2000 Nissan Pathfinder Key Replacement

The 2000–2004 Pathfinder uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Nissan Pathfinder key guide.

2000 Nissan Pathfinder: 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

R50 NATS key (NI02/NSN11T2); 4-digit BCM-derived PIN, OBD programmable.

What kind of key does a 2000 Pathfinder use?

The 2000 Pathfinder is a transponder-key vehicle. It is not push-to-start. The key is a conventional metal blade with a chip hidden in the plastic head. That chip is a 4D60, a Texas fixed-crypto type, and it belongs to Nissan's NATS immobilizer. This year is an R50 NATS key, and the blade profile we see referenced for it is NI02 / NSN11T2.

What that means for you: the blade turns the ignition lock, but the engine will only run if the car's immobilizer reads a chip it has been taught to accept. A key that is only cut will open the doors and may even turn the ignition, but the engine will not stay running. This is the most common mix-up with hardware-store copies.

There is also a mechanical backup key for this setup, so the physical key can still be cut to the lock. The chip is what takes the extra step.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: what changes?

Both jobs are possible on this Pathfinder. The difference is how much we have to work with when we start.

If you have a working key, we can duplicate from it. An original key is needed for that route, and it is usually the more economical way to do it. If you have no key at all, we can still make one. All-keys-lost is possible on this model, but it takes more steps because we begin from the vehicle rather than from a key.

One working key: we cut a new blade and program the new chip to the car.
No working key: we cut a blade to the lock, then program from the vehicle side over the OBD port.
A cloned key that barely works: it can leave the NATS light on, so we may program a fresh chip instead of trusting the copy.

How we handle a 2000 Pathfinder key, step by step

Programming on this year is done through the OBD port. It does not require NASTF SDRM access, which means it is work we can do in the field with our mobile vans or at our Westwood storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd.

You call (213) 577-1366. We ask for the year, model, and whether you have any working key.
We confirm the key details by VIN, so we start with the right blade and chip.
We cut the blade to your lock, from the original key if you have one, or from the vehicle if you don't.
We connect to the OBD port and use the 4-digit PIN derived from the body control module to access the immobilizer.
We program the new transponder, then test that it starts and keeps running the engine, not just that it turns.
If you want a spare, we program it in the same visit, since adding a key later means a second round of the same process.

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 2000 Pathfinder key?

We don't quote numbers on a web page, because the situation decides the cost. These are the real factors on this vehicle:

Duplicate or all keys lost. Copying from a working key is usually the lighter-cost route.
How many keys you need programmed. Doing a spare while we are connected is generally more economical than coming back.
Ignition condition. Worn wafers on a high-mileage car can make a key stick or stop turning, and that may mean ignition work on top of the key.
Where we meet you. A mobile call to your vehicle differs from you coming to the storefront.
Time of day. Calling at 2 a.m. is different from a weekday visit.

Worn locks, the NATS light, and what we confirm by VIN

Three problems come up on this year. Worn ignition lock wafers on high-mileage vehicles can make the key stick or stop turning. In that case a new key alone may not fix it, and we'll check the lock before cutting anything. A NATS security light that stays on usually means the immobilizer isn't reading a worn or badly cloned chip. And a key that opens the doors but won't start the engine is typically a non-transponder copy.

Our data for this year is verified, and we have no known dealer-only requirement for it. Still, we treat the VIN as the final word. Trim, build date, and any earlier key or ignition work can change what is actually on your vehicle. So when you call, we confirm the specifics by VIN or on the vehicle itself before we cut or program.

Whoever you hire, ask for their California BSIS locksmith company (LCO) license number. The state requires it for locksmith companies. You can read more about Nissan key service or see the Pathfinder overview for other model years.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key for this

We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront in Westwood and mobile vans. You deal with one company, with no dispatch middleman between you and the person doing the work, and David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work. If you'd rather talk first, contact us or call (213) 577-1366, answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder need a chip in the key?

Yes. It uses a 4D60 transponder chip tied to Nissan's NATS immobilizer. A key without a programmed chip may open the doors but will not keep the engine running.

Can you make a key if I've lost every key?

Yes. All-keys-lost is possible on this vehicle. We cut a blade to the lock and program a new chip over the OBD port, using the 4-digit PIN derived from the body control module.

Do I need my original key to get a copy?

For a straightforward duplicate, a working original key is needed. If you don't have one, we can still do an all-keys-lost job, which has more steps.

Is the programming done at the dealer only?

No. Programming on this year is done through the OBD port and does not require NASTF SDRM access, so we can do it ourselves.

Why does my NATS light stay on?

It usually means the immobilizer is not reading the chip properly. A worn chip or a badly cloned copy is a common cause. A properly programmed transponder key often fixes it.

My key sticks or won't turn in the ignition. Is it the key?

On high-mileage Pathfinders it is often worn ignition lock wafers. We check the lock and the key before deciding whether you need a new key, lock work, or both.

Is there a spare mechanical key?

Yes, this setup has a mechanical backup key. The blade can be cut to the lock, but the chip still has to be programmed for the engine to run.

Do you come to me?

Yes. We run mobile vans and also have a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood. Call (213) 577-1366 and we'll work out the best option for where your Pathfinder is.

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.