2000 Nissan Sentra Key Replacement

The 2000–2006 Sentra uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Nissan Sentra key guide.

2000 Nissan Sentra: 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

B15 bladed NATS key (NI02/NSN11T2 type), 4-digit BCM-derived PIN, OBD programmable. One locksmith source claims a Philips chip for early B15s — the key stamp settles it.

What kind of key does a 2000 Sentra use?

The 2000 Sentra is a B15-generation car with a bladed key, not a push-button start. Inside the plastic head of that key is a transponder chip, and the car's NATS immobilizer reads it every time you turn the ignition. The chip family for this year is 4D60, a Texas fixed-crypto type. That is verified, not guessed.

What that means for you is simple. The blade has to be cut to match your ignition and door locks, and the chip has to be programmed to your car. If either half is missing, the car will not run. The key type is generally the NI02 / NSN11T2 style blade, and the 2000 Sentra does not use a push-to-start system, so there is no proximity fob involved.

Key type: bladed transponder key (NATS system)
Chip family: 4D60, verified
Programming: through the OBD port
Specialty dealer tool registration (NASTF/SDRM) is not required for this year

Why a hardware-store copy usually fails

The most common story with this car is a cheap copy that opens the doors but will not start the engine. A plain cut key has no chip, so the immobilizer never gets the signal it is looking for. The blade turns, the engine may crank or may not, and then the NATS security light tells you what is wrong.

A related problem is a badly cloned chip. If the NATS light stays on and the car does not recognize a key, the chip may be worn, damaged, or poorly copied. We test the key and the car before deciding whether the answer is a fresh chip, a new key, or something in the ignition.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how each works on this Sentra

For this setup, a duplicate starts from an original key. With a working key in hand, we cut a new blade and program the new chip to the car. That is usually the more economical route, which is why we encourage owners to make a spare before the last key disappears.

If every key is lost, it is still possible. This is not a dealer-only job on this year. The car uses a 4-digit PIN derived from the body control module (BCM), and the key is programmed through the OBD port. We bring the equipment to you with a mobile van, or you can come to our storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood.

Call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the year, model, and whether you have any working key.
We confirm the car by VIN and check the key stamp, if you have a key, so we bring the right blank.
We cut the blade to your locks, using the ignition or door lock if no key exists.
We retrieve the PIN, connect through the OBD port, and program the new transponder key.
You test the key in the doors and ignition before we finish.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

A worn ignition can look like a key problem

On high-mileage Sentras, the ignition lock wafers wear out. The key starts to stick, then stops turning altogether. Replacing the key alone will not fix that, because the new blade has to move the same worn wafers. We look at the lock first, because cutting a new key for a worn cylinder just wastes your money.

If the ignition is the real problem, the lock may need to be serviced or replaced and keyed to your car. We'll tell you which one you are dealing with before any work starts.

What affects the cost of a 2000 Sentra key?

We won't quote a figure on a web page, because a few real factors move the cost:

Whether you have a working key to copy, or all keys are lost
How many keys you need cut and programmed
Whether the ignition lock is worn and needs work as well
Whether we come to you in a mobile van or you visit our Westwood storefront
The time of day, since we answer the phone around the clock

One thing we confirm in person

The data on this year is verified, with one wrinkle. One locksmith source claims a Philips chip was used in some early B15 Sentras. The 4D60 chip family is the verified answer for this car, and the stamp on the key settles any doubt. If your key is stamped differently, or the key is lost, we confirm by VIN and in person before ordering anything. We would rather check than guess and have you pay for the wrong part.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, so ask any locksmith you call for theirs. Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987, and David oversees the work. You get one company, not a dispatch middleman, and the same team handles the phone, the van, and the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make a 2000 Nissan Sentra key if I lost all of them?

Yes. All-keys-lost is possible on this year. The key is programmed through the OBD port using a 4-digit PIN derived from the BCM. Call (213) 577-1366 and we'll confirm by VIN.

Why does my copied Sentra key open the door but not start the car?

The copy probably has no transponder chip, or the chip was poorly cloned. The NATS immobilizer needs to read a properly programmed 4D60 chip before the engine runs.

What does the NATS light on my Sentra mean?

If it stays on, the immobilizer is not reading your key. The cause can be a worn chip, a badly cloned chip, or a key never programmed to the car. We test before replacing anything.

Do I need an original key to duplicate it?

Yes, for a duplicate we start from an original working key. Without one, we handle it as an all-keys-lost job, which is also possible.

My Sentra key sticks in the ignition. Do I need a new key?

Not always. On high-mileage cars the ignition wafers wear down, and the key sticks or will not turn. We inspect the lock and the key before recommending a fix.

Do you come to me, or do I bring the car in?

Either works. We have mobile service vans and a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. Browse more on Nissan Sentra keys, Nissan keys, or all car keys, or contact us to arrange it.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.