Experiencing issues with your 2007 Nissan Altima key fob? It’s a common frustration when your key fob suddenly stops cooperating, leaving you locked out or unable to start your vehicle. Whether you’ve just replaced the battery or your key fob has inexplicably ceased to function, this guide is designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem. We’ll explore two distinct scenarios you might encounter with your 2007 Nissan Altima key fob and provide step-by-step solutions to get you back on the road.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages After Battery Replacement
One frequent problem arises after replacing your key fob battery: you may receive “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard. Additionally, the door request buttons on your Altima might stop working. Interestingly, the remote buttons for locking/unlocking doors and the trunk often remain functional. You might also find that you can still start your car by physically pressing the start button with the key fob or, on some models, by inserting it into the emergency start receptacle.
Solution: Reprogram your key fob following these steps:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the backup door key from your Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter and Position the Key Fob: Get into your car and keep the key fob inside the vehicle.
- Cycle Ignition (Without Brake): Press the start button twice to cycle the ignition from OFF to ACC to ON. Crucially, DO NOT press the brake pedal at any point during this procedure.
- Exit with Backup Key: Open the car door and exit the vehicle, leaving the key fob inside. Make sure to take the backup door key with you.
- Lock and Unlock Manually: Close the driver’s side door. Insert the backup door key into the door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the left to lock the driver’s 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 Ignition: Remove the door key 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 should return to normal.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working – Remote Lock, Trunk, Panic, or Remote Start
In contrast to the first issue, you might encounter a situation where everything seems normal except for the push-button functions on your 2007 Nissan Altima key fob. This means the remote door lock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if your Altima is equipped with it) are unresponsive.
Solution: Reboot the ECU (Engine Control Unit) with the key fob inside the car. A cold boot of the ECU, with the key fob present, will often reprogram the push-button functionalities. The simplest way to perform a cold reboot is to disconnect the main car battery located under the hood.
- Locate Car Battery: Open your car’s hood and find the main battery.
- Disconnect Battery: Using a wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Wait: Let the battery remain disconnected for a minute or two.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery. Ensure it is securely tightened.
Be aware that disconnecting the car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. As a result, your car might idle or drive slightly differently for the initial few miles after reconnecting the battery. However, it should quickly return to its normal operating behavior as the ECU relearns.
General Key Fob Battery Tips
Replacing your key fob battery proactively, before it becomes critically low, can often prevent these reprogramming issues altogether. The recommended replacement battery is a CR2032 button cell. While a CR2025 battery, which is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity, can work in an emergency, it won’t last as long as the CR2032.
For those managing multiple key fobs, it’s worth noting that both key fobs can potentially be reprogrammed simultaneously. By leaving both key fobs inside the car while performing either of the procedures described above, you might be able to resolve issues for both at once. While not personally verified for both fobs simultaneously, anecdotal evidence suggests this could be an efficient approach.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to address common key fob issues with your 2007 Nissan Altima and regain full functionality without needing professional assistance.
