I had recently lost an ignition key for my 1999 Maxima. I was told by two dealers that a replacement key is about $35, with a $30 fee for "programming" the key.
Does anyone have any insight as to how to "program" a key to make it work?

 

The dealer has to do it.

 

Now if you read your owner's manual, you would know that the 99 has the immobilizer system. If you do not have the key programmed at the dealership, and have another key made at another place, (like a locksmith, etc..) Then the key will not work the first couple of times. If you continue to try to use the key, the immoblizer system will kick in, and you will be unable to start it. If you want to start it again, you will have to take it to a dealership.

My local dealership quoted me a price of $50-$60 per key, with a one-time programming fee of $20.

 

That's about the same number I got for a new key ($50-$60)...and this was what the dealer called "cutting you a deal since you're a good customer".

 

That's not bad. I always heard it was more like $100 for the key and programming.
-hype

 

I actually just went up to the dealer where i just bought my new 1999 maxima,(bought the car last sunday, went this saturday to get anouther key, the car salesman said that it would have normally cost me 100 bucks for a new key and for it to be programmed, and anouther 100 for the keyless entry thing i was getting, but he gave them both to me for free!!! i love that man.