How to Turn on Nissan Altima Without Key
Getting locked out of your own car is one of the most frustrating situations that can happen. Getting back in is never easy and usually, you would have to call on-road assistance or a locksmith to get you back in. However, there are a few tricks you can try to get back in yourself, which is what we'll explore in this guide, so stick around if you want to find out more!
Create a New Key
Most people don't know this, but with the right information, you can go directly to the dealership where you bought the car and get a spare key. Not only will you get inside your Nissan Altima you'll also get a spare to use in a future crisis. The dealership will require your identification, proof of ownership, and the VIN number of the vehicle.
If you stranded your Altima at home or a safe location, spending the time to get a new key from the dealership is the wisest approach.
Call the Non-emergency Line
Depending on where you live, the local police might be able to assist you. Explain the situation and the patrol officers will use their tools to unlock the vehicle for you for free. Make sure you have your driver's license, proof of insurance either on you or inside the vehicle.
Gain Access to Door Lock Controls
To get to door-mounted controls and unlock the car, you'll need to wedge something in the weather stripping on the side of the door and use a thin piece of metal to activate the controls.
The first method involves using a car air shim or a locksmithing set. Set the pressure bag between the end of the driver's door and B-column (the one separating front and rear doors) and pump it up to create a small gap. Then, use the metal bar to press the door lock controls, deflate the pressure bag and open the door.
If you're stuck on the road, even if you have these tools, they'll likely be trapped inside the vehicle. Instead of a locksmith's bar, take one of the windshield wipers. Pull the door with your fingers to create a gap, then use the wipe to access door controls. Be careful not to hurt your fingers or damage the door with too much force.
Remote Door Unlock
Your fob key is likely trapped inside the vehicle as well, but there are still some ways of unlocking Nissan Altima without a key. NissanConnect is an app available for 2020 and 2021 Altima and allows you to unlock the vehicle with a press of a button.
To start using NissanConnect, you will have to enroll in a trial or paid period. You can ask the dealership for help or do it yourself by creating a MyNISSAn owners portal account, and downloading the NissanConnect Services App for your phone.
You can lock and unlock your Altima wherever you are, as long as the engine is off and all doors are closed, which is perfect for your scenario. The app will ask you for a PIN number, so memorize it to pass verification and successfully unlock the vehicle.
Call Road Assistance
The only thing worse than spending money on a frustrating problem is making it worse by breaking something. Bending the door, cracking the window, and scratching up the body are possible outcomes of trying to break into your own vehicle, so calling road assistance or a locksmith can be a way to avoid the risks. You'll have to wait for them to show up and pay them at least $50, but at least you'll avoid exacerbating the problem.
Find You Spare Keys
This is obvious, yet it's worth mentioning. Searching your house for a set of spares you've stored years ago will now pay off. You might have also attached a magnetic box with a key inside a bumper or to the Altima's underside. It's the very first thing you should check, but I've intentionally placed it as the last method to avoid frustrating you. To avoid future lock-outs, create a set of spare keys, or at the very least an inexpensive basic door key.
FAQs
Will a Nissan lock with the key fob inside?
Nissan Altima comes with a safety feature that prevents the doors from locking if the key fob has been left inside. However, some people have accidentally pressed the lock button as they left the car, locking the fob key inside. Keep the fob on you at all times to ensure this rare occurrence doesn't happen to you.
How do you manually unlock a Nissan Altima?
If you push the small release latch on the back of the fob key, you'll find a hidden emergency key inside it. You can use it to unlock the driver's door manually and gain access to the vehicle.
Why does my Nissan key not work?
The most common reason for a fob key not to function properly is a drained or dying battery. When replacing the battery, keep in mind that Altima might not respond to the fob key initially, and you'll have to use a manual key before setting it up.
Summary
Getting inside Nissan Altima when the keys are locked inside can be tricky, but one of the methods provided will certainly get the doors open. Start with the obvious solutions, like finding your spare key or fob key, and don't be afraid to call the local police for assistance. If you're satisfied with the information provided, take a look at other Vehicle Freak articles and learn more clever tricks that will save you both time and money!
How to Turn on Nissan Altima Without Key
Source: https://vehiclefreak.com/how-to-unlock-nissan-altima-with-keys-inside/