I'm new to Acura/Honda and apparently there is a forbidden red programming key.
My selection of keys included one with a red Acura logo like this:


I'm assuming this is just a normal key as the programming keys seem to tend to be more like these

Can someone confirm?
thx

 

Further investigation shows the red logo is just a normal key, it doesnt' cause to the key light to fast flash like a programming key would

Now to figure out why only 1 of the 4 keys that came with this car work.

 

May need to reprogram them all

 

The red key is used by the dealer to program a new key to work with your cars immobilizer system, "never" attempt to start your car with it! Gray key is the Valet key and the black keys are the regular car keys, if only one works than as thoiboi mentioned above they may need to be programed.
p..s. there are "no" dumb questions

 

As 2000RL said from above, the RED key is used only to programme a new key. My owners manual states that an attempt to use the RED ( Learning ) key to start car's engine may lead to a malfunction in the system to make your master and valet keys unusable. You may also have a separate key number plate. You'll need this number to replace lost key(s). You should also have the radio code which you'll need to reactivate the radio should you do a battery change-out and all 12V power is lost to car systems. Radio will not work after a BCO untill you enter this 5 digit number.
I'm with thoiboi that you'll need to visit dealer to reprogramme the keys.

 

Unfortunately it only came with 3 normal keys (2 with Acura logo and one 'aftermarket') and a valet key, the very heavily worn master key is the only one that works. No number plate nor learning key. The 8 years of service records came in a manilla envelope with a bunch of scribbles on the outside including "Radio [and 5 numbers]" so I'm hoping that's the radio code.

It's interesting that 3 of the 4 keys don't work, maybe a previous owner accidently used the learning key and wiped the rest out.

 

IDK if dealer can reprogramme existing /new keys w/o the Learning RED key. No harm to talk to a dealer first with your key details. We lost one of the original Black keys and now use the remaining Black ( me) and Valet( wife) keys. We have the Red key & key plate but cannot justify spending good coin just to have another master key made. Hopefully dealership may have another way to programme existing/new keys w/o the Red key by utilizing your existing master key.
The 5 digits should be the radio code ( use preset buttons to enter code. Don't lose that number ). Also note when power is disconnected, all preset radio stations are wipe off. Computer also need to relearn engine idle control parameters after a battery CO. Run engine till rad cooling fan comes on once or twice, then idle 5 more minutes. Good to go after that.