Replacing the battery in your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob might seem straightforward, but it’s crucial to know the correct battery size and be prepared for potential issues that can arise. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery, including the size, replacement process, and troubleshooting common problems.
The correct 2012 Nissan Altima Key Fob Battery Size is CR2032. This is a 3V lithium coin cell battery that provides the necessary power for your key fob to communicate with your vehicle. While a CR2025 battery might fit in a pinch, it’s slightly thinner and has a lower capacity, meaning it won’t last as long as the recommended CR2032. Using the correct battery size ensures optimal performance and longevity for your key fob.
Sometimes, after replacing the battery in your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob, you might encounter issues like an “Invalid Key ID” message or the inability to use the door request buttons. Don’t worry, this is a common problem and often easily resolved. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or No Key Detected After Battery Replacement
You’ve replaced the 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery, but your car isn’t recognizing the key. The symptoms might include:
- “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” message on the dashboard.
- Door request buttons on the door handle not working.
- Remote door lock/unlock and trunk release buttons on the key fob may still function.
- You can start the car by physically pressing the start button with the key fob.
Solution: Re-syncing your key fob to your 2012 Nissan Altima can often resolve this issue. Follow these steps:
- Remove the emergency backup key from your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter your Nissan 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.
- Exit the car, leaving the key fob inside. Take the backup door key with you.
- Close the driver’s side door and use the backup door key to manually lock the door by turning the key to the left in the door lock cylinder. You should hear the locking mechanism engage.
- Immediately unlock the door by turning the key to the right. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Remove the backup door key and re-enter your 2012 Nissan Altima.
- Press the start button one more time (without pressing the brake) to turn the ignition to the “OFF” position.
After these steps, the “Invalid Key ID” message should disappear, and your key fob should function normally with your 2012 Nissan Altima.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working After Battery Replacement
In some cases, you might find that all keyless entry functions on your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob, like remote lock/unlock, panic button, and trunk release, are not working after a battery change, while the car itself still recognizes the key for starting.
Solution: This issue often indicates that the key fob’s push-button functions need to be re-programmed with your car’s computer (ECU). A simple ECU reboot can usually fix this.
- Ensure your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob is inside the vehicle.
- Locate the car battery under the hood of your Nissan Altima.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal (usually black) and carefully remove the cable.
- Wait for one to two minutes. This allows the ECU to fully discharge and reset.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut.
Disconnecting the car battery forces a “cold boot” of the ECU. When the system restarts with the key fob inside the car, it should re-establish communication with the key fob’s button functions. Be aware that disconnecting your car battery may reset some of your car’s learned settings, such as idle settings. Your car might idle slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery, but it should quickly return to normal as the ECU relearns.
Preventative Measures and Additional Tips
To minimize potential issues when changing your 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery:
- Replace the battery before it completely dies. Intermittent key fob problems can sometimes indicate a low battery. Replacing it proactively can prevent memory corruption in the key fob.
- Use the correct battery size: CR2032. While CR2025 can work temporarily, CR2032 is the optimal 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery size for performance and longevity.
- Consider replacing both key fob batteries at the same time. If you have two key fobs for your 2012 Nissan Altima, replacing the batteries in both simultaneously can prevent future issues with the second fob. Some users report that performing the re-sync or ECU reboot procedures with both key fobs inside the car can reprogram both at once, although this is not officially verified.
By understanding the correct 2012 Nissan Altima key fob battery size and following these troubleshooting steps, you can confidently maintain your key fob and ensure reliable access to your vehicle.
