2004 Nissan Maxima Key Replacement

The 2004–2006 Maxima uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Nissan Maxima key guide.

2004 Nissan Maxima: key facts

Key type: Transponder chip key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: ID46 (Philips Hitag-2)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

A34 bladed NI04T ID46 key, keyed ignition.

What kind of key does a 2004 Maxima use?

The 2004 Maxima has a keyed ignition. There is no push-to-start button and no proximity fob to deal with. The key is a bladed transponder key. Our reference data lists it as an A34 blade, NI04T, with an ID46 (Philips Hitag-2) chip inside the head. That chip family is verified against transpondery.com.

What that means for you: the metal blade only turns the lock. The car also has to read the chip in the key and recognize it before the engine will keep running. A key that is cut perfectly but has no chip, or a chip that has not been programmed to your car, will turn in the ignition and then fail to start the engine.

This is why a hardware-store copy is the most common bad surprise on this car. It looks right, it may even turn the ignition, and it will not start the Maxima because there is no transponder in it. The cheap-looking copy ends up costing you a second trip.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how each works

For this setup, making a duplicate does need an original key to work from. If you still have one working key, adding a spare is the simpler job, and it is usually the more economical route. Get the spare made before the last key goes missing.

If you have no key at all, that is still workable. Our data confirms all-keys-lost is possible on the 2004 Maxima, and programming is done through the OBD port. It does not require NASTF SDRM access. Nothing about it means the car has to go to a dealer.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the year, model and whether you have any working key.
We confirm the vehicle details, including the VIN, so the blade and chip match your exact car.
We cut the key blade and prepare an ID46 transponder key.
We program the key to the car through the OBD port and test that it starts the engine and that the blade turns the door and ignition smoothly.
If you have a remote or want one, we check it works before we leave or before you leave the shop.

What affects the price of a 2004 Maxima key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page, because the real answer depends on your situation. These are the things that move the cost:

Whether you have a working key to copy or all keys are lost. An all-keys-lost job involves more work than adding a spare.
Whether you need a mobile visit to the car or can bring the Maxima to our Westwood storefront.
How many keys you want made at once, since programming several in one visit is usually more economical than coming back later.
Whether you want a remote added, or need a cracked shell, broken buttons or a dead remote battery dealt with.
The condition of the ignition and the key blade. On high-mileage cars, worn ignition wafers can make a new key stick or refuse to turn, and that needs addressing too.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

Common 2004 Maxima key problems we see in the data

Three issues stand out for this year. First, worn ignition wafers and worn key blades on high-mileage cars. If your key has become hard to turn or only works with jiggling, a brand-new key cut from a worn one will not fix it, and we will look at the ignition as well.

Second, cracked key shells, broken remote buttons and dead remote batteries. Sometimes the key just needs a new shell or a battery, not a full replacement. We will tell you if that is all you need.

Third, the non-transponder copy that turns but will not start the car, covered above.

What we confirm by VIN before we cut anything

The chip family and programming method above are verified for the 2004 Maxima. Even so, we confirm by VIN and by looking at the car in person, because trim, build date and any past key work can differ from car to car. If anything on your vehicle does not match the data, we will say so plainly before starting, not after.

If you want to see how this fits with the rest of the lineup, our Nissan Maxima key pages cover other years, and the Nissan key overview covers the brand.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key

We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, CA 90024, and mobile service vans. When you call, you reach our company, not a dispatch middleman. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license. Ask any locksmith for theirs before they start work, including us. If you need us, our phone at (213) 577-1366 is answered 24 hours a day, every day, or you can use the contact page. Start from our home page for the full list of services.

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have a transponder chip in the key?

Yes. It uses an ID46 (Philips Hitag-2) transponder chip, verified against transpondery.com. The key must be programmed to the car or the engine will not start.

Is the 2004 Maxima push-to-start?

No. It has a keyed ignition with a bladed key, so there is no push-button start or proximity fob.

Can you make a key if I have lost all my 2004 Maxima keys?

Yes, all-keys-lost is possible for this car. We cut the blade and program a new key through the OBD port. We confirm the details by VIN first.

Do you need my original key to make a copy?

For a duplicate, yes, an original key is needed to copy from. If you have no key, we handle that as an all-keys-lost job instead.

Why will a hardware-store copy not start my Maxima?

Those copies are cut without a transponder chip. The blade may turn the ignition, but the car does not recognize the key and will not start.

How is the replacement key programmed?

Through the car's OBD port. Our data shows this does not require NASTF SDRM access.

My key is hard to turn. Will a new key fix that?

Not always. Worn ignition wafers and worn blades are common on high-mileage cars, so we check the ignition and the old key before deciding what is needed.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.