Experiencing issues with your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob can be incredibly frustrating. Whether your key fob suddenly stopped working after a battery replacement or seems to be malfunctioning for no apparent reason, you’re not alone. Many Nissan Altima owners encounter key fob problems, and fortunately, there are often simple solutions you can try before heading to a dealership. This guide will walk you through common issues with 2016 Nissan Altima key fobs and provide troubleshooting steps to get you back on the road quickly.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages After Battery Replacement
One frequent problem arises after replacing your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob battery: you might see “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard. In this scenario, the door request buttons on your car door handles may also stop functioning. However, you might find that the key fob buttons for remote locking/unlocking and the panic button still work. You can typically still start your Altima by pressing the start button directly with the key fob or, on some models, by inserting it into an emergency start receptacle.
Solution: The good news is that this issue often has a straightforward fix involving a simple key fob re-synchronization procedure:
- Remove the mechanical backup key from your Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter your vehicle and ensure the key fob is inside the car.
- Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Exit the car, leaving the key fob inside. Take the mechanical backup key with you.
- Close the driver’s side door.
- Insert the backup key into the driver’s side door lock.
- Turn the key to the left to manually lock the door. You should hear the door locking mechanism engage.
- Turn the key to the right to manually unlock the door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Remove the backup key from the door lock and re-enter your Nissan Altima.
- Press the start button one more time (without pressing the brake pedal) to turn the ignition to the “OFF” position.
After completing these steps, the “Invalid key ID” messages should disappear, and all key fob functions, including door request buttons, should be working correctly again.
Issue #2: Remote Key Fob Buttons Not Working (Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic, Remote Start)
In contrast to the first issue, you might encounter a problem where everything seems normal except for the remote button functions on your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob. In this case, the buttons for remote door lock, unlock, trunk release, panic alarm, and remote start (if equipped) might become unresponsive.
Solution: This problem often indicates that the car’s main computer, the ECU (Engine Control Unit), needs a reboot while the key fob is inside the vehicle. Performing a “cold boot” of the ECU with the key fob present can reprogram the key fob’s push-button functionalities. The easiest way to achieve this cold boot is by disconnecting the car’s main battery:
- Locate the main car battery under the hood of your 2016 Nissan Altima.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Typically, this involves loosening a nut on the terminal clamp and carefully removing the clamp from the negative battery post. Use appropriate tools and safety precautions.
- Wait for one to two minutes. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Ensure the clamp is securely fastened to the battery post.
After reconnecting the battery, your 2016 Nissan Altima’s ECU will reboot. As it does, it should recognize and reprogram the push-button functions of your key fob, provided the key fob was inside the car during the reboot process.
Important Note: Disconnecting the car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your Altima might idle or drive slightly differently for the first few miles after the reboot as the ECU relearns optimal settings. This is normal and should resolve quickly.
Key Fob Battery Type
For your 2016 Nissan Altima key fob, the correct replacement battery is a CR2032 button cell battery. While a CR2025 battery might fit and function temporarily, it is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity. Using a CR2025 may result in a shorter battery life for your key fob. It’s always recommended to use the correct CR2032 battery for optimal performance and longevity.
Reprogramming Both Key Fobs Simultaneously
If you have two key fobs for your 2016 Nissan Altima and are experiencing issues with both, you can try reprogramming both at the same time. For either of the solutions described above (Issue #1 or Issue #2), simply leave both key fobs inside the car when performing the procedure. While not officially verified for all scenarios, anecdotal reports suggest this can effectively reprogram both key fobs simultaneously, saving you time if both are malfunctioning.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve common key fob issues with your 2016 Nissan Altima and regain full functionality without needing to visit a mechanic or dealership.
