I was at Home Depot last night and I wanted to get a few copies of my key made for back ups, keep one in my wallet so my dumbass will have a way to get in the car when I lose them or lock them in the car. The guy at the key counter had trouble finding a match on the big rack of keys, so he looked it up in a book and 99 Maxima keys were not available. It said that the keys could possibly be made of titanium and it would damage the key machine.

First, i understand why a key would be made of titanium, except for the added cost. But how the hell would it hurt the machine? They dont cut the original at all, you basically trace it. has anyone run into this. Should I try a different place or am I going to run into this all over. I dont want an original Nissan key because it has the plastic around it, which makes it too big to keep in a wallet.

 

If you have a 1999 maxima you can not duplicate the key from any hardware store. You must goto the dealer and buy a key then have them program it into your car. The reason for this is a security feature that does not allow your car to be turned on with a duplicate key. The original key for 99 maxima has a computer chip inside. If you try to start your car with the duplicate key from a hardware store you might damage the computer in the car.

 

I went and got a copy made when I was at Wal-Mart, I forgot about the computer chip thing. Tried to start the car and the starter just cranked over and over without the engine starting. I doubt it does any computer damage, but if someone knows for sure, then let me know. It acts like no spark is going to the plugs or no fuel is being injected or something like that. Anyway, I can still use that key in case I lock my other one the car.

 

Yea you can keep that key just in case you ever lock you keys inside the car and need to open the doors, otherwise you should not use it to strat the car cause it can lock up the computer. This is what the dealer told me.

 

Good to know, thanks.

 

damn cars are getting too smart

 

i just had another key made at the dealership


$50 for the key
$20 to get it programmed


and yes, my car is a 99

 

Did 1998 Maxima's come with square keys? Or oval keys? Also were they chipped?

 

98's came with the oval key and doesnot have the chip in the key.

 

actually my immobilizer has shut down my car before and at the dealership i was told that if you stick another key into the ignition it can shut your car down! where it won't start. to get your car reset you must tow the car to nissan and have them reset it. $85 to reset it!!! been there done that!!

 

too bad professional car thieves don't even touch the ignition switch.

And no OE Nissan keys are made of titanium. They are made of brass like any other. Scratch off the chrome plating and you'll see the yellowish-bronze color.

 

Will the 99' maxima key work in a 95-98' maximas?

 

I dunno if it will work, why would you want a 99 key anyway. They 97 or 98 doesnt have the gidgetry to make it work, unless you want it for looks?

 

I think it looks better.

 

Had the same problem. I came to the 99' Maxima after having driven 92 or previous my entire driving life and didn't think twice about a chip in the key. Tried to crank it with the cut key I had just bought. Locked it up on me. Just pulled out the computer plug off the engine block and took the battery terminals off. then plugged the computer back in and then re-connected the terminals (all while keeping the key in the ON position). Fired up beautifully. Just to let you know. There is a way around going to the dealership to fix this problem. Hope it helps somebody. Enjoy!

 

First, why would you bring back a 7 year old thread?

Second, 'computer plug' on the engine block? Do what?

Third, there is a clearly available reset procedure for those that neglect to use the proper key to try to start the NATS equipped cars. There's no need to reset the DTCs or readiness monitors by pulling the battery. All you need to do is search.