I am wondering if I can use a newer model key for my '97 Max. The Chip Keys are nicer and more durable. I know I will not have to have the chip programmed or anything. I am just curious if anyone has had one of these cut to see if they work in 4th Gen Maximas.
It looks very similar in style and shape but it does not have the notches on each side like our keys.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...Q5fAccessories

If that one will not work then I am pretty sure this one is the exact same shaft just with chip built in for the '99 models and it will work on '95-98 as well.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...Q5fAccessories


Thanks for the help.

 

Go to a lock smith and see if a blank slides in. Let us know what you find out.

 

Neither of those keys will work. you need a key where the shaft becomes narrower where the notches are cut for the tumblers. it should look something like this one, but I'm not sure this one would work either.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

 

That is what I thought. The second link is a key like that with the notches. I should get this figured out by this weekend and update.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

anybody if this key will actually work with a 99?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...#ht_723wt_1165

 

Nissan plays games with the width, thickness and length of the key between all the models. Since the seller doesn't provide the dimensions, all you can do is hope that the manufacturer is providing the correct application information to the seller.

I'm going through this same cr@p with another seller for my 2000 Max. Their application data is wrong and I've all ready bought 2 incorrect keys and still arguing.

 

My wife is in a 2001 QX4 and that is the type of key I was hoping for, like in my first example above. I went home last night and tried to slide it in the Max ignition and it does not fit, too wide. The 4th gens are slightly thinner due the "notch out" about 2/3 of the way up the shaft.
Tiger, I would bet you lunch that the key you showed like in my second link and in DennisMik's post would work. I am going to ACE hardware this weekend and see if they carry this style of key and try it out.
I don't think the length is as vital as the width (too wide won't fit and too skinny does not reach the tumblers). Now if it is shorter that would kill the key also due to tumblers not lining up but I think if a key was slightly longer they can line the keys up when cutting them and be fine.
We shall see soon enough. Keep you posted.

 

This should be true but for the key to work in the lock, it is based on an assumption that may or may not be true. So let me play devil's advocate.

When you slide the key into the lock, what stops the key so that the key and tumblers are lined up? Is it the notches in the key where it changes width or does the key get aligned by hitting the end of the lock cylinder? I don't know which way it is.

For a longer key to work, bottoming out in the lock cylinder has to be the way it is designed to work.

bent9 is the brave soul willing to venture where no man has gone before and find out for us. Thanks.

 

I have the original OEM keys for my '95...they look like this: http://s7.cdn.hardwareandtools.net/i...id=120&hei=120 I think they're plenty durable.