Experiencing issues with your Nissan Altima 2016 key fob after a battery replacement? You’re not alone. Many Nissan owners encounter problems like “Invalid Key ID” messages or unresponsive remote functions after swapping out their key fob battery. Fortunately, these common issues often have straightforward solutions you can perform yourself. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting and resolving these key fob battery related problems, ensuring you regain full functionality of your Nissan Altima’s keyless entry system.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” After Battery Replacement
One frequent problem after replacing your Nissan key fob battery is encountering “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard. Additionally, you might find that the door request buttons on your car handles cease to function. Interestingly, the remote buttons on the key fob itself, such as lock, unlock, and trunk release, might still work. You might also notice that you can only start your 2016 Nissan Altima by physically pressing the start button with the key fob or, in some models, by inserting it into an emergency receptacle.
Solution for “Invalid Key ID” Issue
This issue typically arises from a slight memory corruption in the key fob’s system after the battery is changed. Luckily, a simple reprogramming procedure can usually resolve it. Here’s how:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the mechanical backup key from your Nissan key fob.
- Enter the Vehicle: Get inside your Nissan Altima, ensuring you leave the key fob inside the car.
- Cycle Ignition (Without Brake): Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to the “ON” position, going through “ACC” first.
- Exit and Lock Manually: Get out of the car, taking the backup door key with you, but leave the key fob inside the vehicle. 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 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 backup key, re-enter your Nissan Altima, 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 return to normal operation.
Issue #2: Remote Key Fob Buttons Not Working After Battery Replacement
In contrast to the first issue, you might find that everything works correctly after a battery change except for the remote push-button functions on your Nissan Altima 2016 key fob. This means the remote door lock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if your Altima is equipped) might become unresponsive.
Solution for Non-Functioning Remote Buttons
This problem usually indicates that the key fob needs to be re-synchronized with your car’s main computer, also known as the ECU (Engine Control Unit). A “cold boot” of the ECU with the key fob inside the vehicle typically resolves this. Here’s the solution:
- Locate the Car Battery: Open the hood of your Nissan Altima and locate the main car battery.
- Disconnect Battery: Using a wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
- Wait: Leave the battery disconnected for a minute or two. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal to the car battery and tighten the connection.
By disconnecting and reconnecting the car battery, you force a reboot of the ECU. If your key fob is inside the car during this process, the push-button functions of the key fob are usually reprogrammed during the ECU’s restart.
Important Note: Disconnecting your car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your Nissan Altima might idle or drive slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery. However, the ECU will quickly relearn and return to its normal operating parameters.
Battery Type and Prevention Tips
For your Nissan Altima 2016 key fob, the correct replacement battery is a CR2032 button cell battery. While a CR2025 battery will also fit and function in an emergency, it is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity. Using a CR2025 might result in a shorter battery life for your key fob.
To prevent encountering these reprogramming issues in the first place, it’s advisable to replace your key fob battery before it becomes completely depleted and starts causing intermittent problems. Replacing the battery while it still has some charge can often prevent memory corruption and the need for these reset procedures.
Reprogramming Both Key Fobs Simultaneously
If you have two key fobs for your Nissan Altima 2016 and need to perform either of these reprogramming procedures, you can attempt to reprogram both simultaneously. Simply leave both key fobs inside the car when performing either the “Invalid Key ID” solution or the ECU reboot solution. While not always necessary if only one key fob is experiencing issues, this can be a time-saving step if you suspect both might need reprogramming.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve common key fob issues after a battery replacement in your Nissan Altima 2016 and regain full keyless entry functionality.
