Are you experiencing issues with your 2020 Nissan Altima key fob after replacing the battery? It’s a common frustration, but fortunately, often resolvable at home. As your trusted automotive experts at keyfobprog.com, we’ll walk you through common problems and provide straightforward solutions to get your key fob working smoothly again.
Many 2020 Altima owners encounter problems after a seemingly simple key fob battery replacement. You might find yourself facing an “Invalid Key ID” error or a “No Key Detected” message on your dashboard, even with a fresh battery. Alternatively, the key fob’s remote functions, such as locking and unlocking doors or remote start, may suddenly stop working, while the door request buttons become unresponsive.
Let’s dive into these common scenarios and their fixes.
Common Issues After 2020 Altima Key Fob Battery Replacement
After replacing your 2020 Altima Key Fob Battery, you might encounter one of two primary issues. Understanding these will help you quickly identify the problem and apply the correct solution.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages
This issue is characterized by your Altima displaying “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages after a battery replacement. While the key fob buttons for remote door operation might still function, the door request buttons on your car handles will likely be unresponsive. Interestingly, you can usually still start your 2020 Altima by pressing the start button directly with the key fob or, on some models, by using the emergency key fob receptacle.
Solution: The key fob may need a reset to re-establish communication with your Nissan Altima. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the Backup Key: Take out the mechanical backup key from your 2020 Altima key fob.
- Enter and Power Cycle: Get into your Altima, leaving the key fob inside the vehicle.
- Accessory and On Mode (No Brake): Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to ACC (Accessory) and then ON mode.
- Exit and Lock: Get out of the car, taking only the backup door key with you, and leave the key fob inside. Close the driver’s side door.
- Manual Lock and Unlock: Insert the backup door key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. 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, you’ll hear the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Power Off: Remove the backup key, re-enter your Altima, and press the start button one more time (again, without pressing the brake) to turn the ignition OFF.
After this procedure, the “Invalid Key ID” messages should disappear, and all key fob functions, including door request buttons, should return to normal.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working (Remote Functions)
In contrast to the first issue, this problem presents as a scenario where everything seems normal except the remote button functions on your 2020 Altima key fob. The remote lock, unlock, panic button, and remote trunk release (if equipped) become completely unresponsive.
Solution: This typically indicates that the key fob’s push-button functions need to be re-synchronized with your Altima’s computer system (ECU). A simple ECU reboot with the key fob inside the car usually resolves this.
- Locate the Battery: Open your Altima’s hood and locate the main car battery.
- Disconnect Battery (Cold Boot): Using a wrench, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for a minute or two. This performs a “cold boot” of the ECU.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal securely.
During this cold boot, the ECU re-reads and reprograms the push-button functions of the key fob if it’s inside the vehicle. Be aware that disconnecting the car battery might reset some of your Altima’s learned settings, such as idle behavior. However, the car will quickly relearn these settings within the first few miles of driving and return to its normal operation.
Preventing Key Fob Issues After Battery Replacement
The best way to avoid these post-battery replacement issues with your 2020 Altima key fob is prevention. Replacing the battery before it completely dies can significantly reduce the chances of memory corruption within the key fob.
Correct Battery Type: Always use the correct replacement battery. For the 2020 Altima key fob, the standard battery is a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell battery. While a CR2025 battery (which is slightly thinner) can work in an emergency, it has a lower capacity and won’t last as long as the CR2032.
Alt: Opening a 2020 Nissan Altima key fob to replace the CR2032 battery.
Conclusion
Dealing with key fob issues after a battery change can be inconvenient, but by understanding these common problems and their solutions, you can quickly restore full functionality to your 2020 Nissan Altima key fob. Remember to use the correct CR2032 battery and consider replacing it proactively to avoid potential memory issues.
For more car key fob tips, troubleshooting, and programming guides, keep visiting keyfobprog.com – your trusted resource for automotive key solutions.
