Experiencing issues with your 2016 Nissan Altima Key Fob can be frustrating. Many owners encounter problems after replacing the key fob battery. Luckily, there are common issues with straightforward solutions you can try at home before seeking professional help. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting two frequent problems with your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob and provide step-by-step fixes.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages After Battery Replacement
One common problem after a 2016 Nissan Altima key fob battery replacement is receiving “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard. You might also notice that the door request buttons on your vehicle no longer function. However, the key fob buttons for remote locking/unlocking and other remote functions might still work. You can usually still start your Altima by pressing the start button directly with the key fob or, on some models, by inserting it into an emergency start receptacle.
Here’s how to resolve this issue:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the physical backup door key from your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter and Power Cycle (Without Brake): Get into 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 to the ACC and then ON positions.
- Exit and Lock Manually: Exit the car, taking only the backup door key with you and leaving the key fob inside. Close the driver’s side door.
- Lock and Unlock with Key: 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 door locking mechanism engage. Then, turn the key to the right to unlock the door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Turn Off: Remove the door key and re-enter your 2016 Nissan Altima. 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 all key fob functions should return to normal.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons (Remote Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic, Remote Start) Not Working
Another issue 2016 Nissan Altima owners may face is that all push-button functions on the key fob stop working. This means the remote door lock, unlock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if equipped) become unresponsive. In this case, the problem is often related to the car’s computer needing a reboot to recognize the key fob’s button commands after a battery change or a system glitch.
The solution involves rebooting your Nissan Altima’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) with the key fob inside the car:
- Locate the 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 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 2016 Nissan Altima key fob is inside the car and test the push-button functions. They should now be working correctly.
Keep in mind that disconnecting the car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your car might idle slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery, but it will quickly return to its normal operation as the ECU relearns.
Battery Replacement Tip for Your 2016 Nissan Altima Key Fob
For battery replacements in your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob, the correct battery is a CR2032 button cell. While a CR2025 battery might fit and work temporarily, it is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity. Using a CR2025 may result in a shorter lifespan for your key fob battery. It’s always best to use the recommended CR2032 for optimal performance and longevity.
Reprogramming Both Key Fobs Simultaneously
If you have two key fobs for your 2016 Nissan Altima and are experiencing issues with both, you can try reprogramming them simultaneously. For either of the solutions described above, simply leave both key fobs inside the car when performing the procedures. While not always necessary, this method has been reported to work for reprogramming multiple key fobs at once.
