moda_way

Just wanted to thank BDI for hosting the pics. BDI is why we get to see everything I did.

Accord Key Part #35118-SDA-A11 (thanks rbf351)
I ordered mine from Majestic Honda - $34

You'll need:
1 USDM 03-05 Accord Key (blank per above)
1 Acura TSX key (make sure it starts your car)
SHARP!!! Knife (Exacto or utility)
2 part Epoxy (I recomment Loctite 5 min drying)
Various sized flat heads
A metal cutting tool
A model car paint brush (Smaller the better)
A small piece of sandpaper
Patience

1. Drill out the screw on the back side of the USDM Accord. I had all the tools for that small of a screw, but now way was it coming out.

2. Pop open the case on the Accord key using the cutout on the side of the Unlock button.

3. Pop out the remote portion.

4. Pop out the plastic cover over the immmobilizer.

5. Use a very small flat head to pry out the immbolizer chip. It is held in with a little bit of sticky.


Here are the bits to the USDM Accord key. From left to right, top to bottom you have the USDM Accord blank, the Remote, the immobilizer's cap, the immobilizer chip underneath, and finally the key's back plate.


7. Cut the remaining bit of the screw off of the key and remove the rubbery material over the key blank

This is me using a cutting wheel on my pneumatic dremel tool to remove the holder screw and remove some material that keeps the USDM Accord blank in place.


8. Slowly pry out the Accord key. You may need to cut it with a knife because the rubbery stuff holds on the bottom too.

9. Begin to whittle away at your Acura key. Use the below pic to show you were the "black box" is located.

This is what the Acura key looks like after you remove the black rubbery material and the "black box" that holds the immobilizer in its place. What looks to be grey around the immobilizer is actually a tranluscent material, like dried rubber cement.


10. Once you get down to the "Black Box", shave all the rest of the material off the sides so that you can pull it off the key.

11. Slowly cut around the "black box" with a knife to pry it open. BE CAREFUL b/c the knife could scratch the chip

I pulled the rest of the key and immobilizer "black box" out, with the immobilizer chip still in place because I wanted to be VERY delicate when removing it.


12. Once the black box cover is off, pull the entire bit off of the key.

13. Use a knife to score around the immobilier chip. Again, be careful b/c you can f it up at this point.

14. Once you have scored around the chip, get a TINY flat head an CAREFULLY pry out the chip.


This is the most blurry pic I think I've ever taken, but what you see here is the immobilizer chip post removal. Not a scratch on the little bugger.


15. Set the Accord key on top of the TSX key and mark where you need to cut. Because I'm using a dremel tool, I just clamped them together and cut the TSX key.

This is the USDM Accord blank and the Acura key below it. One important note here, the USDM Accord key is actually thicker than the TSX key, so you have to be very careful when removing the Accord key to compensate. That is why I have almost no gap in my key's fitment.


16. Sand the very end area of the TSX key so that the epoxy will adhere better.

17. Test fit the TSX key into the body of the Accord fob. You may need to trim out the area a little. Test fit again and again.

18. Put the TSX Immobilizer into the "box" where you took out the Accord immobilizer. Clip the lid back into it.

19. Build up a area under the key so when you set it into the Accord body the key won't lean down (You should be mount the key inside the body where the transmitter buttons are, per the pictures)

20. Mix up your 2 part epoxy. Only need about a quarter size amount.

21. Put a small amount of epoxy on the bed where the key head will rest

22. Put the key in place and stabilize it won't lean down (Per step 19). I used some washers.

23. Make sure the key is in place straight and put epoxy over the head and around it. Try to keep it off the front area, but coat it well.

-Optional.. if you choose to use the A off the fob, use the untility knife to pull it off. Its just a sticker. Same for the Honda one. If you want it flush mounted, have fun, I haven't done it yet to mine. I just used a little bit of almost hardened epoxy to mount mine on the back.

24. Let the Epoxy dry. (Give it a good 15 mins)

25. Snap the transmitter back in place and snap the Accord key lid on.


Back of the finished key with the Acura symbol in place. I really need to recess it because you can just get your fingernail under it. Recessing it though will take quite a bit of time to make it just perfect like OEM. It is the A off the fob from our set. The A off the key is significantly different in size and the other A looks better.


Front of the finished key.


Straight on shot of the key. It looks like I have gaps, but in truth, the flash made the black plastic reflect a lot of light. I have almost NO gap at all.


26. Follow the directions here to program the buttons.

PM me if you would like me to do the labor (for a small price).

*These are just my simple instructions. Follow them if you want, but at your own risk. I'm not liable for you screwing with working keys. I make no garuantees to safety, longevity or interoperability of either keys... I just know I did it myself and it worked for me. You may not have the same results.

Dan Martin

Nice! Adding to the FAQ section...

GIBSON6594

nice work man. Don't see myself doing it. looks like a bit of a pain, but yours looks nice

joerockt

Guess we need revise this since we know now you dont have to chop your key up.

CJams

I like it and will have to get around to doing this one myself.

moda_way

Correct, you can buy a copy of your Acura key, but you have to program the immobilizer. This is just an additional step, but I did mention getting a "working" key, be that the original or a copy... its gotta work.

Viking

Nice job and excellent write-up!

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Nice write-up!

mg7726

nice!! did you fabricate a hole in the finished product for the original screw in the back of the honda key? and put that screw back in or you just relying on the exproxy to hold the key?

how is the "in-my-pocket" durability test? does it pass muster?

BDI

Excellent write up!

moda_way

That screw goes into the Accord key. It doesn't come out, so just the epoxy is holding it. If you see my directions above, I take extra steps to make sure the epoxy gets the greatest amount of hold it can.

As for durability, I have put it to the test. Stepped on it in my business shoes (formal shoes) on my concrete garage floor this afternoon... no breakage at all. I've torqued on this key using the door locks... WORKS GREAT. As I think I said early, my only complaint is the Acura emblem on the back since it isn't recessed like before. I am coming up with a way to do this now. I have some dremel tools that can do routering. It just comes down to testing it out at this point.

moda_way

Just looked at the Accord chip that I took out of the Accord fob... Its made by Philips. Thought it would be interesting to note.

mg7726

sweet man!

i just got back from Sears, and was gonna suggest using the dremel engraving tool to make the indent and then glue the 'A'

moda_way

LOL... I figured I could do that since I had to router out the rough spots from removing the Accord key. Of course, the next challenge is making it work which with time and patience, shouldn't be too hard.

FYI, I found that using the remaining epoxy, after it hardens a little makes application a lot easier. Since it isn't as fluid, you can avoid getting drips or applying too much and making it seep out.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

I can't believe you guys sometimes. BTW, I have some real JDM remote keys for the TSX on order....I will let you know when/if they get here....

moda_way

We're always testing the boundaries. But thanks to vendors like you, if we can't make it work, we know you can get it for us.

TinkyWinky

So we don't need to cut and paste?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Are the JDM remote keys different than the USDM Accord keys? Or is it like Accord keyfob with the TSX key blade?

Powered by Honda

I thought you dont need to take out the imbolizer. I thought you just have to program a stock blank accord key? hmmmmmmmmmmm....

Benz_05_TSX

iTrader: (1)

Very nice man~

Wish i had the time to do it~

moda_way

That is exactly what JTso and virus7 are suggesting.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

I am going to find out when they get here.

moda_way

As I recall, the pdf of the JDM Accord brochure shows the keys. I can't find my copy and I have a true brochure at the house... Who has a link?

moda_way

I found it
http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...ondaAccord.pdf

moda_way

Found the pic, it is exactly like the USDM Accord key, but without the panic button.

joerockt

They already make these for the TSX?

moda_way

With the exception that they are EXACTLY like the USDM Accord keys without the panic button. My guess is, they'll cost more than the one I got from Majestic Honda and you'll still have to modify it.

MTLer

Great Write up.

Tsx536

Very nice writeup and info...

I wonder if I should make this the next mod

Mattsx

I'm just wondering why people are doing this? Is there some advantage to using the Honda case as opposed to the original one?

What is the point?

moda_way

You don't have a fob hanging off your key anymore... its totally integrated. I didn't mind the fob... but I love this mod!!!! I enjoy it everytime i reach for my key.

moda_way

DO IT!!!!! And if you aren't able, I'm already doing this for other members.

TSX559

Whats the cost if you do it for us? Will you program it for us too?

TSX559

Whats the cost if you do it for us? And how long will it take for you to do it?

TSX559

Ignore the post about progamming it. I just found out how to do it.

leftride

iTrader: (1)

you dont need to take out the transponder....

http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...&postcount=159

moda_way

Definitely the way to go if your local Honda/Acura dealership will program the chip for you. Takes all the work out of doing this mod!!!

Newplay1

done..finished..finto! oh man what a pain in the a$$ mod haha but I'm so proud now.. will post pics tonight..

Newplay1

phucking sweat and tears...

if you can see just right click and properties and copy and paste.


O-MY...

joerockt