2006 Nissan Sentra key...do I really need programming?

[ensignsj]

I just bought a 2006 Nissan Sentra, and it didn't come with an extra key. The dealer wants to charge me $80 for programming and the key itself. A locksmith quoted me $55-$75. I have a friend who had a G20 who was told by the dealer that his key needed programming, but he just went to WalMart and had a copy made and it worked. Is the programming really necessary?

I also don't have an extra Key FOB. I've seen them on eBay. Is this a good way to go? Is it really as easy to program them as they say? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[nametakennow]

If your car has the immobilizer system, it has to be programmed.

Otherwise, don't bother.

[RED_DET]

^^Exactly.

[ensignsj]

Cool. Thanks. Not to be thick or anything, but how do I know whether or not it has the immobilizer system?

[ensignsj]

Actually, I did some research. I have the 1.8 s special edition. It looks like only the SER has the immobilizer package. Does this sound right?

[nametakennow]

The easy way is to look at your main key (since you only have one, that won't be hard) and see if there's a blue rectangle next to where the metal meets the plastic. If so, you have the immobilizer. If there is no such rectangle, you don't.

[ensignsj]

Thank so much for the help. I went to WalMart and had a key made for $1.23, and it works perfectly. Beware of the dealerships. None of them even mentioned to me that there was a possibility I didn't need a specially programmed key. I saved more than $80. Now I'm going to buy a key FOB from eBay and save another $80 or so.

Thanks again.

[ensignsj]

Key Fob from eBay works perfectly, too. I saved another $60 +.

[cobb_cruiser]

Did your key have the blue rectangle that was mentioned by nametakennow? How about your friend with the G20?

I have a 2000 G20, and my key does have the blue rectangle. I may spend the $1.23 just to see if it will save me a bunch of money. Thanks!

[nametakennow]

He determined that his car doesn't have the immobilizer. The $1.23 will be wasted if you go that route.

[cobb_cruiser]

I guess I could always use the non-programmed key as door key...

Thanks for your insight.