.

I did follow-up this morning. I have two replacement keys cut by the local Nissan dealer. One was for my 93 GXE, the other for my 98 SE. Both look identical except for the key cuts specifically for each car lock. I tried both (plus my original OEM key), in the door lock and in the ignition key. All slide right in.

This should answer your question.

 

They also used the same key blanks on the 94-98ish Altimas.

 

That's fantastic! Then I should just be able to grab a 4th gen key from the dealer and get it cut. Cheers for taking the time to check.

 

I went to lowes, they had an OEM style key (plastic cover, like above, with no nissan logos, etc.). ran me about 15 bucks to get three keys, iirc (was a few years ago, so I am not sure).
looks just like my pathy key, aside from the nissan stuff
edit: lowes key was an Axxess+ 37R key

 

and subarus

 

I how much for one?

 

Home Depot - I got my duplicate w/ plastic like u said.

 

If you need genuine, an eBay Australia store sells them, have a look at what it'd cost to ship them to you guys. Wouldnt be very much at all to ship them..maybe even group buy a few keys for one shipment.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Acces...&submit=Search

I just checked, my Cefiro key is the same length, width and thickness as my Maxima key...the keys look pretty much all the same. Pics for **** factor
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._5968334_n.jpg

 

Indeed indeed.

I got mine at the local hardware store. Now they aren't smooth plastic like the OEM ones and they don't say Nissan, but they work great and are better than the no plastic ones.

 

So I managed to find a blank and get a key cut. Here's a tip for you guys: If the sticker in the glove box with the key code is no longer there, you can find the code on the passenger side lock (5 digit code on the little bracket). It's a bit of work to get to, but will allow the dealer to cut an exact original key, instead of home depot or wherever trying to match your old worn out key.

 

Thanks for the tip. As it stands, I got my key from a local Nissan dealer for $2, and it has the plastic on it like I wanted. It doesn't have the Nissan logo, but I think for nearly $30 a key, I can do without it. My new key works great! Where the old crappy metal key would sometimes get stuck and wouldn't turn without fiddling with it, the new key (with the right key code) works flawlessly every time! I couldn't be happier with the result of such a small, subtle yet very noticeable change.