Questions on a used 2008 Sentra 2.0

[Onyxblue]

Hi,I am new to Sentra forum, but not on Nico - I am more active on Versa forum as that one is my daily 80 miles commute car.Ok, so I bought a used (18k miles) 2008 Sentra 2.0 for my daughter. As the car it's a basic one (not S or SL), I have a few questions:

1. The car doesn't come with a wireless remote control to lock/unlock the doors. As it has power locks, I assume I can get an aftermarket wireless remote system and install at CarToys or other shops. Is my assumption correct? Any recommendation?

2. Is there a way to get and install OEM dome lights?

3. Can I get OEM steering wheel cruise control buttons and fit an aftermarket cruise control system?

Thank you

[Supercourse]

No one chiming in, so .....

1. This would likely get pricey anyway, but to minimize problems, I would go with OEM parts. Looks like $300 - $400 for parts from abcnissan.com (discounted price). Aftermarket parts would impact resale value in my opinion.

2. Should be straightforward, but I can't find dome lights on abcnissan.com. Hopefully the deleted lights are pre-wired as it costs Nissan more to change that part of the assembly process, and their dealers can make easy money to do an upgrade. Wouldn't bet on that though.

3. Now this could get really expensive. Maybe finding a 2007 wreck and getting the parts for all 3 items is your best bet.

I thought all these things were standard even in base models these days. Is Nissan as bad as Toyota in this respect?

[TECHLINE08]

if u have power door locks its a good chance all you need to do is program a remote. Its really easy procedure to check if you can. step by step1) get in vehicle, close door, lock and unlock the doors2) slide key in and out 6-10 times with in 5 seconds

if the harzards flash, then you can get just a remote and finish the procedure

3) turn key on, hit lock and unlock on the remote4) open and close driver door to complete

[gregfarz78]

1. Pick up an inexpensive bare bones aftermarket alarm for like $150 that should have a door lock relay, you'll be able to unlock the doors remotely and have an alarm on the car just in case

2. New sentras don't have a dome light? yeah if its not prewired might be a little difficult

3. I wouldn't count on this being that easy, newer nissans are pretty complex when it comes to the electronics.

[TECHLINE08]

its that easy, I do that reprogram all the time. New and old

[Supercourse]

if u have power door locks its a good chance all you need to do is program a remote.

I think the problem is the Sentra 2.0 (non-S) doesn't even have power door locks. Even if it did, I am sure it would not come with a receiver for the remote/transmitter - just the wiring up to that point at most. So I can't see how even an aftermarket alarm would come with the necessary parts to convert to power door locks.A 2.0 owner may have to live without remote locking or spend a lot of money. At least Nissan didn't delete other important features like side airbags, aux input, etc.

[Onyxblue]

I think the problem is the Sentra 2.0 (non-S) doesn't even have power door locks.

It seems like it has power locks - I have the lock buton inside and it is working

[Supercourse]

That's good - maybe because it has some "Value Option Package" which normally includes remote entry. Sounds like the original owner lost the remotes or never bothered to hand them in with the car.So Techline08's suggestion will confirm this, and then you can buy a remote (or 2) off eBay for just a few bucks.

[Onyxblue]

Just ordered a keyfob from ebay.I will keep you posted

[hienesey]

You can program an oem remote to work with the base model sentra. My friend works at a key store and was able to program an oem remote for me. It was the cheapest upgrade I ever did.

[merlinpr]

You can check if your car has the keyless entry system installed by following this procedure:

"Close and lock all doors with the driver's side power lock/unlock switch. Insert and remove the key from the key cylinder six times within 10 seconds. Go at an even pace. Don't go too fast or too slow. If you did it successfully and the system is present and functioning then the hazard lights will flash on the dashboard."

I had to try it a few times until I got it right. It seems like keeping an even pace is important as well as inserting the key all the way. If it works you will see/hear the hazard lights turn on a few times. I just ordered a remote from eBay so I can't confirm just yet but I will check once I receive it to make sure.

EDIT: I just noticed TECHLINE08's post which basically has the same information I just posted. Sorry about the repost

[Onyxblue]

"Close and lock all doors with the driver's side power lock/unlock switch. Insert and remove the key from the key cylinder six times within 10 seconds. Go at an even pace. Don't go too fast or too slow. If you did it successfully and the system is present and functioning then the hazard lights will flash on the dashboard."

I checked this procedure and it works. I also got a keyfob from ebay (with instructions), but pushing a button on the keyfob doesn't flash the lights. I also tried the procedure thom the Sentra manual, but it is not working.So either the keyfob is bad, or no wireless key on my Sentra.I may have to go to a dealer for this.

[Supercourse]

Before going to the dealer .........it would be worth checking that the battery in the remote is good, if you have a meter handy.(You could borrow the known good battery from your Versa remote if it is the same type.)The Nissan programming instructions are fairly standard for all their models. Some of the instructions on the 'net contain extra unnecessary steps or misleading info. Once the 6+ key insertions has worked, the car's receiver is in program mode. Putting the key back in and turning to ACC position is critical, as is pressing the LOCK button (once only) on the remote. Took me two or three attempts the first time. Patience pays off - better than paying the dealer for something that does not exercise their real technical expertise.Am assuming you bought a black remote, not the silver Intelligent Key one, and that you are confident it is the right one for a 2007/8 Sentra (some ebay sellers are not too good on that).

Modified by Supercourse at 1:09 PM 10/16/2008
Modified by Supercourse at 3:47 PM 10/16/2008

[Onyxblue]

Thank you, Supercourse.I am gonna try you scenario tonight and check the battery.As for the keyfob, I bought it from http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...97383

[Supercourse]

Looks like a good eBay seller, with satisfied customers, so the battery should be good. Good price, if it really is an OEM supplier to Nissan. Even if it were a knock-off, I doubt that it would dead on arrival. It should be a KBRASTU15. This is what came with our 2007, but maybe a 2008 owner can confirm that? (But most of them might have the different I-key.)

[Onyxblue]

I tried your procedure, the lights flash, but when I pushed the lock button, no flashes. I even changed the battery from my Versa keyfob.So either the keyfob is not working at all or 2008 Sentra 2.0 (Base model) doesn't have the wireless receiver. From http://www.nissanusa.com/sentr....html it seems like even if the base version has power windows, it doesn't have remote keyless entry.

[Onyxblue]

Looking at nissan.ca, a base 2008 Sentra may come with Value Option Package that includes remote keyless entry.Maybe this is the difference between Canada vs US version.

[Supercourse]

But as TECHLINE08 and Merlinpr said, if the car recognizes the 6+ key insertion process, it must have the necessary module. Maybe it does, but Nissan somehow disables it on the base model.Unless someone else comes up with a suggestion over the next few days, looks like you will have to visit a Dealership. A knowledgeable Service Advisor might provide free advice as to how you can complete the process yourself - or convince you that their special equipment is needed to enable remote locking.

[hienesey]

Like I said, I was able to get the oem remote programmed to work with my base model 08 Sentra. The back of my remote also says KBRASTU15. I did not program it myself, so I can't tell you if you're doing it wrong or not. A key store should be able to program it for you.

[merlinpr]

I should be receiving mine this week. Once I do I will try to program it on my 2008 and will post results and details of what I have to do to get it working.

[Supercourse]

.... will try to program it on my 2008 and will post results and details of what I have to do to get it working.

That would be very helpful. We should make sure that the right instructions are available here for future reference.

For example, some instructions tell you to press the car's central locking button immediately before pressing the LOCK button on the remote being programmed. May or may not be a redundant step. Similarly, some instructions say to press ANY button on the remote to program it, not necessarily the LOCK button. I can see that could be true. Can't remember exactly what worked when I did it successfully, so it needs someone making a careful and conscious effort to document it.

[merlinpr]

That would be very helpful. We should make sure that the right instructions are available here for future reference.

For example, some instructions tell you to press the car's central locking button immediately before pressing the LOCK button on the remote being programmed. May or may not be a redundant step. Similarly, some instructions say to press ANY button on the remote to program it, not necessarily the LOCK button. I can see that could be true. Can't remember exactly what worked when I did it successfully, so it needs someone making a careful and conscious effort to document it.

I just got my remote and followed the instructions they included but that didn't work. Here's the procedure I got with my remote in case it works for someone else who might be having issues with this:

1. Close (lock) all doors.2. insert and remove the key from the ignition switch more than 6 times within 10 seconds.3. Indicators will flash twice.4. Insert key into the ignition switch and turn to 'ACC' position.5. Press any button on the remote to be programmed.6. Indicators will flash twice to confirm programming.

I can follow the key insertion procedure on step 2 but that is as far as I get. I put the key on 'ACC' and tried pressing buttons but nothing. I tried it several times, each time pressing a different buttons but it didn't work. I will use the instructions posted by TECHLINE08 in a little bit and see if that works. If not I will keep researching and testing until I can get it working. The people I bought it from have a number which I can call and they will suposedly help me (you have to be a customer) get it working. As soon as I find a way to get it to work I will come back and post how I did it.

If anyone has a different procedure than what has been posted already, please share it with us to see if we can figure this out once and for all.

[merlinpr]

Ok, I think I know what's going on in my case which might be the same for other people.

If you can get to programming mode (6 time key insertion) but the remote doesn't work you might want to make sure you got the correct one. In my case my car has the trunk release that uses a cable instead of the button you press to open it. I was told that because of this I need the 3 button remote instead of the 4 button one I was sent. I'm sending mine back and getting a 3 button one. Once I receive it I will try to program it and confirm if that was the problem.

In other words, if you have to pull a "lever" (the same one you use for the gas) to open the trunk, you need a 3 button remote. If you push a button to open the trunk you need the 4 button. This is what I was told by the vendor but I will make sure once I get the replacement.

[Supercourse]

I am not sure that is correct. The Canadian SL model has the lever/switch that has to be pulled up to release the trunk, and uses the 4-button remote. I think the cable operation is standard, whether or not the vehicle comes with remote locking. In general, all Nissan and Infiniti sedans use a 4-button remote. The 3-button remote is used by models that do not have a trunk.However, the ebay remote vendor may know something that I don't.

[merlinpr]

I am not sure that is correct. The Canadian SL model has the lever/switch that has to be pulled up to release the trunk, and uses the 4-button remote. I think the cable operation is standard, whether or not the vehicle comes with remote locking. In general, all Nissan and Infiniti sedans use a 4-button remote. The 3-button remote is used by models that do not have a trunk.However, the ebay remote vendor may know something that I don't.

Yeah, I figured I'd give him a chance to make it right. We'll see what happens when I get the replacement from them. Hopefully it works even though I would have liked to be able to open the trunk with the remote. Beats spending over $100 in the alarm I was about to buy when all I really want is to have keyless entry.

[merlinpr]

I am not sure that is correct. The Canadian SL model has the lever/switch that has to be pulled up to release the trunk, and uses the 4-button remote. I think the cable operation is standard, whether or not the vehicle comes with remote locking. In general, all Nissan and Infiniti sedans use a 4-button remote. The 3-button remote is used by models that do not have a trunk.However, the ebay remote vendor may know something that I don't.

Confirmed! I got the new remote without the trunk release button and it worked. The part number for the remote I got is: 28268EA. This is the one with only 3 buttons (lock, unlock, and panic).

I was able to get it working on the first attempt. Here's all I had to do:

1. Lock the doors.2. Insert the key in the ignition 6 times to get the to programming mode (the lights flash)3. Move the key to the "acc" position and pressed the Lock button*4. Unlock the door, open it, and close it again to get out of programming mode.5. Pressed the lock button on the remote and it worked.

*NOTE: I pressed the Lock button but it is possible that any other button could have worked. However since I got it working on the first attempt I didn't feel like messing with the other buttons.

Also note that the process required to make it work on your car might vary. These are the instructions I had to use in my car which is a 2008 Nissan Sentra (base model). Good luck!

[Onyxblue]

The part number for the remote I got is: 28268EA. This is the one with only 3 buttons (lock, unlock, and panic).

It seems like it's the same remote I have on my Versa.Would you mind teling me the other numbers from the key fob (FCC ID and IC)?Also, if you got if off ebay, can you post the link?

Thanks

[Supercourse]

In addition to the Versa, the 28268A remote is also used on Frontiers, Titans and the new Pathfinders.In summary:hienesey has the KBRASTU15 working with a 2008 Sentra (base model)Onyxblue found a KBRASU15 would not work with a 2008 Sentra (base model)merlinpr found a KBRASTU15 would not work with a 2008 Sentra (base model)Canadian Sentras come with the KBRASTU15 as the I-key is not offered (unless this has changed for 2009?)

[merlinpr]

It seems like it's the same remote I have on my Versa.Would you mind teling me the other numbers from the key fob (FCC ID and IC)?Also, if you got if off ebay, can you post the link?

Thanks

Sure!

These are the numbers I have in the back other than the part number.FCC ID: cwtwb1u415CAN: 1788A-FWB1U415

Here is the one I originally purchased:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...70055

I was sent the wront one. I called and they were able to tell me inmediately which one I needed and sent it to me (the one I got). That seller is great. You might want to contact him and ask him if he could help you figure out which remote you need.

[merlinpr]

In addition to the Versa, the 28268A remote is also used on Frontiers, Titans and the new Pathfinders.In summary:hienesey has the KBRASTU15 working with a 2008 Sentra (base model)Onyxblue found a KBRASU15 would not work with a 2008 Sentra (base model)merlinpr found a KBRASTU15 would not work with a 2008 Sentra (base model)Canadian Sentras come with the KBRASTU15 as the I-key is not offered (unless this has changed for 2009?)

The one I originally purchased (and didn't work) was not a KBRASTU15. The one I was sent originally was a CWTWB1U429.

Just thought I'd clarify just in case