2000 Nissan Altima Key Replacement

The 2000–2004 Altima uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Nissan Altima key guide.

2000 Nissan Altima: key facts

Key type: Transponder chip key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: 4D60 (Texas fixed-crypto)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

L30 generation; NI02/NSN11T2-type key. 4-digit NATS PIN derived from the BCM; OBD programmable including all-keys-lost.

What kind of key does a 2000 Altima use?

The 2000 Altima is from the L30 generation, and it uses a transponder key with a Texas 4D60 fixed-crypto chip hidden in the plastic head. The key is the NI02 or NSN11T2 type. It is not a push-to-start car, so there is no fob to carry in your pocket. You have a metal blade with a chip in the head, and the car needs to recognize both parts.

That matters because the cut on the blade only gets you into the ignition. The car's immobilizer, which Nissan calls NATS, also has to read the chip and accept it. If the chip is missing or was never programmed to your car, the engine will not stay running, and the NATS light on the dash will tell you so.

The data for this setup also lists a mechanical backup key. In plain terms, a key without a working chip can still do the physical jobs, such as opening the door. That is why so many owners think a hardware-store copy worked, right up until they turn the ignition.

Key type: transponder, 4D60 chip family
Push-to-start: no
Programming method: through the OBD port
Dealer-only programming: not required for this setup

Duplicate key or all keys lost: what is different?

If you still have a working key, making a duplicate is the more straightforward job. The original key is needed for a standard duplication on this car, because we cut the blade from it and program the new chip to the car while the original is present. This is usually the more economical route, and it is worth doing before you are down to your last key.

If every key is gone, this Altima still does not need to be towed to a dealer. All-keys-lost is possible on this setup. The 4-digit NATS PIN is derived from the body control module (BCM), which lets us enter the programming procedure through the OBD port and register new keys. We cut a key to fit the ignition, then program the chip so the immobilizer accepts it.

Either way, we work from the car, so you do not have to bring the vehicle anywhere unless you prefer to come to our Westwood storefront.

What is the usual process on this Altima?

Here is how a typical job goes. The exact order can shift depending on whether you have a key and what shape the ignition is in.

We confirm the car by VIN and check that it matches the 4D60 setup before cutting anything.
We cut the key blade, from your original if you have one, or by the ignition and door lock code if you do not.
We connect to the OBD port and retrieve the 4-digit NATS PIN from the BCM.
We program the new transponder chip, and any other keys you want working, into the immobilizer.
We start the car, test every key you have, and check that the NATS light behaves normally.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the cost of a 2000 Altima key?

We do not quote numbers in an article, because the real figure depends on your situation. These are the things that move it:

Whether you have a working key to copy from, or the job is all keys lost
How many keys you need cut and programmed
Whether the ignition is worn enough that a new key sticks or will not turn, which can add lock work
Whether we come to you with a mobile van or you come to the storefront
The time of day, since we answer around the clock and night calls take more of a technician's time
Whether an earlier copy with a poor or badly cloned chip has to be sorted out first

Common problems we see on this generation

The data for this year points to three repeat problems. First, worn ignition lock wafers on high-mileage cars. The key sticks or stops turning. A fresh key sometimes helps, but if the wafers are the issue, the ignition itself may need attention.

Second, a NATS security light that stays on. That means the immobilizer is not reading a worn or badly cloned chip. Third, hardware-store copies cut without a transponder. They open the doors but will not start the engine. In each case we first work out whether the problem is the key, the chip, or the lock, so you are not paying to fix the wrong part.

One honest note on verification

The chip family for this year, 4D60, is verified against a supplier reference, and the OBD programming method and all-keys-lost capability are confirmed in our data. Even so, we confirm by VIN and by looking at the car in person before we cut or program anything. Cars that are twenty-plus years old may have had a replacement ignition, a swapped module, or an aftermarket key along the way, and any of those can change what we find.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key

We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile service vans. When you call, you reach our company, not a dispatch middleman, and David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work. California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for it before they start.

If you want to see other model years, browse our Nissan Altima key pages or the wider Nissan key service overview. For a quote on your car, use our contact page or call (213) 577-1366.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 2000 Nissan Altima key be copied at a hardware store?

The blade can be cut there, and it will usually open the doors. It will not start the engine unless the chip inside is a 4D60 programmed to your car. A cut-only copy is not enough.

What if I lost all my keys to my 2000 Altima?

That is possible to fix on this car. The 4-digit NATS PIN is derived from the BCM, and we program new keys through the OBD port, so you do not need a dealer-only procedure.

Do you need my original key to make a duplicate?

Yes, for a standard duplicate the original key is needed. If you have none, we handle it as an all-keys-lost job instead.

Why is the NATS light staying on?

It usually means the immobilizer is not reading the chip. The cause can be a worn chip or a badly cloned one. We test the key and the system before recommending any repair.

My key sticks or will not turn in the ignition. Is it the key?

On high-mileage Altimas, worn ignition lock wafers are a common cause. We check the key and the lock together, because a new key will not cure a worn ignition.

Is this a push-to-start car?

No. The 2000 Altima uses a standard transponder key that goes into the ignition, not a push-button start with a proximity fob.

Do you come to me, or do I bring the car?

Either works. Our mobile vans can come to the car, or you can visit our Westwood storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd. Call (213) 577-1366 and we will tell you what makes sense.

We cover all these cities

Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.