As a content creator for keyfobx.com and an auto repair specialist, I understand the frustration of key fob issues, especially after a battery replacement. If you’re experiencing problems with your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob after changing the battery, you’re not alone. Many Nissan owners encounter similar issues. This guide will walk you through common problems and provide effective solutions to get your key fob working again.
Issue #1: Invalid Key ID or No Key Detected After Battery Replacement
One common problem after replacing your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery is receiving “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard. You might also notice that the door request buttons on your car no longer function. However, the remote buttons on your key fob for locking, unlocking, and the trunk release might still work. Interestingly, you can still start your Altima by pressing the start button directly with the key fob, or by using the emergency key receptacle if your model has one.
Here’s how to resolve this issue and resynchronize your key fob with your 2017 Nissan Altima:
- Remove the Backup Door Key: Take out the physical backup key from your Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter and Position the Key Fob: Get into your car, ensuring the key fob is inside the vehicle.
- Cycle to the “ON” Position (Without Starting the Engine): Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition from OFF to ACC to ON.
- Exit the Vehicle with the Backup Key: Open the car door, leave the key fob inside the car, and take only the backup door key with you.
- Lock the Driver’s Door Manually: Close the driver’s 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.
- Unlock the Driver’s Door Manually: Immediately after locking, turn the key to the right to unlock the driver’s door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Turn Off: Open the door, get back inside the car, and press the start button one more time (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, including door request buttons, should be working correctly on your 2017 Nissan Altima.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working After Battery Replacement
In contrast to the first issue, you might find that everything seems normal after a 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery replacement except for the key fob’s push-button functions. This means the remote door lock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if equipped) are unresponsive.
This problem often indicates that the ECU (Engine Control Unit), which is essentially your car’s main computer, needs a reboot to recognize the key fob’s button commands again. Here’s the solution:
- ECU Cold Boot via Battery Disconnection: The most effective way to reboot the ECU is by disconnecting the car’s main battery.
- Locate and Disconnect the Battery: Open your car’s hood and locate the main battery. Disconnect the negative terminal. Typically, you’ll need a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal clamp.
- Wait and Reconnect: 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 clamp nut securely.
During this ECU cold boot process, with the key fob inside the car, the push-button functions of your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob should be reprogrammed. Be aware that disconnecting the car battery can erase the ECU’s learned settings. Therefore, your car might idle or drive 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.
General Tips for 2017 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery Replacement
Replacing your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery proactively can prevent these issues. The correct replacement battery is a CR2032. While a CR2025 battery might fit and work temporarily, it is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity, meaning it won’t last as long as the CR2032.
If you’re experiencing intermittent key fob problems before battery replacement, it’s wise to change the battery before it completely dies. Low voltage can corrupt the key fob’s internal memory, making a simple battery replacement insufficient to restore full functionality. In such cases, the resynchronization or ECU reboot procedures described above become necessary.
Lastly, if you have two key fobs for your 2017 Nissan Altima, you can attempt to reprogram both simultaneously by leaving both key fobs inside the car when performing either of the procedures mentioned. While not always necessary if you are only having issues with one key fob, it can be a time-saving step if you want to ensure both are correctly synced.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common key fob issues after a 2017 Nissan Altima Key Fob Replacement. If you continue to experience problems, or if you are looking for a replacement key fob, visit keyfobx.com for a wide selection of Nissan key fobs and expert support.
