Troubleshooting Your 2017 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery Issues

Are you experiencing problems with your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob after replacing the battery? You’re not alone. Many Nissan owners encounter issues like “Invalid Key ID” messages or unresponsive door request buttons even after a battery swap. This guide, created by a Nissan auto repair expert, will walk you through common problems and provide straightforward solutions to get your key fob working correctly again.

Common Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery Problems and Solutions

There are two main scenarios you might face after changing your Nissan Altima key fob battery. Let’s break down each issue and how to resolve it.

Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or No Key Detected After Battery Replacement

Symptoms:

• “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages appear on your dashboard.
• Door request buttons on the handles stop working.
• Remote functions (lock, unlock, trunk release) might still function.
• You can start the car by pressing the start button directly with the key fob or using the emergency key receptacle (if equipped).

Cause: Sometimes, after a battery replacement, the key fob needs to be resynchronized with your Nissan Altima’s system.

Solution: Key Fob Re-synchronization Procedure

This simple procedure should re-establish communication between your key fob and your vehicle:

1. Remove the emergency key: Take out the backup door key from your Nissan Altima key fob.
2. Enter your vehicle and leave the key fob inside. Make sure the key fob is inside the car, on the seat or dashboard.
3. Cycle the ignition to “ON” (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.
4. Exit the car with the emergency key: Leave the key fob inside the vehicle but take the backup door key with you.
5. Lock and unlock the driver’s door manually: Close the driver’s door. Insert the emergency key into the driver’s side door lock.
6. Lock the door: Turn the key to the left to lock the driver’s door. You should hear the door locking mechanism engage.
7. Unlock the door: Turn the key to the right to unlock the door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
8. Re-enter the vehicle and turn off the ignition: Remove the emergency key from the door lock and re-enter your Nissan Altima. 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.

Issue #2: Remote Key Fob Buttons Not Working After Battery Replacement

Symptoms:

• Everything seems normal except the remote button functions on your key fob are unresponsive.
• Buttons like remote door lock, unlock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if equipped) do not work.
• Door request buttons and push-button start do function normally.

Cause: This issue often indicates that the key fob’s push-button functions need to be reprogrammed with the vehicle’s main computer (ECU).

Solution: ECU Cold Boot (Reboot)

Performing a cold boot of your Nissan Altima’s ECU while the key fob is inside the car can reprogram the push-button functions. The easiest way to do this is by disconnecting and reconnecting the car battery:

1. Locate the car battery: Open your Nissan Altima’s hood and locate the main car battery.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal: Use a wrench to loosen and remove the nut on the negative (-) battery terminal. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Wait for a few minutes: Let the vehicle sit for one to two minutes to ensure the ECU fully resets.
4. Reconnect the negative battery terminal: Reattach the negative cable to the battery terminal and tighten the nut securely.
5. Test your key fob: After reconnecting the battery, test the remote buttons on your key fob. They should now be functioning correctly.

Important Note: Disconnecting the 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.

Tips to Prevent Key Fob Issues

• Replace the battery proactively: Change your Nissan Altima key fob battery before it gets too weak to avoid potential memory corruption issues.
• Use the correct battery: The recommended replacement battery is a CR2032. While a CR2025 can work temporarily, it is thinner and has a lower capacity, meaning it won’t last as long.
• Replace both key fob batteries simultaneously (if applicable): If you have two key fobs, consider replacing the batteries in both at the same time to avoid future issues. Performing either of the above procedures with both key fobs inside the car should reprogram both simultaneously, although this may not always be necessary.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common key fob issues after replacing the battery in your 2017 Nissan Altima. If you continue to experience problems, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified Nissan technician for further diagnosis and repair.