My son decided to try and cut out the transponder from his key with a drill (he was hoping to just go with metal keys and tape the transponder to the column). I have called out two locksmiths and they were unable to program a new key transponder. The dealer basically said to take a hike with a car that old.

What are my options? The car ran like a top pre lunacy.

 

First of all that dealership you went to were unprofessional and a customer that comes in with any car they should not turn it down they should be happy that there product of whatever year has came in for service. The problem is some or most shops get rid of the tools or service equipments for cars that are older than 10-12 years most cars that are good like the maxima will need continued service if that owner of that vehicle decides to keep it for long as he or she's wants to keep it. Some shops some good honest mechanics or good honest dealerships will still carry the old and needed equipments and service tools. I will say just keep searching for an dealership that still carrys a Nissan consultant II

 

So many new thread starters can't even be bothered to fill out a few facts in their profile, but want somebody to help.

Maybe if you put your location, somebody local might know someone in the Automotive Locksmith trade that has one of the tools that will come to you at a reasonable price. They are out there. I have one coming tomorrow or Monday. He ordered the appropriate cable for the 1999 that hooks up to his mobile reprogramming device for just about every car.

 

Where’s the second key?

’99s came with 2 keys and 2 fobs.

Nonetheless, when I replaced my keys … some years ago … I bought the replacements and had the new keys programmed at my local Ace Hardware store.

 

You had the ECU programmed at ACE? The keys have a signature transponder and the ECU reads that and grants permission to start when it has been programmed to allow.. The key doesn't get programmed. Just to make sure this is clear for those that don't know.

 

No ECU work was done at Ace Hardware.

What I got done, and what I’m understanding from the OP that’s needed, was all associated with the keys … keys only.

I was able to take my broken OE keys in to Ace Hardware, find the appropriate replacements and have those replacements program/signal matched to the OEs.