Experiencing issues with your 2012 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery? It’s a common frustration when your key fob starts acting up after a battery replacement. As your trusted automotive expert at keyfobx.com, I’ve seen two main problems that Nissan Altima owners often encounter after changing their key fob battery. Let’s dive into these issues and provide straightforward solutions to get you back on the road quickly.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages
Have you just replaced your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery and now your dashboard is displaying “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected”? You might also notice that the door request buttons on your car handles are no longer responding. Interestingly, the key fob buttons for remote locking/unlocking and the trunk release might still work perfectly fine. You can even start your Altima by physically pressing the start button with the key fob itself, or by using the emergency key fob receptacle in some models.
If this sounds familiar, here’s a simple reprogramming procedure to resolve this issue:
Solution:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the mechanical backup key from your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter and Power Cycle: Get inside your Nissan Altima, leaving the key fob inside the vehicle. Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition from OFF to ACC to ON.
- Exit and Lock: Get out of the car, leaving the key fob inside. Take the backup door key with you. Close the driver’s side door.
- Manual Lock/Unlock: 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 locking mechanism engage. Then, turn the key to the right to unlock the door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Power Off: Remove the door key and get back into your 2012 Nissan Altima. Press the start button one more time (without pressing the brake) to turn the ignition to the OFF mode.
This image illustrates a typical Nissan key fob and a car door lock, similar to those found in a 2012 Nissan Altima.
After completing these steps, the “Invalid key ID” messages should disappear, and your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob should function normally again.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working (Remote Lock, Trunk, Panic, Remote Start)
In contrast to the first issue, you might find that everything seems normal with your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob except for the push-button functions. This means the remote door lock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if your 2012 Altima is equipped with it) are unresponsive.
This problem often indicates that the key fob’s push-button functions need to be re-programmed to your vehicle’s ECU (Engine Control Unit).
Solution:
The solution here involves performing a “cold boot” of your car’s ECU with the 2012 Nissan Altima key fob inside the car. This forces the ECU to re-recognize and reprogram the push-button functionalities of the key fob. The easiest way to do this is by disconnecting and reconnecting your car’s main battery.
- Locate the Battery: Open your 2012 Nissan Altima‘s hood and locate the main car battery.
- Disconnect Battery: Using a wrench, disconnect the negative (black) terminal from the battery.
- Wait: Leave the battery disconnected for a minute or two. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery and tighten it securely.
This image shows a car battery under the hood, similar to the battery location in a 2012 Nissan Altima, highlighting the negative terminal which needs to be disconnected.
Important Note: Disconnecting your car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your 2012 Nissan Altima might idle slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery. However, it will quickly return to its normal operating condition as the ECU relearns.
Key Fob Battery Type: CR2032 is Recommended
For your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery replacement, the recommended battery type is a CR2032 button cell battery. While a CR2025 battery will also work in a pinch, it’s slightly thinner and has a lower capacity. This means a CR2025 might not last as long as the CR2032. For optimal performance and longevity, stick with the CR2032.
Preventative Measures and Additional Tips
To avoid these reprogramming issues altogether, try to replace your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery before it gets critically low and causes intermittent problems. Replacing the battery while the fob is still functioning correctly usually prevents memory corruption and the need for these reset procedures.
It’s also worth noting that some users have reported success in reprogramming both key fobs at once by leaving both inside the car during either of the procedures described above. While I haven’t personally verified this, it’s something to consider if you have multiple key fobs experiencing issues.
If you continue to experience problems with your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery even after trying these solutions, it’s always best to consult with a qualified automotive technician or your local Nissan dealership for further assistance. They can diagnose more complex issues and ensure your key fob and vehicle are working in perfect harmony.
