Does it really matter which transponder key i need to have it work on my car?
Could I use say a 2004 year key?

 

My '97 doesn't have a transponder in it and it will start the car.
Not sure if that changed in '99 or not, but I doubt an '04 key will start a '99 if the '99 requires a transponder. They will have made a change in 5 years...

But if your key doesn't have a transponder in it, then obviously if you can get an '04 key cut to match your '99 key, all else is moot.

 

99's have an immobilizer security system. You need the correct key, PROGRAMMED to your cars security system in order for the car to start. Your Nissan dealer can provide a key and program it for your car. The key and the programming will probably run you about $100 bucks.

 

I'm aware of that; I was doing some googling and found some websites that sell these keys. Courtesy Nissan doesn't have a 99 key on the website so I will have to call for a price, however they sell a 2004 Maxima/Altima key for like $13 w/transponder. Some other sites I've found sell aftermarket keys from $10 and up. I was wondering what would be so different in a key, specifically a blank transponder that only works for specific years.

 

Unless....its the actual metal part of the key itself where the cuts are made for the ignition that is different??

 

go to www.streetkeys.com and you can get one for about 64 bucks.
they send u a blank transpod key and then they send u 2 a locksmith and he programs it .

 

It cost about $85 to get keys reprogrammed at the dealership, a little too much for a five minute job IMO.

 

my dealer wanted 140 beleive it or not

 

How does the car act when the key is dead? My 99 won't start. It turned over once for about half a second and imidetally died and now won't start at all. The mechanic can't find anything wrong and my guess is the key?

 

Exactly the way you are describing...

 

i am gonna get teh NISMO key and have it cut to match mine.....

 

Hey Blackhawk, get it to the Nissan dealer ASAP to get them to reprogram your keys.

 

kinda interested in this too. I broke my key well the part that holds it on the key chain. But i was wondering if since i have remote start and they have to bypass the immoblizer can i just get any key and have it cut? Sorry if this question hijacks the thread have a modd delete this or pm me and i will delete it.

 

The car will start, but immediately die and it will do it everytime. I tried starting mine with a duplicate key from home depot just to see what it would do and that's what it did. It will start every time, but just stall after a second.

 

You can drill the key on the side opposite the chip (look at the "bottom" of the key adjacent to the metal to find the chip's side). I drilled mine in the "interior" next to the two lines and it's held up fine. If you do this, I'd suggest not cutting off the broken "part that holds it on the key chain", for it shortens the key enough that it's difficult to hold while wearing gloves.

It looks stupid but not $100 stupid.