2016 Nissan Maxima Key Replacement

The 2016–2023 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.

2016 Nissan Maxima: 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

A36 shares the Altima's 2016-2018 KR5S180144014 IC-204 4A smart key.

What kind of key does a 2016 Maxima use?

The 2016 Maxima is a push-to-start car. Its key is a smart proximity fob, so the car reads the fob from inside the cabin and you never put a blade in an ignition. The fob carries a 4A chip, which is the Hitag AES family. That detail is verified against several parts and transponder references, so we are not guessing.

Our notes on this generation show it shares the 2016-2018 Altima smart key, part KR5S180144014 with IC-204 on the label. That is useful when you are comparing fobs, because the FCC ID and IC numbers on a replacement need to match the original. The Maxima's own page under Nissan Maxima key service covers the other model years if you are shopping for more than one car.

Inside the fob there is a mechanical backup key. It will not start the car, but it opens the door if the fob battery is dead or the fob is not working. Keep it somewhere you can find it.

Duplicate a key or replace after all keys are lost?

Both are possible on this car. They are different jobs, though, and the difference is mostly about how much you have in hand.

You still have a working fob: we use it as the original and program an additional fob to the car. This is usually the more economical route, and it keeps you from ever reaching the all-keys-lost situation.
You have no working key: all-keys-lost is possible on the 2016 Maxima. We can program a new fob from scratch without the original, but it takes more steps and more time on the car.
Your fob is dead, not lost: check the battery first. If the dash says the key is not detected, hold the fob against the start button as the backup. If the car starts that way, the fob is likely fine and only needs a battery.

How we handle a 2016 Maxima key job

Programming on this car goes through the OBD port under the dash. The data we have says no NASTF SDRM access is required for it, so this is not a dealer-only job. The steps are straightforward.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the car's year, whether you have any working fob, and where the car is.
We confirm the key by VIN and compare the FCC ID and IC numbers on your existing fob, if you have one, so the replacement is the right match.
We bring the fob on a mobile van to your car, or you can come to our storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood.
We connect to the OBD port, program the new fob, and remove any lost fob from the car's memory if you ask us to.
We test push-to-start, locking and unlocking, and the backup key before we finish.

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 Maxima smart key?

We do not quote a number before we know the situation, and we will not guess one here. These are the factors that move the cost:

The biggest factor is whether you have a working key. A duplicate with an original in hand is usually lighter in cost than all-keys-lost. The other factors are the fob itself, how many fobs you need, and whether we come to you or you come to us.

Aftermarket fobs are a trap. A cheap fob whose FCC ID or IC number does not match the original often will not pair at all, and you pay twice. We use a matching fob, not whatever looks close.

Working key available or all keys lost
Which fob is needed and how many
Mobile visit versus coming to the storefront
Condition of your old fob, since water-damaged or crushed fobs may be unusable as originals
Time of day, since we answer around the clock

What we confirm by VIN, and why call us

The chip family and the key part number for the 2016 Maxima are verified. What we still check on every car is the VIN and the label on your fob, because trim and production details can vary, and a quick check avoids ordering the wrong fob. We tell you plainly if anything does not match.

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987. We have a storefront in Westwood and mobile vans, and one company handles your call, with no dispatch middlemen. 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 start.

If you want to see more options for your car, we also have pages for Nissan key service in general, or you can contact us with your VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make a 2016 Nissan Maxima key if I lost all of them?

Yes. All-keys-lost is possible on this car. We program a new smart fob through the OBD port. It takes more work than a duplicate, which is why having one working fob is the easier path.

Do I need the original key to get a spare?

To duplicate, yes, the original fob is needed. If you do not have one, we can still do all-keys-lost programming.

My Maxima says key not detected. Is the fob broken?

Often it is just a dead battery. Hold the fob against the start button and try to start the car. If that works, replace the battery. If it does not, call us and we will test the fob.

Is programming a 2016 Maxima key dealer-only?

No. Our data shows programming goes through the OBD port and does not require NASTF SDRM access, so we can handle it at your location or at our storefront.

Will an online aftermarket fob work?

Only if its FCC ID and IC numbers match your original. Aftermarket fobs with different numbers fail to pair. We compare the numbers before programming anything.

What if my fob got wet or crushed?

Water damage and crushed fobs are common problems on this key. A damaged fob may not work as an original for duplication, and we will check it first. Bring the mechanical backup key too.

Does the Maxima share a key with another Nissan?

The 2016-2018 Altima uses the same KR5S180144014 IC-204 4A smart key as the Maxima. We still confirm by VIN before we order or program anything.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.