Replacing the battery in your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob should be a straightforward task, but sometimes it can lead to unexpected issues. If you’ve just replaced your key fob battery and are encountering problems like an “Invalid Key ID” message or your remote functions are no longer working, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through common problems and provide solutions to get your Nissan Altima key fob working perfectly again.
Understanding Your 2016 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery
The 2016 Nissan Altima key fob typically uses a CR2032 button cell battery. This type of battery is widely available and relatively inexpensive. Replacing the battery is necessary when you notice the range of your key fob decreasing, or when the vehicle’s information display indicates a low key fob battery. Regular battery replacement, ideally before complete failure, can prevent potential issues.
Troubleshooting Common Key Fob Issues After Battery Replacement
After replacing the battery, you might face two main issues with your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob. Here’s how to diagnose and resolve them:
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages
Symptoms:
- “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” message appears on the dashboard.
- Door request buttons on the door handle stop functioning.
- Key fob buttons for remote door lock/unlock and trunk release may still work.
- You can only start the car by pressing the start button directly with the key fob or using the emergency key receptacle (if equipped).
Solution: This issue often occurs because the key fob needs to be resynchronized with your Nissan Altima after a battery change. Follow these steps to resolve it:
- Remove the backup door key from your key fob.
- Enter your Nissan Altima, ensuring you have the key fob with you inside the vehicle.
- Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Exit the car, leaving the key fob inside. Take the backup door key with you.
- Close the driver’s side door and use the backup door key to manually lock the door by turning the key to the left in the door lock cylinder. You should hear the locking mechanism engage.
- Immediately unlock the door by turning the key to the right in the door lock cylinder. Again, you should hear the unlocking mechanism.
- Remove the door key and re-enter your Nissan Altima.
- Press the start button one more time (without pressing the brake pedal) to turn the ignition to the “OFF” mode.
After these steps, the “Invalid Key ID” message should disappear, and your key fob should function normally again.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working (Remote Lock, Panic, Trunk Release)
Symptoms:
- All push-button functions on the key fob are non-responsive (remote door lock/unlock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start if equipped).
- Starting the car and keyless entry using door handle buttons (if equipped) may still work normally.
Solution: This problem usually indicates that the key fob’s push-button functions need to be reprogrammed. This can often be resolved by performing a “cold boot” of your Nissan Altima’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) with the key fob inside the car. Here’s how:
- Ensure your key fob is inside the Nissan Altima.
- Locate the car battery under the hood.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Typically, this is a black cable marked with a minus (-) sign. Use a wrench to loosen the nut and carefully remove the cable.
- Wait for one to two minutes. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal, ensuring it is securely tightened.
Disconnecting the car battery will reset the ECU, and upon reconnection, it should re-program the key fob’s push-button functions since it’s inside the vehicle during the reboot.
Important Note: Disconnecting the car battery may erase learned settings from the ECU, potentially causing a slightly different idle for the first few miles of driving. This is normal, and the car will quickly readjust to its optimal settings.
General Tips and Best Practices
- Proactive Battery Replacement: Replace your key fob battery before it completely dies to minimize the chances of encountering these issues.
- Reprogramming Both Key Fobs: If you have two key fobs, you can try reprogramming both simultaneously by leaving them both inside the car when performing either of the procedures described above. While not always necessary, it can be a preventative measure.
- Battery Type: Always use the correct replacement battery, CR2032. While a CR2025 can work temporarily, it is thinner and has a lower capacity, leading to a shorter lifespan.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common key fob issues after replacing the battery in your 2016 Nissan Altima. If you continue to experience problems, it’s always best to consult with a certified Nissan technician for further assistance.
