I searched but couldn't find an answer to this one. Is there a way to program the key (not the fob...I already have the instructions on how to do that) to the car ('04 TSX) myself? Or am I stuck having to take it to the stealership where they'll charge me $98 to do it for me?

 

The, "stealership" as you call them will use a specialized and expensive machine to encode your key. So unless you want to shell out a couple of grand for something to encode your key I'm afraid you'll have to part with your $98.

 

In truth, the car is told to "learn" the key you want to add by the expensive machine (ie. the Honda/Acura HDS). There's simply no way to do it yourself without buying a $5000+ piece of equipment.

I'm told that some independent locksmiths may now have the tools to program keys to the immobilizer. You can try calling around, but likely they won't be cheap either.

Price we pay for making our cars difficult to steal, but well worth it IMHO. Where I work (Honda dealer) we see substantially fewer recovered theft cars than we used to before Honda adopted the Immobi system.

 

If you're nearby more than one dealer you may want to shop around.

 

This is a fairly easy task for an independent locksmith. You can search the "switchblade key" for solutions. This was my result on the the programming on my TSX

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37144

$40 to $60 seems to be a good price, though some had the dealer program it for free.

Earlier life: 1966 Datsun 1600 Sport, 1972 BMW 2002tii, 1973 Volvo 142e, 72 Datsun 240Z, 72 Mercedes 250, 73 BMW 2002, 73 Datsun 260Z, 73 Volvo 164e, 71 BMW 2800cs, 77 BMW 320i, 82 Mercedes 300D, 84 BMW 325e, 86 Acura Legend, 90 Miata, 00 Acura TL
Current life: 06 TSX 6sp, 05 Mercedes SLK 350 7sp, 03 Toyota RAV4
A car is an expensive PITA; get one you like.

 

for an '04 any experienced mster locksmith should be able to program it for you under $50 and thats here in NYC. '07 and up I recommend you call dealerships around you and look for a dealer that goes by the half-our rate. The ecu's have changed for 07's so they can't access the immobilzer. For my '07 I was asked $125 from my local dealer. Made a couple phone calls and found a dealer 20miles away and went by a half-hour rate. Ended up paying $40 dollars.

 

I'll see if there is another dealer nearby. I figured one couldn't do it on their on but I was thrown off by the claims in this auction and is why I was asking:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...213751581&rd=1

Thanks for the help.

 

The statements in the advert appear to be true. The dealership may charge a fee or not. A locksmith will probably charge a fee. If the dealer charges a fee (like $125), a locksmith may charge less fee.

It appears that the ebay advertisement is trying to sell keys. The rest is up to you.

Check out my post on this thread on suggestions of the equipment that the locksmith should have to program the key. Good luck!

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37144

 

Does anyone have any advice on which dealer or locksmith to go to in socal?

 

I'm in Huntington Beach, Orange County of Socal so I am looking for locksmiths/dealerships too. South Coast Acura guy said about 55 to mill the key, and then Services department said about 100 bucks to program it to the car. Ug.

I was looking around for locksmiths who could do it but I haven't found any who seem experienced with acuras just yet. Let me know?

 

have a buddy w/ an HDS hook you up w/ the programming (someone that works for honda)

 

Buena Park Acura quoted me $100 also.