questions on 2006 Sentra extra key AND keyless entry remote

[Norm Apter]

Hey Everybody

Last week, bought a 2006 Sentra S 1.8. It was a trade-in; I bought it from a Saturn, not Nissan, dealer. The seller gave me only one key. It is the ignition/driver door key. It doesn't work for the glove box or trunk.I think some people refer to this as a "valet key."

So, here's what I'd like to do: a) get a spare key (for the ignition)b) get keyless entry remote, if applicable

First, I have called several local Nissan dealerships to get quotes just on the extra key (not remote). Here are a few of the quotes I've gotten for the key: key programming totala) $80 + 52 = $130b) $ ------------- = $143c) $33 + $105 = $139d) $95 + $58 = $153 e) $81 + $99 = $180

I should mention that in addition to these I spoke with a guy at one other dealership who took my VIN and told me that he has a key for $39 and that I would not need programming. So, I'm confused.

Now, the real question is whether or not the key will have to be programmed (most of the service people I spoke with on the phone assumed that it did). I read somewhere else on this forum ( zerothread/258640) that it only needs programming if I have a "immobilizer system" and this would be indicated by whether or not there is a blue box where the key meets the plastic. Is this the case? I don't see such a blue box on the one key I have.

If I really have to pay those outrageous fees, I will. I just don't want to be ripped off. What do you think i should do? (Is it even worth a try of going to Home Depot to get an extra key cut there???)

Second, has anyone bought a keyless remote from an internet seller? Again the quotes I got from dealers were around $100. Now, I went online and found a programable one that seems compatible for $43. http://keylessremotesonline.co...=2137

Should I give it a shot? Or any other ideas?

Sorry for the very longwinded first post. And if you have any ideas on either of these issues please let me know. I've asked a lot so you need not reply to everything here.

Norm

[RED_DET]

Welcome to NICO, Norm!

You have been given good information it seems. If you don't have the immobilizer system, then you can have a key cut alot cheaper. If there is no blue box, then you don't have the immobilizer system. You can also buy a key fob online and program it your self. The problem is getting a key cut somewhere other than the dealership is that the key you have now doesn't work in the trunk or glove box, so neither would the "new keys". I would have nissan cut you a key for $40 and buy a key fob online and program it yourself. Save yourself $100 bucks or more. You can also download a Factory Service Manual for your vehicle from link under my signature, it will come in handy in programming the remote. Goodluck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW

[Norm Apter]

Cool. Thanks for the welcome and the useful information.

And the link to the eBay item you gave me shows that I can save a bunch of money if I go that route (most dealerships quoted me at least $100 for a keyless remote).

So, I'll definately purchase online. Here's one other question. If I were to buy two of these keyless remotes with matching FOB ID numbers online, would it be possible to program both of them to my car? I thought it would be nice to have a spare for convenience but not sure if one could have two of these remotes simultaneously programmed.

Norm

[nametakennow]

You can get both fobs to work, yes.

Welcome to NICO!

[Supercourse]

If you haven't already, I would ask the selling (Saturn) dealer to double-check that they don't have the required key in a drawer somewhere. (Dealerships are good at 'losing' keys.) They might even find the other remote. If not, and if you don't feel it's worth contacting the original owner, I agree with RED_DET that paying a Nissan dealer about $40 for a key is the way to go, and a remote off ebay. With the remote, if you can afford to wait and be patient, and shrewd, you should be able to win one for less than $10. I got a brand new one for $5 when a former Nissan salesman was clearing out his desk, as I was the only bidder. Most new vehicles come with 2 remotes, and if I remember correctly, for the current Sentra at least, you can program as many as 5 - may also apply to the 2006 in case you wanted that many ever. Programming instructions are readily available online, which are quite straightforward, but must be executed exactly as written.

[nissantech06]

The Sentra 1.8S is not a chip key. You do not need to have it programmed.

[Norm Apter]

Thanks, a lot guys!

Actually, before I read your first post, I went ahead and had a spare key made at the hardware store. I figured, if it doesn't work, I'm only out 2 bucks. To my surprise, it not only worked for the ignition and front door, but believe it or not, it also works for the trunk. I went back and tried the original key I got with the car (the black plastic casing on that one has a Nissan logo) and that one mysteriously still doesn't work. Strangest thing. Anyway I had two spares made which I'll use as my main keys and keep the original Nissan key as a backup in case I need to cuts any additional keys in the future.

Second, I ordered a used/like new remote from company online -- it was 24.99 including s&H and has a one-year warranty with fresh battery. It should arrive tomorrow or the next day so hopefully I won't have trouble programming it (they also are including programming instructions) They had new ones available for $49.99 but said that there used ones only show minior signs of wear so I thought I'd save a few bucks....hopefully it will work out.

Anyways, thanks for your replies. Since this is my first car, I'm sure I'll have some more questions on basic maintenance... in fact I'll probably post this weekend.

In the meantime, I'm lovin my 2006 Sentra S 1.8. The color is "solar yellow" which might turn some folks off but since I live in Southern California I believe I fit right in.

[djsonic]

I got a new nissan key fob at http://www.ekeyfobs.com/new-replacement ... y-fob.html

it worked great