Programming a new key fob for your 2004 Nissan Altima can sometimes turn into a frustrating experience, especially when dealing with aftermarket (non-OEM) keys. Many owners discover, as I did, that these non-original key fobs can be incredibly finicky and often refuse to program correctly with standard key programming tools.
Initially, I encountered this exact problem. Using aftermarket keys with my professional-grade scanners, a CK-100+ and a Foxwell NT530, proved unsuccessful. Even the existing non-OEM key, which had previously worked, stopped functioning after I reset the Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS) with my scanner. This led me down a rabbit hole of troubleshooting and wasted time, suggesting that perhaps only very expensive, top-tier professional scanners, costing thousands of dollars, might be capable of programming these aftermarket keys.
However, the solution turned out to be much simpler and more cost-effective: switching to genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) keys. I sourced two OEM immobilizer keys specifically for my 2004 Nissan Altima:
- Part No.: H0564-3Z010 KEY – BLANK, MASTER (NissanPartsDeal.com, around $29 each)
Once I had these OEM keys in hand, the programming process became seamless. My Foxwell NT530 scanner worked perfectly, following standard programming instructions, and successfully programmed both OEM keys without any issues. I even managed to program an aftermarket remote door lock fob without needing a scanner for that function, highlighting that the immobilizer programming is where OEM keys truly make a difference.
For anyone attempting to program a key for a 2004 Nissan Altima, it’s also worth noting that the PIN code for key programming is often a fixed code: 5523. This can save you the hassle of trying to obtain a unique PIN from a dealer, which is required for some other Nissan models.
In hindsight, while I initially thought my CK-100+ key programmer ($130 investment) might be the solution, it turned out the issue was not the scanner itself, nor even my Foxwell NT530. The critical factor was the type of key being used. Although I didn’t test the CK-100+ with the OEM keys, it’s highly likely it would have worked just as well. It seems the compatibility issue lies squarely with the non-OEM keys and their interaction with the Nissan Altima’s immobilizer system.
It’s also relevant to mention that during my troubleshooting, I encountered the P1610 lockout code (and P1615). Fortunately, my Foxwell NT530 scanner easily cleared these codes before I proceeded to program the OEM keys.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling to program a key fob for your 2004 Nissan Altima, especially if you’re encountering difficulties with aftermarket keys, investing in OEM keys is highly recommended. It can save you significant time, frustration, and potentially the unnecessary expense of more advanced programming tools. Stick with OEM for key programming on this model, and you’ll likely find the process to be straightforward and successful.
