2022 Nissan Frontier Key Replacement

The 2022–2026 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.

2022 Nissan Frontier: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: Yes
Transponder chip: Varies by trim — we confirm by VIN
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Redesigned D41: all listed keys are KR5TXN7 push-to-start smart fobs (uhs-hardware.com) and a locksmith source confirms OBD programming; push-button start is believed standard across trims. The chip family comes from Nissan's shared 2019+ 4A fob platform and was not explicitly confirmed this session — stated as unverified.

What kind of key does the 2022 Frontier use?

The 2022 Frontier is the redesigned D41 generation, and every key listed for it is a push-to-start smart fob, the KR5TXN7 type. You carry the fob, the truck senses it, and you start the engine with the button. Push-button start is believed to be standard across trims, so if yours somehow has a conventional blade key and ignition cylinder, tell us when you call and we will sort that out by VIN before anything is cut or ordered.

Inside the fob is a hidden mechanical backup key. That matters more than people think. If the fob battery dies or the fob gets damaged, the backup key still lets you into the door, though it will not start the truck by itself.

These are the problems we hear about most with this setup:

A dead fob battery that produces a 'key not detected' message. The usual workaround is to hold the fob against the start button, which lets the truck read it at close range.
Water-damaged or crushed fobs, which is common when a fob goes through the wash or ends up under a tire or a toolbox.
Aftermarket fobs whose FCC ID or IC numbers do not match the original. Those often fail to pair with the truck, so we check the numbers before we program anything.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: what changes?

The two situations are handled differently, and the difference is mostly about what we have in hand.

If you still have an original working key, a duplicate is the simpler job. We use the original as the starting point, add a new fob, and program it to the truck through the OBD port. Because the original key is needed for this route, it is worth calling before the last one goes missing.

If every key is lost, replacement is still possible on this truck. It takes more steps because there is no working key to learn from, but it does not mean a tow to the dealer is automatically required. We come to you with the mobile van, or you can bring the truck to our Westwood storefront.

Tell us the year, model and where the truck is parked. Have your registration or ID ready, since we need to confirm the truck is yours.
We confirm the key type by VIN and check the fob's FCC ID and IC numbers against what the truck needs.
We cut the mechanical backup blade if one is needed.
We connect to the OBD port and program the new fob to the truck.
We test the door function and push-button start, and test the backup key too.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the price of a 2022 Frontier key?

We do not quote numbers in a web page, because the real figure depends on your situation. The factors are straightforward:

Duplicate or all keys lost. Having an original key to work from is generally the more economical route.
How many fobs you need. Many owners want a spare while we are already there.
Whether the fob is a genuine match. A fob with the wrong FCC ID or IC numbers can fail to pair, and that wastes money.
Whether the backup blade has to be cut.
Where the truck is. A mobile visit and a shop visit are not the same job.
The time of day. Our phone is answered around the clock, and after-hours work is different from a daytime appointment.

What we have not verified for this year

Honesty matters here. The key-facts table lists the chip family as 4A (Hitag AES). That comes from Nissan's shared fob platform for 2019 and later, and from two parts-supplier references. It was not explicitly confirmed for the 2022 Frontier, so we treat it as unverified.

In practice, we do not rely on a chip family listed online. We confirm the key by VIN and in person, checking the fob itself before programming. If something in the data turns out to differ for your truck, we would rather tell you than guess. Our sources also do not tell us whether any special security access step is required, so we will say so up front if your truck needs one.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key?

We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles and mobile vans serving 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. When you call, you reach our company, not a dispatch middleman. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

One practical note: California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for it before they start. That is a fair question and we would encourage you to ask it of anyone.

If you want to see how we handle other models, start at the Nissan key page or the broader Frontier page. For a general overview, see car key services. When you are ready, contact us or call (213) 577-1366, any hour of any day.

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2022 Nissan Frontier have a push-to-start key?

Yes. Every key listed for this year is a KR5TXN7 push-to-start smart fob, and push-button start is believed to be standard across trims. We confirm by VIN when you call.

Can you replace a 2022 Frontier key if I lost all of them?

Yes. All-keys-lost replacement is possible on this truck, and programming is done through the OBD port. It involves more steps than a duplicate, but it does not automatically mean going to the dealer.

Do I need my original key to make a copy?

For the duplicate route, yes, an original key is needed. If you have no working key at all, we use the all-keys-lost process instead.

My Frontier says 'key not detected.' What should I try?

Often the fob battery is dead. Hold the fob against the start button and try again, since the truck can read it at close range. If that fails or the fob is damaged, call us.

Can I buy a cheaper aftermarket fob online?

You can, but be careful. Aftermarket fobs whose FCC ID or IC numbers do not match the original often will not pair with the truck. Send us the numbers first and we will tell you if it is a match.

Is the chip family for the 2022 Frontier confirmed?

Not fully. The data points to 4A (Hitag AES), but that was not explicitly confirmed for this year, so we verify by VIN and with the fob in hand.

Can you come to me, or do I need to bring the truck in?

Either works. Our mobile vans can come to you, or you can visit our storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd. Call (213) 577-1366 to decide which 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.