2002 Nissan Frontier Key Replacement

The 2002–2004 Frontier uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Nissan Frontier key guide.

2002 Nissan Frontier: 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

NATS arrives on the D22 (NI02/NSN11T2 key); 4-digit BCM-derived PIN, OBD programmable. Some base/fleet trucks may still be non-transponder — the key stamp settles it.

What kind of key does a 2002 Frontier use?

The 2002 Frontier is where Nissan's NATS immobilizer shows up on the D22 truck. The key carries a transponder chip from the 4D60 family, a Texas fixed-crypto chip, and the key blank is the NI02 / NSN11T2 style. The truck is not push-to-start. You turn a metal key in the ignition like always, but the truck also has to read the chip in the head of that key before it will stay running.

That has a practical meaning for you. The metal cut only gets the key into the ignition and turns the lock. If the chip has not been programmed to your truck, the engine will crank at best and then quit, or not start at all. The data we work from also lists a mechanical backup key for this setup, so there is a plain metal key that works the locks, but the engine still needs a programmed chip.

Key type: transponder, not push-to-start
Chip family: 4D60 (Texas fixed-crypto), verified
Programming: through the OBD port, no special factory-tool subscription required
Security light: the NATS light on the dash tells you what the immobilizer is seeing

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how each works

For this truck, making a duplicate is straightforward when you still have a working original. The original key is needed for a copy, and we cut the blade and program the new chip to the truck. If you have one key and want a spare, do it now, while it is a simple copy and not a rescue job.

All keys lost is also possible on the 2002 Frontier. The NATS system uses a 4-digit PIN derived from the body control module (BCM), and the truck can be programmed over OBD once that code is in hand. We cut a new key from the vehicle's lock information, then program it. It takes more steps than a duplicate, which is why it costs more, but you do not have to have the truck hauled to a dealer for it.

Tell us the truck's year, model and where it is parked. Have your ID and registration or title ready.
If you have a key, read us what is stamped on it. That stamp helps us confirm the chip type.
We cut the blade to fit the door and ignition.
We connect through the OBD port and program the chip so the NATS system accepts it.
We test the key in the doors and ignition, and confirm the engine starts and keeps running.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

Common problems we see on this truck

Three issues come up again and again with 2002 Frontiers, and each one points to a different fix.

The key sticks or will not turn. On high-mileage trucks the ignition lock wafers wear down. Sometimes a new key cut fresh fixes it. Sometimes the lock itself needs work.
The NATS security light stays on. That means the immobilizer is not reading the chip, often because the chip is worn or was badly cloned.
The hardware-store copy opens the doors but will not start the engine. It was cut without a transponder, so the metal fits but the truck has nothing to read.

What affects the price of a 2002 Frontier key?

We will not quote a number here, because it depends on your situation, and we would rather explain it than guess. The main factors are whether you have a working original key or have lost them all, how many keys you want made, and whether the ignition lock is worn enough that the new key will not turn smoothly.

Where the truck is matters too. A mobile visit to your location and a trip to our Westwood storefront are different jobs. A duplicate from an existing key is usually the more economical route, which is a good reason not to wait until you are down to your last key. We give you the cost before we start working.

One thing we confirm in person: base and fleet trucks

Our data shows NATS arriving on the D22, but some base-level or fleet trucks may still have been built without a transponder. A key stamp usually settles it, and if we are unsure we confirm by VIN or by looking at the truck and key in person before we cut anything. That keeps you from paying for a chip your truck does not use, or a plain key that will not start it.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key

We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans that serve 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The person who answers is with the same company that sends the van; there is no dispatch middleman. 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. For more on your truck, see our Nissan Frontier key pages or the wider Nissan key service overview. You can also contact us or start from our home page. The phone is answered around the clock at (213) 577-1366.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2002 Nissan Frontier need a transponder key?

Usually yes. The 2002 D22 uses the NATS immobilizer and a 4D60 transponder chip. Some base or fleet trucks may not have one, and we confirm by key stamp, VIN or in person.

Can you make a key if I lost all of mine?

Yes. All keys lost is possible on this truck. We cut a new key and program it over the OBD port using the 4-digit code that NATS relies on.

Can I just get a copy cut at a hardware store?

A plain copy may open the doors but will not start the engine, because it has no programmed chip. The truck needs a transponder key that has been programmed.

Why is my NATS light staying on?

It means the immobilizer is not reading the chip. That can come from a worn chip or a poorly cloned key. Bring us the key and we will check the chip and the truck.

Do I need the original key to make a duplicate?

Yes, a duplicate needs an original key. If you have none, we use the all-keys-lost process instead.

Does the truck have to go to a dealer?

Not for this year. Programming is done through the OBD port and does not need a dealer-only tool, so we can do it at your location or at our storefront.

My key sticks in the ignition. Is it the key or the lock?

On high-mileage 2002 Frontiers, worn ignition wafers are a common cause. We look at both the key and the lock to see which one needs attention.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.