| lausy |
| My co-worker has an 03 Honda Accord that has a key which has the chip in it. He ordered a replacement key from somewhere online but didn't have it programmed. Does the programming of the chip in the key have to be done by a special machine or can it be programmed like the remote control? I am assuming the MDX uses the technology so if it holds true for the X, I'm sure it's the same answer for the Accord. thanks. |
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| phins2rt |
I'm almost postive you cannot do this yourself. When I needed one, I went to the dealer for a new key. I think there are internet companies that will program the key for you.
Tim @ hondacuraworld.com can do this service as well. Good luck. |
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| lausy |
| Thanks phins2rt. I sent Tim an email also. |
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| teamTMS |
From my experience, the code from the chip is cloned (copied) from a working existing key to the new key.
Thank goodness Honda/Acura did this. Our Toyota Sienna, we need to bring the van in, the keys are uniquely coded and must have its code read by the ECU (computer) in the van. And you are limited to how many keys can be programmed into the van, after that you need to replace the ECU. Kind of dumb of Toyota, IMHO.
Just bring you blank key to Honda or Acura dealer along with one of the original keys and have them program it. They will charge you a small fee. Or do it when you get service done, they might not charge you to do program the key then (it only takes 10 seconds).
Good luck. |
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| Halgsr |
when you get a key programmed it is not cloned from an existing one. if that were true and you lost all the keys you would have a useless vehicle.
only the dealer can program a key, if someone else could do it then it wouldnt be much os a security feature would it.
the dealer must hook up there scan tool and go through the process. they also need to get a Immobilizer code from the internet (Hondacom) |
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| vlam |
only the dealer can program a key, if someone else could do it then it wouldnt be much os a security feature would it.
the dealer must hook up there scan tool and go through the process. they also need to get a Immobilizer code from the internet (Hondacom)
That is absoutely not true. Certain locksmith have the scan tool and they will come up to make the key for you. This happened to my co-worker last year. She lost her only key in the office and her car was stucked in the garage. When she called the dealer, they told her that she would have to bring her car in but she would have to get the car tow there because they don't come out. When I call AAA for her, I just mention the situtation and they said you don't need a tow, they called a locksmith instead. The only thing she had to pay for was the 2 keys with the chip and programming on the spot for $120.
There are Internet company that does programming of your new key if you send them one of your original key. |
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| highcountrymdx |
My dealer told me that, with the MDX, the key and the car are programed together. You just can't 'copy' the key. As a matter of fact, the car's ECU will accept only three transponder codes.
These codes are stored on the key as an RFID tag that cannot be copied. Every key is different, and must be matched to the car. |
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| Halgsr |
since i work at a dealer my info is correct, and you can have a max of 6 keys programmed to your vehicle.
AAA cannot do this, only the dealer. why would honda let a independent company copy there security feature?? |
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| vlam |
Here is a company that does exactly what I was describing about my co-worker situation. I would not be surprise if that was the company that did it since they are a AAA affiliate.
http://www.streetkeys.com/
The locksmith that showed up was definitely not someone from the dealership. |
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| teamTMS |
quote:
Originally posted by Halgsr
when you get a key programmed it is not cloned from an existing one. if that were true and you lost all the keys you would have a useless vehicle.
only the dealer can program a key, if someone else could do it then it wouldnt be much os a security feature would it.
the dealer must hook up there scan tool and go through the process. they also need to get a Immobilizer code from the internet (Hondacom)
From my understanding, the only need to hook up to the car if you want to remove all the keys or a particular key from the ECU.
I got spare master keys (yes, not one but two keys) made and they DID NOT need my MDX there. The RFID code can be copied. |
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| teamTMS |
quote:
Originally posted by vlam
Here is a company that does exactly what I was describing about my co-worker situation. I would not be surprise if that was the company that did it since they are a AAA affiliate.
http://www.streetkeys.com/
The locksmith that showed up was definitely not someone from the dealership.
Oh my! :eek:
Streetkeys.com wants $30 for the Acura blank, then $30 to cut and activate the key? I had my extra keys made at Acura for $40 each when I did my oil change. And they didn't even need to goto the MDX to program anything. They read the code from my master key and cut/programmed 2 more master keys for me.
NOTE: I have the 2001 MDX; I don't know about the more current models. |
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| Halgsr |
my mistake, the website looks reputable.
it must be an american only thing, cuz here in canada i havent heard of that type of service.
i do know that at my dealer when we program keys we must be in the vehicle to program them and have a special code from Hondacom.
it is possible that the immobilizer system in the states is different |
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| teamTMS |
quote:
Originally posted by Halgsr
it is possible that the immobilizer system in the states is different
Hey Tim, care to comment? Is the keys for the Canada model different? |
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