Experiencing issues with your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob? It can be frustrating when your key fob suddenly stops working, leaving you unable to unlock your doors or start your car remotely. Fortunately, many common key fob problems, especially after a battery replacement, can be resolved with simple DIY solutions. This guide will walk you through two frequent scenarios where your Nissan Altima key fob might fail and provide step-by-step instructions to get it working again.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages After Battery Replacement
Have you recently replaced the battery in your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob and are now seeing “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard? You might also notice that the door request buttons on your car handles are no longer functioning. However, the key fob buttons for remote door lock/unlock and trunk release might still be working. In this situation, you can typically start your car by pressing the start button directly with the key fob or by inserting it into the emergency key receptacle (if your model has one).
Solution: Reprogram your key fob following these steps:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the mechanical backup key from your Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter and Position the Key Fob: Get into your Nissan Altima and keep the key fob inside the vehicle.
- Cycle to “ON” Position (Without Starting Engine): Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to the “ACC” and then “ON” position.
- Exit and Lock with Backup Key: Open the driver’s side door, taking the backup door key with you, but leaving the key fob inside the car. 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 will hear the car’s locking mechanism engage.
- Unlock the Door Manually: Turn the key to the right to unlock the driver’s door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Turn Off: Remove the backup key from the door lock and re-enter your Nissan Altima.
- Turn Ignition Off: Press the start button one more time (again, without pressing the brake) to turn the ignition to the “OFF” mode.
After completing these steps, the “Invalid key ID” messages should disappear, and your key fob should be functioning 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 with your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob is working perfectly fine except for the push-button functions. This means the remote door lock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if equipped) are unresponsive. You can still start the car and use door request buttons, but the remote features are dead.
Solution: Reboot your car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) with the key fob inside the vehicle. This process forces the ECU to recognize and reprogram the key fob’s push-button functionalities.
- Locate the Battery: Open your car’s hood and find the main car battery.
- Disconnect the Battery: Using a wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. Typically, this is marked with a “-” sign and is often black.
- Wait: Leave the battery disconnected for a minute or two. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the connection.
- Test Key Fob: Test the push-button functions of your key fob (remote lock, trunk release, etc.). They should now be working.
Important Note: Disconnecting your car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your car might idle or drive slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery. This is normal, and the ECU will quickly relearn and return to its optimal settings.
Key Fob Battery Type
For your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob, the correct replacement battery is a CR2032 button cell battery. While a CR2025 battery might fit and work temporarily, it is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity. Using a CR2025 may result in shorter battery life. It’s always recommended to use the correct CR2032 battery for optimal performance and longevity.
Reprogramming Both Key Fobs
If you have two key fobs for your 2014 Nissan Altima, you can attempt to reprogram both of them simultaneously by leaving both key fobs inside the car when performing either of the reprogramming procedures described above. While not always necessary, this can be a time-saving step if you are experiencing issues with both key fobs.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve common “2014 Nissan Altima Key Fob Not Working” issues yourself, saving time and money on dealership visits.
