Experiencing issues with your 2020 Nissan Altima key fob after a battery replacement can be frustrating. Many Nissan Altima owners encounter problems like “Invalid Key ID” messages or unresponsive door request buttons after swapping out the key fob battery. Fortunately, these common issues often have simple DIY solutions, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps and solutions for common 2020 Nissan Altima key fob problems.
Many assume that simply replacing the battery in their Nissan Altima key fob should resolve any power-related issues. However, sometimes the system requires a reset or reprogramming after a battery change, especially if the old battery was significantly drained. There are two main scenarios you might encounter, and each has a straightforward fix you can perform yourself.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” Messages After Battery Replacement
After replacing your 2020 Nissan Altima key fob battery, you might still see “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard. Additionally, the door request buttons on your vehicle might stop working. Interestingly, the key fob buttons for remote locking, unlocking, and the trunk release usually remain functional. You might also find that you can only start your Altima by physically pressing the start button with the key fob itself.
Solution: A simple key fob re-synchronization procedure can resolve this issue. Here’s how:
- Remove the mechanical backup key from your Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter your 2020 Altima and ensure the key fob is inside the vehicle.
- 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 vehicle, leaving the key fob inside. Take the mechanical backup key with you.
- Close the driver’s side door.
- Insert the backup door key into the driver’s side door lock.
- Turn the key to the left (counter-clockwise) to lock the door. You should hear the door locking mechanism engage.
- Turn the key to the right (clockwise) to unlock the door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Remove the door key 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” 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. This procedure effectively re-establishes the communication between your 2020 Nissan Altima and its key fob.
Issue #2: Key Fob Push Buttons Not Working (Remote Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic, Remote Start)
In this scenario, everything related to your 2020 Nissan Altima key fob might seem normal, except for the push-button functions. You can start the car, and the “key detected” system works, but the remote lock, unlock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if equipped) are unresponsive.
Solution: This issue typically indicates that the key fob’s push-button functions need to be re-programmed to the vehicle’s ECU (Engine Control Unit). A “cold boot” of the ECU with the key fob inside the car usually resolves this.
- Ensure your 2020 Nissan Altima key fob is inside the vehicle.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of your car’s main battery located under the hood. Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative battery cable and carefully detach the cable.
- Wait for one to two minutes. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Tighten the nut securely.
Alt: Replacing the CR2032 battery in a Nissan key fob for optimal performance.
Disconnecting the car battery effectively reboots the ECU. When the system powers back up with the key fob present inside the vehicle, it re-establishes the programming for the key fob’s push-button functions. Be aware that after an ECU reboot, your 2020 Nissan Altima might idle slightly differently for the first few miles as the ECU relearns its optimal settings. This is normal and will quickly correct itself.
Key Fob Battery Type
For your 2020 Nissan Altima Key Fob Replacement, the correct battery type is a CR2032 button cell battery. While a CR2025 battery might fit and work temporarily, it is slightly thinner and has a lower capacity. Using a CR2025 might result in a shorter battery life. It’s always recommended to use the CR2032 for optimal performance and longevity of your Nissan Altima key fob.
Reprogramming Both Key Fobs
If you have two key fobs for your 2020 Nissan Altima and are experiencing issues with both, you can attempt to reprogram both simultaneously. For either of the solutions described above, simply leave both key fobs inside the car when performing the reprogramming procedure. While not always necessary, this can be a time-saving approach if you suspect both key fobs might be experiencing similar issues after battery replacement.
Conclusion
Dealing with key fob issues after a 2020 Nissan Altima key fob replacement doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding these common scenarios and following the simple troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem yourself. These solutions are designed to quickly get your key fob working correctly without requiring specialized tools or a visit to a mechanic, ensuring you maintain full access and functionality of your Nissan Altima.
