Are you struggling with your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob? If your keyless entry is acting up or not working at all, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Replacing the battery in your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob is a simple task you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to visiting a dealership.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions specifically for replacing the battery in a 2015 Nissan Altima key fob. While this guide focuses on the 2015 Altima, the process is very similar for a range of Nissan and INFINITI models with keyless entry systems. If you drive one of the following models, you may also find these instructions helpful:
Nissan:
- Versa
- Maxima
- Juke
- Rogue
- Murano
- Xterra
- Pathfinder
- Sentra
- Cube
- Armada
- Leaf
- Quest
- Frontier
INFINITI:
- 370Z
- GT-R
- Titan
- G25
- G37
- M35
- M37
What Battery Does a 2015 Nissan Altima Key Fob Need?
The battery you’ll need for your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob is a common and readily available 3-volt coin cell battery, specifically the CR2032 model. This small, circular battery is widely used in various electronic devices, including watches and remote controls.
- Battery Type: CR2032 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery
You can purchase CR2032 batteries from most drug stores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers. Popular brands include Panasonic, Energizer, Duracell, and Sony. While any brand of CR2032 battery will work, checking your Nissan Altima owner’s manual for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery recommendation is always a good practice. Often, Nissan uses Panasonic CR2032 batteries as original equipment.
Tools You’ll Need
Replacing your Nissan Altima key fob battery requires minimal tools. You likely already have these items at home:
- Small Flathead Screwdriver: A mini flathead screwdriver, often used for eyeglasses repair, is ideal for gently prying open the key fob casing.
- Microfiber Cloth (Optional): A thin microfiber cloth can protect the key fob’s plastic casing from scratches during the opening process.
Preparing for the Battery Replacement
Before you begin, take a few moments to prepare your workspace and key fob:
- Gather Your Tools and Battery: Ensure you have the CR2032 battery and the small screwdriver ready.
- Protect the Key Fob: If you’re using a microfiber cloth, wrap it around the tip of the flathead screwdriver to prevent scratches.
- Remove the Key Fob from Your Keyring: This will make handling the key fob easier during the battery replacement process.
Understanding the Emergency Key
Your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob contains a hidden emergency ignition key. This metal key is a crucial backup in case your key fob battery dies and you can’t unlock your car remotely. The emergency key allows you to manually unlock your car door. You’ll find a small keyhole on the underside of your car’s door handle.
Before replacing the battery, you’ll need to remove this emergency key from the key fob casing.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing the 2015 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery
Follow these detailed steps to replace the battery in your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob:
Step 1: Prepare the Key Fob
- Place the key fob on a clean, flat surface with the Nissan logo or buttons facing down.
Step 2: Remove the Emergency Key
- Locate the small slider tab on the key fob.
- Push the slider tab towards the edge of the key fob.
- While holding the tab, gently pull the bottom edge of the key fob downwards. The emergency key should slide out.
- Set the emergency key aside in a safe place.
Step 3: Open the Key Fob Casing
- Turn the key fob over, so the button side is facing up.
- Look into the slot where you removed the emergency key. You’ll see small notches on the inside plastic edge.
- Carefully insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver into one of these notches.
- Gently twist or pry the screwdriver to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. If one notch is too tight, try the other.
- Once you’ve created a small opening, you can usually pull the two halves apart with your fingers.
- Remove the top half of the key fob casing.
Step 4: Remove the Old Battery
- With the top half of the casing removed, you’ll see the CR2032 battery.
- Use the flathead screwdriver to gently pry the old battery out of its compartment. Be careful not to scratch any of the electronic components.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
- Take your new CR2032 battery.
- Position the new battery with the positive (+) side facing upwards.
- Slide the new battery into the battery compartment, ensuring it’s securely in place.
Step 6: Reassemble the Key Fob
- Carefully align the two halves of the key fob casing.
- Press them firmly together until they snap back into place. Ensure there are no gaps along the edges.
Step 7: Reinsert the Emergency Key
- Slide the emergency key back into its slot until you hear or feel it click securely in place.
Step 8: Test Your Key Fob
- Test the buttons on your key fob to ensure they are now working correctly. Try locking and unlocking your Nissan Altima remotely.
Tips for Extending Your Key Fob Battery Life
While CR2032 batteries are long-lasting, here are a few tips to help maximize the lifespan of your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob battery:
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can shorten battery life. Try to avoid leaving your key fob in direct sunlight or freezing temperatures for extended periods.
- Keep it Dry: Moisture can damage the key fob and battery. Protect your key fob from rain and spills.
- Store it Away from Electronic Devices: Electromagnetic fields from devices like smartphones or laptops might theoretically drain the battery faster if in very close proximity, although this is less of a concern with modern key fobs.
Still Having Key Fob Issues?
If you’ve replaced the battery and your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob is still not working correctly, there might be another issue. For further assistance, it’s recommended to consult a qualified automotive technician or your local Nissan dealership. They can diagnose more complex key fob problems and offer solutions.
Replacing the battery in your 2015 Nissan Altima key fob is a straightforward DIY task that can get you back on the road quickly. By following these simple steps, you can restore your keyless entry functionality and avoid unnecessary dealership costs.
