Replacing or programming a key fob for your Nissan Armada doesn’t always require a costly trip to the dealership. Like many car owners, you might explore more affordable options, such as purchasing a key fob online and getting it programmed by a locksmith. This article shares a real-world experience of programming a new key fob for a Nissan Armada, offering insights into the process, potential hiccups, and cost savings.
After ordering a new key fob and key blank from eBay, the owner sought a local locksmith for cutting and programming. The initial quote of $50 seemed reasonable, significantly less than dealership prices. However, attempting DIY programming proved unsuccessful, highlighting that specific equipment or knowledge might be necessary to enter the vehicle’s learn mode. This led to scheduling an appointment with the locksmith.
The locksmith visit, while initially quoted at $50, ended up costing $75 due to a change in personnel. Despite the slight price increase, the locksmith successfully cut and programmed both the new eBay fob and the original key. Upon receiving the “good to go” message, the owner returned home, only to encounter an unexpected issue: a “no key detected” message appeared on the dashboard after turning off the engine. Additionally, opening the door triggered the typical three beeps, as if walking away from a running vehicle with the key. This problem persisted with both the newly programmed fob and the original one.
Returning to the locksmith, who was surprised by this unusual occurrence despite his experience with Armadas, the issue was diagnosed and resolved. After some troubleshooting and key cycling, the locksmith used his scanner tool. Although no error codes were initially present, he cleared any potential underlying codes. This action successfully resolved the “no key detected” problem, and the key fobs functioned correctly afterward.
In conclusion, this experience demonstrates that programming a Nissan Armada key fob through a locksmith can be a cost-effective alternative to dealership services. The total cost, including the eBay key fob ($65) and locksmith programming ($75), amounted to $140, which is still considerably less than the dealership’s price for just the key fob itself. While unexpected issues can arise, as illustrated by the “no key detected” problem, a competent locksmith can diagnose and resolve them. This real-world account provides helpful information for Nissan Armada owners considering key fob replacement and programming, highlighting potential cost savings and the importance of choosing an experienced locksmith.
