I bought the base version of the Nissan Versa which came with just one key that doesn’t have remote entry. Unsure if my local hardware store could do an adequate job of duplicating it? Any recommendations? Thanks.
Try. If they have a matching blank they’ll probably make a good copy; if they don’t they’ll tell you. If it doesn’t work you’re out $2. When I had a difficult key I wanted copied I went to a locksmith. It cost a little more.
At least you’re smart enough to do it now! I have seen so many people lose their only key and go into panic mode. All my vehicles I have two working keys/fobs.
A key duplication truck set up in the Costco parking lot near me. Maybe there’s one at a Costco, Walmart, or Target near you too. The truck is so close to the Costco entrance that I think Costco must approve of it.
This is simple. Have them make a key, pay for it, go out and try it and if it does not work go back in and let them try again or get a refund. Our local Ace hardware does this all the time.
+1
Many years ago, when I was moving to a new apartment, I tried to have my new key duplicated at the local locksmith’s shop. That duplicate didn’t work, so I went back for them to try again. The second one also didn’t work, so I got a refund. Then I walked to the local old-fashioned hardware store, and they were able to do it properly on the first try.
Chances are it’s a chipped/transponder type key, and will also need programmed to the car.
I’d just go to the dealer.
Not all Ace hardware stores can copy chipped/transponder keys. The one near me has a sign that says they can do that .
I would ask the dealer why only one key, I thought the chip shortage was over.
Call the dealer and ask for the cost of new key, and if it needs programmed, if cheap and no program, it is a basic key, if expensive and or needs programming, then you have your answer…
Years ago when my son went to get a new key for his Cobalt, the hardware store scanned it and said dealer… lol
Duplicating the key is one step, the new key must then be registered to the vehicle’s immobilizer system.
After the new key(s) are registered, lost keys will no longer work.
I’ve had very good luck with locksmiths making duplicate car keys. They have the programming tools, and their prices are much lower than the dealer.
Agree with trying the locksmith first.
But don’t discount going to the dealer. A time or two the dealer has been able to get a me a new key made quicker and more easily than the locksmith. And sometimes on Saturdays, too, since I work 5 days a week. The cost is a little higher, but the convenience is worth it depending on the situation.
Article in the paper today on how Minnesota has lowered the lead content so low as to outlaw the brass in keys and the lead in fob circuitry. The legislature is scrambling to write an addendum to allow keys but who knows with these folks. I’ve got all mine for now.
Unrelated but the other day I must have hit the panic button by mistake. Had no idea how to shut it off. Had to use the key to unlock the door and stopped when I put the key in the ignition. Probably in the manual some place.
I also have a base model Versa with a regular old brass key. I recommend calling a Nissan dealer and have them look up the key code for your car. Write it down and save it then have a locksmith cut a key to that code. It’ll be just like a brand new key rather than a copy of a worn key.
The manufacturers are getting more and more cost conscious to the point of ridiculousness. A new optioned out Harley touring bike is now well over $30,000. They now only give you ONE key fob! You want a second? You gotta pay for it! I bought my 2006 Electra Glide when it was 3 years old. The seller gave me both (2) original fob’s. As it should be. My neighbor just bought a $81,000 Lincoln. No paper owners manual! (She did get 2 fob’s!)
Go to CarMax and look at vehicles, they show pictures of the vehicle including the key/fob(s), whatever it has is shown, whatca see is whatca get…
When I was looking for mine, I got lucky (was part of my decision making) and it had both Fobs as well as a regular key for the tailgate/glovebox/door, so 3 (fobs/key) in total, but many the same year trucks I looked at, only had one or a combo of two fob(s)/key…
People loose keys, OR keep them as souvenirs…
When I bought my 2006 Corolla in 2007, it only came with one ignition key and remote (fob), after it was totaled in late 2018, I emptied out the glove box and found an extra remote in with the paper work I never knew it had…
You bought all or some of those vehicles mentioned at CarMax?
Like other things in life, if they are going to cheat or cheap out on the stuff you can see, what will they do the stuff you can’t see? I understand shortages if that’s why but at least provide a coupon for the second one when available.
Two drivers, two different settings. Sorry, need two fobs. On one car the salesman lost one. Took them two weeks to get another and re-program them but no charge.
lol
Only bought one, the one I bought had all 3 (2)fobs/(1)key…
The ones I did not buy mostly had either 1 fob or a combo of fob(s)/key…
Not on all vehicles, might be more for the more luxury brands that have drive 1 and driver 2… The 2004 Infinity is the only vehicle I have ever had that had 2 driver settings, I have had a 2006, 2009, another 2009, 2017 and now my 2023, none of which have/had 2 driver settings…