I have a 2000 Maxima. Needed extra key made. Walmart said they could do it ($60)

Please do not have your keys made at Walmart. Apparently spare keys (that have micro chip) can ONLY be made at the dealer or certain locksmiths that have this technology and expertise. Otherwise, the car will recognize this blank (un-programmed) key and activate the NATS system...preventing your car from starting (diagnostic code 1610....among others).

I had to have locksmith come to my house, then have car towed to Nissan dealer. Total bill so far is at almost $550.

If you do not use a proper, programmed key.......it will most likely prevent your car from starting (it will crank over but the NATS will shut off the fuel system from operating).

A programmed dealer key will cost approx. $150-$200 dollars. Probably under $100 if you find a locksmith that has proper equipment and know how.

Again, do not have a key cut at Walmart.

The dealer told me that almost ALL car manufactures (since approx. 2000) have these systems in place. I don't know for sure but that is what he said......and a dealer wouldn't lie to me......HA.

I hope this saves at least one person from this problem.

Jontay

 

wow, I wouldn't have even dealt with walmart on something like this.

If I'm not mistaken the 2000 maxima is when Nissan started putting chips in the keys.

I got a nissan key online for 20 bucks and went to Nissan and they programmed it for me for 39 bucks(cutting it was free). just serves as my spare key but it works fine like the master key

 

1999 4th gen was the beginning.

 

If you see the box anywhere on the key, it has a chip and must be done at the dealer.

 

I had some keys cut at Walmart but did not have them programmed. I took all 3-4 keys to the dealer and they charged me 1 hour of labor to program all the keys. About $85 IIRC.

I've also had 05 Altima keys cut/programmed at Home Depot without an issue.

Seems YMMV on this one.

 

followup:

Surprisingly Walmart reimbursed me for all costs and within 1 week of when I submitted receipts. A total of of almost $650.

 

Glad it all worked out.

Should have come here and searched before venturing out.

In the future, search on here first, I'm sure it's been covered before, no matter what the issue.e

 

Well done