Buying a New Key - 2002 SE

[CCPottsy]

Hi. I recently bought my Maxima, but when I got it, it only had one key and one valet key. I would like to get another one or two. Is there any alternative to paying $40 per key plus $70 for programming? Isn't there some way I can program the car to accept the new keys myself? I love my Maxima, but this key thing is going to be expensive! Thanks for the help.

BP

[chrisr67]

take your key to Home Depot and have them make you another for about 2 bucks! I don't know how you're coming up with 110 bucks to copy a key from, but it's not like a key from BMW or Cadillac where they've got a computer chip in them. The only thing you need to program is your keyless remote. These are just normal keys and anyone can make you a copy.
I've got an '03 ( same as the '02 ) and I had a spare key made for $1.89 at Home Depot.

[CCPottsy]

The keys do have a chip in them. According to Nissan, the car won't start if you do not 1) use a key that has the proper chip and 2) have that chip's unique value programmed into the car's anti-theft system. I guess a key from home depot would unlock the doors, but I need a key that will start the car.

I have seen the suggestion of removing the ship from the key and taping it near the key hole. Then any key would work, but I would rather not do this.

[chrisr67]

I don't know what to tell you then. I've got an 03 SE and mine didn't have a chip in either key. The key I had made both unlocks the door and starts the car.
Maybe someone else can help you out here.

[theirishpoet]

I have a 2000 GLE and I bought 2 chip keys from a person on e bay. Cost was $30 each, a lot less than the $50 each that the dealer wanted. Since I had just bought the car from the dealer, I convinced him to cut and program them for free. He had only provided one regular and one valet key to me.

PS the chip on these keys are under the blue square on the key head, hope this helps you.