Experiencing issues with your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob after a battery replacement? You’re not alone. Many Nissan owners encounter problems like “Invalid Key ID” messages or unresponsive key fob buttons after swapping out the battery. This guide will walk you through common issues and provide simple solutions to get your key fob working correctly again.
Issue 1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” After Battery Change
One frequent problem after replacing your 2017 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery is seeing an “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” message on your dashboard. You might also notice that the door request buttons on your car no longer function. However, the key fob buttons for remote locking/unlocking and the panic button may still work. In this scenario, you can typically start your Altima by pressing the start button directly with the key fob or, on some models, by inserting it into the emergency start receptacle.
Solution: Key Fob Re-synchronization Procedure
This issue often arises because the key fob needs to be resynchronized with your Nissan Altima after the battery change. Here’s a straightforward procedure to resolve this:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the mechanical backup key from your key fob.
- Enter the Vehicle: Get inside your 2017 Nissan Altima, ensuring the key fob is with you inside the car.
- Cycle Ignition (Without Brake): Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to the “ON” position, going through “OFF” and “ACC” first.
- Exit and Lock with Manual Key: Open the driver’s side door, leaving the key fob inside the vehicle. Take the backup door key with you and close the driver’s door.
- Lock the Door Manually: Insert the backup door key into the driver’s side door lock. Turn the key to the left to lock the door. You should hear the car’s locking mechanism engage.
- Unlock the Door Manually: Turn the key to the right to unlock the door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Turn Off Ignition: Remove the backup door key from the lock and re-enter your Nissan Altima. Press the start button one more time (without pressing the brake) to turn the ignition to the “OFF” mode.
After completing these steps, the “Invalid key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages should disappear, and all key fob functions should return to normal.
Issue 2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working After Battery Change
In contrast to the first issue, you might find that everything seems normal after a 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery replacement except for the key fob buttons themselves. This means the remote lock, unlock, panic button, and remote trunk release (if equipped) are unresponsive. The car may still start and operate normally, but the remote functions are dead.
Solution: ECU Reboot with Key Fob Inside
This problem often indicates that the key fob’s push-button functions need to be re-programmed by the car’s main computer, the ECU (Engine Control Unit). A simple ECU reboot with the key fob present inside the vehicle can resolve this.
- Locate the Car Battery: Open the hood of your 2017 Nissan Altima and locate the main car battery.
- Disconnect the Battery: Using a wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
- Wait Briefly: Wait for a minute or two. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal securely.
- Test Key Fob Functions: Ensure your key fob is inside the car and test the remote buttons. They should now be functioning correctly.
Important Note: Disconnecting your car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your car might idle slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery as the ECU relearns optimal settings. This is normal and will correct itself quickly.
Choosing the Right Battery: CR2032 vs. CR2025
When replacing your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery, the recommended replacement is a CR2032 button cell battery. While a CR2025 battery will also fit and function in a pinch, there are slight differences to consider.
The CR2032 is thicker (3.2mm) than the CR2025 (2.5mm) and has a slightly higher capacity. This means a CR2032 will generally last longer than a CR2025. For optimal performance and longevity, it’s best to use the CR2032 as the primary replacement battery for your Nissan Altima key fob.
Proactive Battery Replacement
To avoid encountering these key fob issues altogether, consider replacing your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery proactively. Key fob batteries typically last for a few years, depending on usage. If you notice your key fob becoming less responsive or the range decreasing, it’s a good indication that the battery is weakening and should be replaced soon. Replacing the battery before it completely dies can often prevent memory corruption issues and the need for these troubleshooting steps.
Reprogramming Both Key Fobs Simultaneously
If you have two key fobs for your 2017 Nissan Altima and are experiencing issues with both, you can attempt to reprogram both at the same time. Simply leave both key fobs inside the car when performing either of the procedures described above. While not always necessary, this method has been reported to work for reprogramming multiple key fobs simultaneously.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively resolve common key fob issues after a 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery replacement and ensure your remote functions operate reliably.
