Is your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob not working like it used to? You might be experiencing the frustration of pressing the unlock button and getting no response. Before you worry about expensive repairs or a trip to the dealership, the most likely culprit is a dead battery in your key fob. The good news is that replacing the key fob battery for your 2014 Nissan Altima is a simple task you can easily handle yourself in just a few minutes.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the battery in your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob, saving you time and money.
What You’ll Need
Changing your Nissan Altima key fob battery is straightforward and requires minimal tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A new CR2032 3V battery: This is the standard battery size for most Nissan key fobs, including the 2014 Altima. You can find these batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for a few dollars. It’s a good idea to buy a multipack to have spares on hand.
- A small flathead screwdriver: This will be used to gently open the key fob casing. Using a screwdriver that is too large could damage the fob, so choose a small size.
- Gloves (optional): While not essential, wearing latex or non-latex gloves can help keep the key fob electronics clean and prevent any oils from your fingers from transferring to the battery or internal components.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2014 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery
Follow these simple steps to replace the dead battery in your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob:
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Locate the Emergency Key and Slider: Turn your Nissan key fob over to the back side. You’ll see a small slider or button that releases the emergency mechanical key.
Back of Nissan key fob with slider to release emergency key -
Remove the Emergency Key: Slide the release and pull out the emergency key. This key is a backup to manually unlock your car door if the key fob battery is dead.
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Find the Notch: Look at the top edge of the key fob, where the key ring attaches. You’ll find a small notch or slot along the seam where the front and back halves of the fob meet.
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Insert and Twist the Screwdriver: Carefully insert the tip of your small flathead screwdriver into this notch. Gently twist the screwdriver. This will begin to separate the two halves of the key fob casing. Don’t force it; a little twist should be enough to create a gap.
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Separate the Fob Halves: Once you’ve created a small opening, you can usually use your fingers or the screwdriver to gently pry the two halves of the key fob completely apart.
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Identify the Old Battery: Open the back half of the key fob. You will see the old, dead CR2032 battery. It’s usually held in place by small metal clips.
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Remove the Old Battery: Use the flathead screwdriver to carefully pop the old battery out of its housing. Be gentle to avoid damaging the surrounding components.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the battery compartment. Make sure the “+” (positive) side of the battery is facing down. This is crucial for the key fob to function correctly.
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Click the New Battery into Place: Press down on the new battery until it clicks securely into its place within the metal clips.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Carefully align the front and back halves of the key fob casing. Press them firmly together until they snap back into place. You should hear a click, indicating they are properly closed.
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Replace the Emergency Key: Slide the emergency key back into its slot in the key fob until it clicks and locks into position.
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Test Your Key Fob: Press the buttons on your key fob to test if it’s working. You should now be able to lock and unlock your 2014 Nissan Altima remotely.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Battery Orientation is Key: Double-check that you inserted the new CR2032 battery with the “+” side down. Incorrect battery orientation is a common mistake.
- Clean Contacts: If your key fob still doesn’t work after replacing the battery, check the metal contacts in the battery compartment. If they look corroded or dirty, you can gently clean them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Still Not Working? If you’ve replaced the battery and cleaned the contacts, and your 2014 Nissan Altima key fob still isn’t working, there might be a different issue. It’s possible there’s a problem with the key fob itself, or the car’s receiver. In this case, it’s best to contact a professional Nissan service center like Palm Springs Nissan to diagnose and resolve the issue. They can also assist with key fob programming if needed.
Schedule a service appointment with Palm Springs Nissan if you prefer professional assistance.
Changing the key fob battery for your 2014 Nissan Altima is a simple DIY task that can save you time and money. By following these steps, you can quickly get your remote working again and avoid the inconvenience of a dead key fob.
