Experiencing issues with your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob can be frustrating. Whether you’ve just replaced the battery or are suddenly facing problems, understanding how to troubleshoot and potentially reprogram your key fob can save you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide outlines common key fob issues for the 2016 Nissan Altima and provides step-by-step solutions to get you back on the road.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages After Battery Replacement
One common problem Altima owners encounter after replacing their key fob battery is the dreaded “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” message appearing on the dashboard. Alongside this, the door request buttons on your car might cease to function. However, you might notice that the key fob buttons for remote locking/unlocking and the panic button still work, and you can start the car by physically pressing the start button with the key fob.
Solution: Key Fob Re-synchronization Procedure
This issue often arises because the key fob needs to be re-synchronized with your 2016 Nissan Altima after a battery change. Here’s how to resolve it:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the mechanical backup key from your Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter and Position the Key Fob: Get inside your Altima, ensuring the key fob is with you inside the vehicle.
- Enter ACC/ON Mode (Without Starting Engine): Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to the ACC (Accessory) and then ON mode.
- Exit the Vehicle with Backup Key: Open the driver’s side door, leaving the key fob inside the car. Take only the mechanical backup key with you.
- Lock and Unlock Manually: Close the driver’s door and use the backup key to manually lock the driver’s side door by turning the key to the left in the door lock cylinder. You should hear the locking mechanism engage. Immediately unlock the door by turning the key to the right. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Turn Off: Open the driver’s door, get back into your Altima, and press the start button one more time (again, without pressing the brake) to turn the ignition OFF.
At this point, the “Invalid key ID” messages should disappear, and all key fob functions, including door request buttons, should be working correctly again.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons (Remote Lock, Trunk, Panic, Remote Start) Not Functioning
In contrast to the first issue, you might find that everything with your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob works perfectly fine except for the remote button functions. This means the buttons for remote door lock, panic alarm, remote trunk release, and remote start (if your Altima is equipped) become unresponsive.
Solution: ECU Cold Boot and Key Fob Re-programming
This problem usually indicates that the key fob’s button functions need to be re-programmed by the car’s computer (ECU). A simple ECU cold boot can often resolve this:
- Locate the Car Battery: Open the hood of your 2016 Nissan Altima and locate the main car battery.
- Disconnect the Battery: Using a wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
- Wait and Reconnect: Wait for a minute or two. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset. Then, reconnect the negative battery terminal securely.
Important Note: Disconnecting your car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your 2016 Nissan Altima might idle slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery. This is normal, and the car will quickly re-learn and return to its optimal settings.
By performing this ECU cold boot with the key fob inside the car, the push-button functions of your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob should be re-programmed and functional once more.
General Key Fob Battery Information
Replacing the key fob battery proactively, before experiencing intermittent issues, can often prevent the need for these reprogramming procedures. However, if the battery voltage drops very low, the key fob’s internal memory can become corrupted, making simple battery replacement insufficient.
The correct replacement battery for your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob is a CR2032 button cell battery. While a CR2025 battery will fit and function in an emergency, it is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity, meaning it won’t last as long as the CR2032.
Programming Multiple Key Fobs
While not personally verified, it is reported that you can reprogram both key fobs for your 2016 Nissan Altima simultaneously by leaving both key fobs inside the car when performing either of the procedures described above. If you have multiple key fobs experiencing issues, this might be a time-saving approach to try.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common key fob issues with your 2016 Nissan Altima and regain full functionality without needing professional assistance.
