2003 Nissan Murano Key Replacement

The 2003–2004 Murano uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Nissan Murano key guide.

2003 Nissan Murano: key facts

Key type: Transponder chip key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: Varies by trim — we confirm by VIN
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

transpondery.com lists both ID46 and a Texas 4D chip for the earliest Muranos; the common US catalog listing is the NI04T ID46 key — the key stamp confirms before cutting.

What kind of key does a 2003 Murano use?

The 2003 Murano uses a transponder key with a metal blade and a chip in the plastic head. There is no push-to-start on this year. You put the key in the ignition and turn it, and the car only runs if the chip in the key answers the car's immobilizer.

The common US catalog listing for this year is the NI04T key, which carries an ID46 (Philips Hitag-2) chip. One source we reference also lists a Texas 4D chip for the earliest Muranos. So the chip family for your specific vehicle is not fully settled in the data, and we do not pretend it is.

What that means for you: a plain hardware-store copy cut to the same blade shape will turn in the lock and may even turn the ignition, but it will not start the engine. The chip has to be the right one and it has to be programmed to the car. The Murano also has a mechanical backup key, so the blade itself is a real, cut-by-code or cut-by-original part, separate from the chip.

Do you have a spare key, or have you lost them all?

These two situations are handled differently, and both are possible on this year.

You still have one working key: we can duplicate from it. For this setup the original key is needed, so the existing key gets cut and a new transponder is programmed to the car. This is the easier and usually the more economical route, so make the spare before the last key goes missing.
All keys lost: this can be done on a 2003 Murano. We cut a new blade from the vehicle, identify the correct chip, and program a key to the car through the OBD port. It takes more steps, which is why it costs more than a duplicate.
Programming does not require NASTF/SDRM secure-database access for this year, so this is not a job that has to go to the dealer.

How we handle a 2003 Murano key, step by step

Whether we come to you in a mobile van or you bring the car to our Westwood storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd, the process is the same.

You call (213) 577-1366. The line is answered 24 hours a day, and we ask for the year, model and whether you have any working key.
We check the vehicle details and, if you have a key, read the stamp on it. That stamp settles the chip question before we cut or order anything.
We cut the blade, either from your original key or, if all keys are lost, from the vehicle.
We program the transponder to the car through the OBD port and test it: the key must turn the ignition and actually start and run the engine.
We test the door operation and any remote functions, and tell you plainly what was done.

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 2003 Murano key?

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

Duplicate or all keys lost. A duplicate from a working key takes fewer steps than creating a key from nothing.
Key type. A transponder key with a remote costs more than a chip-only key, and which one you want changes the job.
Condition of the car's hardware. These Muranos are often high mileage. Worn ignition wafers or a worn key blade can make a new key stick or fail to turn, and that may mean extra work.
Where you are. A mobile visit has different logistics than driving in to the storefront.
Time of day. After-hours calls are answered, and the circumstances of the call can affect the total.
Remote needs. Cracked shells, broken buttons and dead batteries are common on older keys; sometimes a new shell or battery is all you need, which costs far less than a full new key.

One honest note on what we have not verified

The chip data for the earliest Muranos is conflicting. ID46 is the common listing, but a Texas 4D chip also shows up in one source, and that source is not confirmed for every build. Rather than guess, we confirm by VIN and by looking at the key stamp in person before cutting or ordering a blank. If your key does not match what we expected, we tell you before any work is done.

For general background on this model, see our Nissan Murano key pages, the wider Nissan key replacement overview, or the full car key service list. If you would rather write to us first, use the contact page.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key

We have been in business since 1987 and serve 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. We run a storefront plus mobile vans, and it is one company, with no dispatch middleman between you and the person who comes out. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2003 Nissan Murano need a transponder key?

Yes. It uses a transponder key, and the engine will not start unless the chip is programmed to the car. It is not a push-to-start model.

Can a hardware-store copy start my Murano?

No. A copy cut without a transponder may open the door or turn in the ignition, but it will not start the engine. The chip has to be correct and programmed.

What if I lost all my 2003 Murano keys?

It is possible to make a new one without any existing key. We cut a blade from the vehicle and program a transponder through the OBD port. It is more involved than a duplicate.

Which chip does the 2003 Murano use?

The common US listing is the NI04T key with an ID46 chip. One source also lists a Texas 4D for the earliest Muranos, so we confirm by VIN and the key stamp before cutting.

Do you need to take the car to a dealer?

Not for this year. Programming is done through the OBD port, and no NASTF/SDRM credential is required. We can come to you or you can visit our Westwood storefront.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.