I bought my 2001 Maxima used, from a dealer. It came with all the maintenance records and two keys and 2 key fobs. The fobs were not identical (one did not have a trunk button), but both keys and fobs worked. I usually used the fob to lock and unlock doors, and the interior switch to open the trunk. I misplaced one set, kept using the other as I had for the previous five years or so.

Then I lost the second one. Looked high and low, could not find. Had car towed to dealer and new key made (yes, I now know I may have had other options.)

When I picked up the car later that day, the key would not unlock the door. I went back in to the cashier and told her, she went to get someone, while I was waiting I fussed with the key a little more, and got it to unlock the door, so I left. I intended to check it out a little more and take it back and get it fixed. It wouldn't turn at all in the trunk lock.

Made an appointment to take it back this morning. Over the weekend, I had found the missing key. I knew it would not work in the ignition, but the key still worked to lock and unlock the door, and the fob worked to lock them (the unlock button had stopped working before).

So, took car back to dealer. New service advisor. Told him what was going on. He told me that the ignition must have been changed in the car before I got it, because it should all match. He wanted to know if I wanted all the cylinders to be changed to match. I told him I did not want to spend another dime. He said, well, you have two keys now, one for the door and trunk, the other for the ignition. I was unhappy that I had not been told I was only getting half a key for 300 in the first place. I left. On the way home, I wondered why the key I had before had worked for ignition, door and trunk (I must have used the key for all three at some point, and the fobs worked). I called back, got another service advisor, who told me my lost now found key must have been worn down somehow to allow it to work on both. I didn't even get into the fact that I'd had two keys and fobs that both worked. He took my name and told me the service manager would call me back. Still waiting for that.

So, what's the real story here? I miss the days when we just had keys, not computers, except that we locked ourselves out of cars more often back then.

 

Never go to the dealer except to get an unchipped key made if you've lost them all.

Buy ebay keys, have your original key copied to them (free lol), buy nissan datascan2 and program them.

A brand new key absolutely would not work in the door if the cylinder was changed. Obviously, nothing was changed out b/c you were able to start the car and jiggle the key enough to unlock the door. Perhaps the door cylinder is sketchy from wear, but who cares. I'd demand a ****ing refund. Screw stealerships. They just want to screw you over. Perhaps they ****ed the key up, too.

 

Sorry to dig up this kinda old thread, but I could use more info on this procedure. My new 2000 came with one key and one FOB. The PO says they've searched everywhere for the spare key, but no luck. I also don't have the number card (I think that's what it's called) that's mentioned in the owner's manual. I called a dealer yesterday, and the parts guy said I need to make an appointment with the service dept. He wasn't sure about the cost, but thinks it'll run $150-350.

So, if I buy eBay keys, where do I get the original copied for free? Also, if I install Datascan 2 on a laptop, how do I connect it to the car? Alternately, is it possible a local service shop or state inspection station might be able to do this? I don't mind paying someone for their time, but the dealer price is outrageous.

 

Go to a small hardware store (gotta be super lucky at a big box as it's against policy).

No one can program it unless they have the requisite tool (or software in this case), so aside from a nissan shop, dealer or locksmith, I doubt anyone else can do it.

Buy this http://www.ebay.com/itm/VAG-COM-KKL-...374163&vxp=mtr

or if you want it from amazon
https://www.amazon.com/ProTocol-409-...ords=kkl+cable

I can link you the driver with driver signature enforcement disabled (depends on which ver of the chip it uses).

 

Not sure exactly what that means, but let me see first if I can get the key cut. I'll get one off eBay and try to find an independent hdwe store somewhere. Guess I should buy the new remote last, seems I can program that myself. Thanks for your help!

 

Check for key/fob combo deals. There used to be two keys and two fobs for 12 bucks. Might as well get two keys, though. I hide one under the car.

 

I hide a freak on a leash under mine

Going to be cool programming my own keys though.

 

OK, here's what I bought on eBay. What's the procedure after I have the key physically cut at a locksmith? What's the gray pellet that came with it?

 

That's the chip.

 

So it's supposed to be put inside the key handle after programming? I don't see any electrical contacts on the chip. Is it programmed by wireless?

 

It's an RFID. Its ID is programmed to the ecu.

 

Just to be sure I understand how this all works...

The chips in the keys I bought online are already programmed. To use these keys, first I need to have them cut. Then I need to buy software, install it on my laptop, and use the laptop to program the ECU in the car to accept the keys.

The alternative is to take my existing key to Ace Hardware, and they can clone it for $75. Nothing needs to be done to the car itself.

Is this essentially correct?

 

yes

 

There's nothing worse than getting advice from someone who only gives you half the story. I bought a clone key at Lowe's this morning. Would have saved me a lot of time (and the cost of two blank keys) if you just hadn't responded to my first post. Your advice on pulling the axle was just as useless. I might be new here, but I can smell BS a mile away. You are now -1 on my cred list.

 

mmkay

I got 6 keys cut for free (at different hardware stores) and programmed them in a few seconds with nds2 (few minutes to install and register). Total cost was about 80 bucks.

And it's my fault you can't pull axles? Would you like a vid of me easily pulling one? lol