1998 Altima Key Problems

[skel]

Hello! New forum member, thanks for letting me join. Tried to search out our problem, but haven't found it yet.We just purchased a 1998 Altima from family members for our kids to drive to school. Not realizing the error of our ways, we had keys made at a local hardware store (there was only one key, on the keyless entry fob). Used the keys successfully for a few days, and now, none of the keys will work...ignition is in the locked position, and won't work even with the original key. Called the dealership, and they explained that we shouldn't have done that, and they want us to have it towed in, and MAYBE it is just the key needing to be reprogrammed. Is there ANYTHING we can do ourselves first to try and reprogram the key? (the fob to unlock the doors works just fine). Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[NISTECH]

So does the key turn in the ignition and crank the engine or does it not move when trying to turn it? If it was a program issue the car would not have ran the first time you used the key.

[skel]

The keys we had made worked for about a week. The original key always worked. Two days ago, none of the keys would work. You cannot turn the key at all..it is in the locked position. Hope I am giving enough details. Thanks very much for your reply!

[lbrowne]

If the keys all worked for the duration of a week and now all of a sudden don't - try grabbing the steering wheel and turning it to one side (don't have to turn it much at all) and then try turning the key.

If the wheel is turned or is against the steering lock hard enough on many different cars the ignition won't turn unless you turn it away. (you'll know which direction, one direction will be solid and unmoveable the other direction will have give to it)

EDIT: hold the wheel turned a smidge and then turn the key - just re-read my post and I wasn't sure if you'd get confused or not!

[NISTECH]

Yea this isnt a progrsam issue its a mechanical binding of the steering lock. When your doing what was described above wiggle the steering wheel aggressivly side to side while wiggling the key toward the on postion. It should un bind.

[skel]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! It worked and we are back in business. Thanks very much for your replies!

[ddgsxr504]

Not to insult the intelligence of the original poster but it's kind of funny how many people don't already know this

[NISTECH]

I work for a dealer. You would be amazed at how often we get cars towed in with this problem.