2016 Nissan Altima Key Replacement

The 2016–2025 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.

2016 Nissan Altima: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: Yes
Transponder chip: 4A (Hitag AES)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Mid-generation chip change: same KR5S180144014 FCC ID as 2013-2015 but IC ending 204 and a 4A/Hitag-AES chip — keys do not interchange across the 2015/2016 boundary.

What kind of key does a 2016 Altima use?

The 2016 Altima is a push-to-start car with a smart proximity key. The car senses the fob when it's near, and you start the engine with the button instead of turning a key. Inside the fob is a 4A chip, which is the Hitag AES family. We've checked that against two parts-supplier references, so we treat it as verified.

Every fob also hides a mechanical backup key. That key opens the driver's door if the fob battery dies or the fob is damaged. It will not start the car by itself, so it's a way in, not a way to drive away.

The 2016 model year is a particular case. Nissan changed the chip partway through this generation. The 2016 fob carries the same FCC ID as the 2013 to 2015 fobs, KR5S180144014, but its IC number ends in 204 and it has the newer 4A Hitag AES chip. Because of that, keys do not interchange across the 2015/2016 boundary. A fob that looks identical and comes out of a 2015 Altima will not pair with a 2016.

What if the fob just stopped working?

Before you replace anything, it's worth ruling out the simple causes. Here are the problems we see listed for this setup:

A dead fob battery. The dash says the key isn't detected. As a backup, hold the fob against the start button and try to start the car that way.
A water-damaged fob, such as one that went through the wash or sat in a wet pocket.
A crushed or cracked fob, often from being sat on or run over.
An aftermarket fob whose FCC ID and IC numbers don't match the original. These fail to pair, however good they look on the listing.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how does it differ on this Altima?

If you still have a working key, making another is the simpler job. For this car an original key needs to be present when we duplicate. We pair the new fob to the car through the OBD port, and the process doesn't require NASTF SDRM access.

If you've lost every key, replacement is still possible. We can make a new key without an original. The work takes more steps because the car has no existing key to learn from, and for a proximity system that means more time at the vehicle. It's the most common reason people call us from a parking lot, and it can usually be handled where the car sits using our mobile vans.

Tell us the year, model and where the car is. We'll ask for the VIN.
We check the fob type and the FCC ID and IC numbers against what the 2016 car needs.
We cut or confirm the mechanical backup key if you need one.
We program the new fob through the OBD port.
We test starting the car with the push button and confirm the doors and backup key work.

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 2016 Altima key?

We don't quote numbers on a web page, because the real figure depends on your situation. These are the things that move it:

How many keys you still have. Duplicating from a working key is usually the more economical route compared with an all-keys-lost job.
Whether you need one fob or a spare as well.
The fob itself. An original-spec fob with matching FCC ID and IC numbers costs differently than a mismatched one, and a mismatched one may not work at all.
Whether you need the mechanical backup key cut.
Where the car is. A mobile visit and a drop-off at our Westwood storefront involve different logistics.
Time of day, since we answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What do we confirm in person?

The data on this year is verified, but we still confirm by VIN before programming. The mid-generation chip change is the reason. Cars built near the 2015/2016 boundary are where a wrong fob is most likely to be ordered. If you've bought a fob online, bring it or send us the FCC ID and IC numbers printed on it, and we'll tell you honestly whether it will pair before anyone spends time on it.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key?

We've been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles (Westwood) and mobile service vans. You talk to one company, not a dispatch middleman who passes the job to a stranger. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work. We serve 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for it before they touch your car. You're entitled to ask us too.

For other Nissan models, see our Nissan key replacement overview or the broader Altima key page. Our full car key services page covers other makes. When you're ready, contact us or call (213) 577-1366.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a key from a 2015 Altima on my 2016?

No. The FCC ID matches the 2013 to 2015 fobs, but the 2016 has a different IC number ending in 204 and a 4A Hitag AES chip. Keys do not interchange across the 2015/2016 boundary.

My Altima says the key isn't detected. Is the fob dead?

Often it's just the fob battery. Hold the fob against the start button and try starting the car. If that works, replace the battery. If it doesn't, the fob may be damaged or unpaired.

Can you make a key if I've lost all of them?

Yes. All-keys-lost replacement is possible for this car. We program the new fob through the OBD port. It takes more steps than duplicating from a working key.

Do I need the original key to make a copy?

For duplication, yes. An original key needs to be present. If you have none, we handle it as an all-keys-lost job instead.

Does this Altima have a physical backup key?

Yes. A mechanical key is hidden inside the fob. It opens the driver's door when the fob battery is dead, but it doesn't start the car.

Why won't my aftermarket fob pair?

The most common reason is that the FCC ID or IC numbers don't match the original. A fob that looks right can still have the wrong chip or frequency, so check the numbers first.

Do I need to go to the dealer?

Based on our data for this year, programming goes through the OBD port and doesn't require NASTF SDRM access. We confirm by VIN before starting.

Do you come to me, or do I come to you?

Either works. We have a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans. Call (213) 577-1366, and we answer around the clock.

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.