2004 Nissan Titan Key Replacement

The 2004–2015 Titan uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Nissan Titan key guide.

2004 Nissan Titan: 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

A60 bladed NI04T ID46 key, keyed ignition throughout the generation.

What kind of key does a 2004 Nissan Titan use?

The 2004 Titan is a transponder-key truck with a conventional keyed ignition. There is no push-button start on this year. The key is the A60 bladed style, commonly referred to by the NI04T blade profile, and it carries an ID46 chip, which is the Philips Hitag-2 family. That chip family is verified for this year from the transponder reference we work from.

What that means for you: the metal blade turns the ignition and the door, but the truck will only run if the chip inside the key head is recognized by the truck's computer. A key that is cut correctly but has no chip, or a chip that has not been programmed to your truck, will turn the ignition and still not start the engine.

There is also a mechanical backup key for this setup, so the blade itself can work the locks even when the electronics are a problem. That is useful to know if a remote battery has died and you are only locked out, not stranded.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: what changes?

For this truck, making a duplicate is the more straightforward job, but it does need an original key to work from. If you still have one working key, bring it in or have us come to you, and we copy the blade and program the new chip alongside it.

If you have no key at all, that is still workable. All-keys-lost is possible on this Titan, and programming is done through the OBD port, so it does not require NASTF SDRM registry access. It simply takes more steps than a duplicate, because the blade has to be cut without a key to copy and the truck has to be prepared to accept a new chip.

Confirm the truck: we check the VIN and the ignition type so the right blank and chip are chosen.
Cut the blade: from your existing key if you have one, or by code or by decoding the lock if you do not.
Prepare the chip: an ID46 transponder key matched to the Titan.
Program by OBD: the new key is registered through the diagnostic port.
Test everything: ignition, doors, any remote functions, and a full start-and-run check before you leave.

What affects the price of a 2004 Titan key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page, because the real answer depends on your situation. Here is what moves the cost up or down:

Whether you have a working key. A duplicate is usually the more economical route compared with all-keys-lost.
Whether you need a remote head. A plain transponder key and a key with working remote buttons are different parts.
Where the work happens. Coming to our Westwood storefront is a different job from sending a mobile van to your location.
The state of the ignition. If worn wafers make the key stick or fail to turn, that may need attention before a new key will behave.
Time of day. Calls at night or on holidays are handled differently from daytime appointments.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

Common problems on this Titan

The data for this year points to a few repeat issues. High-mileage trucks often have worn ignition wafers and worn key blades, which makes a key feel loose, stick, or turn only some of the time. Copying a badly worn key can pass that wear to the new one, so we judge the original before using it as a pattern.

Cracked key shells, broken remote buttons, and dead remote batteries are also common. Sometimes the chip inside is perfectly fine and only the shell or battery needs work, which can be the lighter-cost fix.

The third is the hardware-store copy. A blade cut at a general key counter without a transponder chip may open the door and turn the ignition, but it will not start the engine. If you have one of those, it is not a programming failure; it is simply a key with no chip.

One honest note: we confirm by VIN

The chip family and the OBD method are verified for the 2004 Titan. Even so, we confirm by VIN and by looking at the truck or your existing key before cutting, because trims, replacement parts, and earlier repairs can differ from what a reference table says. If anything does not match, we will tell you plainly before work starts.

If you are comparing companies, ask any locksmith for their California BSIS LCO license; the state requires locksmith companies to hold one. We are Wilshire Lock & Key, in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans. You deal with one company, not a dispatch middleman, and David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

Where to read more or reach us

You can see how we handle other trucks on the Nissan Titan key page, browse the wider Nissan key replacement section, or look through all car key services. When you are ready, use the contact page or call (213) 577-1366, answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2004 Nissan Titan have push-to-start?

No. This year uses a keyed ignition with an ID46 transponder key. There is no push-button start on the 2004 Titan.

Can you make a key if I lost all of my 2004 Titan keys?

Yes. All-keys-lost is possible on this truck. Programming is done through the OBD port, and it does not need NASTF SDRM access. We confirm the VIN first.

Do I need my original key to get a duplicate?

For a duplicate, yes, an original key is needed to copy from. If you do not have one, we handle it as an all-keys-lost job instead.

Why will my hardware-store copy not start the truck?

The engine will only start if the chip in the key is recognized by the truck. A copy cut without a transponder chip may turn the ignition but will not start the engine.

Is there a mechanical backup key?

Yes, this setup has a mechanical backup key, so the blade can work the locks even if the remote or chip side has a problem.

My key is worn and sticks in the ignition. Is it the key or the truck?

On high-mileage Titans it can be either. Worn ignition wafers and worn key blades are both common, so we check the key and the ignition before deciding what to replace.

Can you come to me, or do I have to bring the truck in?

We have a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles and mobile service vans, so either is possible. Call (213) 577-1366 and we will go over which makes sense for your situation.

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.