Lost your Nissan key, need a spare Infiniti smart key, or seeing a Key Not Detected message? Chicago Car Keys makes and programs Nissan and Infiniti keys every week across Chicago and the nearby suburbs, at your vehicle or at our Southwest Side shop. This guide covers what we see most often and what to check before you call.
Why Chicago drivers call us for Nissan and Infiniti keys
- Automotive keys are all we do. Chicago Car Keys has served Chicago vehicle owners since 2006 and focuses only on car keys, fobs, programming, and ignition work.
- Every Nissan and Infiniti key type. Transponder keys, remote-head keys, and push-to-start Intelligent Key fobs for models like the Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, Murano, Q50, QX50, QX60, and QX80.
- All keys lost, not just spares. We can make a new key even when no working key remains, for many compatible vehicles, after ownership is verified.
- Dealer-level programming equipment. Our vans carry professional key-cutting and programming tools, including Autel IM608 and AD Smart Pro, so most jobs are done in one visit.
- Licensed and insured. Illinois Locksmith License No. 191.000821, with a quote confirmed before any work begins.
- We come to you, or you come to us. Mobile service across Chicago and nearby Cook County suburbs, plus shop service at 4346 W 51st St near Midway Airport when you call ahead.
Nissan says Key Not Detected?
You press the start button and your Nissan or Infiniti shows No Key Detected, Key ID Incorrect, or just won’t start. The cause is often a weak battery in the Intelligent Key fob, but it can also be a damaged fob, a low vehicle battery, signal interference, or a key the car no longer recognizes.
Chicago Car Keys provides mobile Nissan and Infiniti key replacement and programming in Chicago and nearby Cook County suburbs. Call or text (773) 521-7000 with the year, model, and the message on your dash.
Five things to check first
- Try the backup start. On many push-to-start Nissan and Infiniti models, you can start the car with a dead fob by pressing the brake and touching the start button with the fob. Some older models have a slot in the dash for the fob instead. Your owner’s manual shows the method for your model.
- Replace the fob battery. Most Intelligent Key fobs use a small coin battery. Open the fob, check the battery number, and replace it. A weak battery is the most common cause of this message.
- Try your spare key. If the spare starts the car, the problem is your everyday fob. If neither key works, the problem is more likely in the vehicle.
- Move other electronics away. Phones, other key fobs, and metal objects near the fob can block its signal. Hold the fob by itself inside the car and try again.
- Check the car battery. Dim dash lights, slow cranking, or a clicking sound point to low vehicle voltage, which can also stop the car from recognizing the key. Chicago winters are hard on batteries.
What the dash messages usually mean
- Key Battery Low: the fob battery is weak. Replace it before it dies completely.
- No Key Detected: the car can’t hear the fob. Usually a dead fob battery, a damaged fob, or interference.
- Key ID Incorrect: the car hears a key but doesn’t accept it. This often happens with a used or aftermarket fob that was never programmed, or a fob that lost its programming.
- Steering lock warning: on some push-to-start models, this points to the steering lock itself rather than the key. It needs diagnosis, not just a new fob.
When you need a new key or programming
If a new battery doesn’t help, the fob may be damaged from a drop or water, or it may no longer be registered to the vehicle. A fob that works for the doors but won’t start the car usually needs to be checked and reprogrammed. A fob that does nothing at all may need to be replaced.
Nissan and Infiniti key programming usually requires a security PIN tied to the vehicle, which a locksmith obtains after verifying ownership. Keys that look alike can use different chips and frequencies, so check with us before buying a fob online. See Smart Key Programming and Key Fob Programming.
When the problem is in the car, not the key
If every key fails, the cause can be the car’s antennas, wiring, the security system, or the steering lock. Programming a new key won’t fix those. We check the key and the vehicle before recommending a repair. See Immobilizer Repair and Ignition Repair.
Lost every key?
If no working key remains, a new Intelligent Key can be made and programmed for many compatible vehicles after ownership is verified. See Lost Car Key Replacement for the process and VIN Key Cutting for keys cut from your vehicle’s code.
Related guides
- Car Key Fob Not Working? Common Problems and What to Check First
- Smart Key vs. Traditional Car Key: Which Type Does Your Vehicle Use?
- Can a Locksmith Program a New Car Key Without the Original Key?
- Lost Your Only Car Key in Chicago? What to Do Next
- Dealer vs. Automotive Locksmith: Where Should You Get a Car Key Replaced?
Get help in Chicago
We come to your vehicle at home, at work, in a parking lot, or at a repair shop across Chicago and nearby Cook County suburbs. Shop service is also available at 4346 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632; please call ahead before visiting. Call or text (773) 521-7000 with your year, model, the dash message, and how many working keys you have, and we’ll give you a quote before any work begins. You can also request a quote online. Locked out instead? Use our 24/7 emergency lockout service.