Experiencing issues with your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob after a battery replacement? You’re not alone. Many Nissan owners encounter problems like “Invalid Key ID” messages or unresponsive key fob buttons after swapping out the battery. This guide will walk you through common issues and provide step-by-step solutions to get your key fob working perfectly again. We’ll also cover the correct battery type for your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob and offer tips to prevent future problems.
Issue #1: “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” After Battery Replacement
One frustrating issue after replacing your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob battery is seeing “Invalid Key ID” or “No Key Detected” messages on your dashboard. You might also notice that the door request buttons on your car no longer function. However, the key fob buttons for remote locking/unlocking and trunk release might still work. You can usually still start your Altima by pressing the start button directly with the key fob.
Solution for “Invalid Key ID” Issue
This issue often arises because the key fob needs to be resynchronized with your Nissan Altima after a battery change. Here’s how to resolve it:
- Remove the Backup Door Key: Take out the physical backup key from your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob.
- Enter Your Nissan Altima: Get inside your car, ensuring you leave the key fob inside the vehicle.
- Cycle Ignition to “ON”: Press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will cycle the ignition to the “ON” position.
- Exit the Vehicle with Backup Key: Open the driver’s side door and step out of your Altima. Make sure to take the backup door key with you, but leave the key fob inside the car.
- Lock the Driver’s Door Manually: Close the driver’s door. Insert the backup door key into the door lock cylinder on the driver’s side door. Turn the key to the left to lock the door. You should hear the locking mechanism engage.
- Unlock the Driver’s Door Manually: Turn the key to the right to unlock the door. Again, listen for the unlocking mechanism.
- Re-enter and Turn Off Ignition: Remove the backup door key from the lock and re-enter your Nissan Altima. Press the start button one more time (again, 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 be working correctly.
Issue #2: Key Fob Buttons Not Working After Battery Replacement
Another common problem is that none of the key fob’s push-button functions work after a battery replacement on your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob. This means the remote door lock, panic button, remote trunk release, and remote start (if equipped) are unresponsive. However, the keyless entry and starting the car (as described in Issue #1) might still function normally.
Solution for Non-Functioning Key Fob Buttons
This issue typically indicates that the key fob’s button functions need to be reprogrammed or reset. A simple ECU reboot can often resolve this.
- Locate the Car Battery: Open the hood of your 2017 Nissan Altima and locate the main car battery.
- Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal: Using a wrench, loosen and disconnect the negative (black) battery cable terminal.
- Wait and Reconnect: Wait for a minute or two. This allows the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to fully discharge and reset. Then, reconnect the negative battery cable terminal and tighten it securely.
By disconnecting and reconnecting the car battery with the key fob inside the car, you force a “cold boot” of the ECU. During this reboot, the push-button functions of your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob are usually reprogrammed, restoring their functionality.
Important Note: Disconnecting your car battery will reset the ECU’s learned settings. Your car might idle slightly differently for the first few miles after reconnecting the battery. This is normal and the car will quickly readjust to its optimal settings.
Choosing the Right Battery for Your 2017 Nissan Altima Key Fob
The correct replacement battery for your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob is a CR2032 button cell battery. This is a 3V lithium battery commonly used in key fobs and small electronic devices.
While a CR2025 battery might fit and work in a pinch, it’s not the ideal replacement. The CR2025 is slightly thinner than the CR2032 (2.5mm vs. 3.2mm) and has a slightly lower capacity. This means a CR2025 battery might not last as long as a CR2032. For optimal performance and longevity, always use a CR2032 battery for your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob.
Tips to Prevent Key Fob Issues
Replacing the battery in your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob proactively, before you experience intermittent problems, can often prevent the issues described above. If you wait until the battery voltage is extremely low, the key fob’s internal memory can become corrupted, making simple battery replacement insufficient.
Pro Tip: Consider replacing your key fob battery every 1-2 years, or sooner if you notice decreased range or intermittent responsiveness. Keeping a fresh battery in your 2017 Nissan Altima key fob will ensure reliable operation and prevent unexpected headaches.
By following these troubleshooting steps and using the correct CR2032 battery, you can confidently address common key fob issues after a battery replacement in your 2017 Nissan Altima.
