Upgrading your car key might seem like a minor detail, but for Nissan owners, the allure of a sleek 20th Anniversary key is strong. The question arises: can these newer keys be programmed to work with older Nissan models? One Nissan owner decided to find out, documenting their DIY Car Ignition Key Programming journey with a 1999 Maxima. Here’s what they discovered about making a 20th Anniversary key compatible with an older vehicle.
Initially, the attempt at a Nissan dealership to cut and program the 20th Anniversary key faced a physical hurdle. The key’s thickness prevented it from fitting into the car doors, although it did slide into the ignition. Undeterred, they sought a second opinion and key-cutting service from Ace Hardware. While the key now fit the lock, it still wouldn’t turn the ignition. The solution? Carefully shaving down the sides of the key to reduce its thickness.
With the modified key, success seemed within reach. It turned in the ignition! However, an unexpected problem arose – none of the original keys would now start the car. This is a known issue when attempting to use a non-programmed transponder key, potentially triggering the car’s immobilizer system. Panic set in, and the owner considered towing the vehicle to the dealership for reprogramming all keys.
Fortunately, before the tow truck arrived, one of the original keys miraculously started the car. Crisis averted, they proceeded with a clever workaround: swapping the transponder chip from the old, broken key into the new 20th Anniversary key. This DIY car ignition key programming trick proved successful. The 20th Anniversary key, now housing the original car’s chip, started the 1999 Nissan Maxima without issue, blending modern aesthetics with older vehicle compatibility.
This real-world experience highlights that while 20th Anniversary keys can be made to work with older Nissan models through car ignition key programming, it may require physical key modification and potentially chip swapping. It’s a testament to DIY ingenuity and a reminder of the complexities sometimes encountered in car key programming.
