Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a real hassle, especially for vehicles with advanced security systems like the 2011 Nissan Armada. If you’re facing this issue with your Armada, you might be wondering about the best and most cost-effective way to get a replacement and get it programmed. This guide walks you through one owner’s experience replacing their 2011 Nissan Armada key fob, exploring options from DIY attempts to professional locksmith services, and what you can expect in terms of costs and potential hiccups.
Initially, the owner decided to take a proactive approach by ordering a new key fob and blank key online from eBay. This is a common first step for many looking to save money compared to dealership prices. The plan was to then have a local locksmith handle the key cutting and programming. The initial quote received from the locksmith was $50, which seemed like a reasonable price, signaling a potentially budget-friendly solution to the key fob problem.
However, attempting to program the key fob independently proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Like many modern vehicles, the 2011 Nissan Armada requires a specific sequence and timing to enter the “learn mode” for key fob programming. Without the precise procedure or the right tools, the owner found it impossible to program the fob themselves. This highlights a common hurdle for DIY attempts – while some vehicles offer straightforward on-board programming, others necessitate specialized equipment or knowledge. This experience underscores the value of professional expertise in key fob programming.
Eventually, a visit to the locksmith became necessary. While the final charge ended up being $75, slightly higher than the initial $50 quote due to the original locksmith being unavailable, it still presented a significant saving over dealership costs. The locksmith successfully cut the key and programmed the new fob. However, the process wasn’t entirely without complications. After the programming was completed and confirmed, an unexpected issue arose. Upon returning home and switching off the Armada, a “no key” message appeared on the dashboard. Furthermore, opening the door triggered the audible warning usually associated with leaving the vehicle running while exiting without the key fob present. This issue persisted with both the newly programmed eBay fob and the original key fob, indicating a potential glitch in the system after the programming process.
Returning to the locksmith, the owner was met with surprise, as this was an issue the locksmith hadn’t encountered before, even with personal experience owning two Armadas. After a brief period of troubleshooting, the locksmith used a diagnostic scanner. While no error codes were initially present, clearing any potential underlying codes seemed to resolve the problem. This unusual situation emphasizes that even with professional programming, unforeseen issues can sometimes occur, and having access to diagnostic tools can be crucial for resolving them.
In conclusion, replacing and programming a key fob for a 2011 Nissan Armada can be successfully achieved through a locksmith, often at a more affordable price than a dealership. In this instance, the total cost, including the eBay key fob and locksmith programming, amounted to $140 ($65 for the fob + $75 for programming). This was still considerably less expensive than the cost of obtaining a replacement directly from a Nissan dealership. While there may be minor unexpected issues that arise during the programming process, as illustrated by the “no key” message, these can typically be resolved by a skilled locksmith. This real-world experience provides valuable insight for 2011 Nissan Armada owners facing key fob replacement, demonstrating a cost-effective alternative to dealership services and highlighting the importance of professional expertise in key programming.
