I have just bought a 2005 RL, but it only came with 1 Key fob (happens to be driver 2). I just bought driver 2 on ebay , but don't know how to program
it to work with the car. Is there any guidance on this anywhere, or do I have to take them to a dealer to accomplish this?
thanks for your help.

 

Well, if the key is designed for your particular car, the instictions are on the back of the fob. However, I doubt you cam just buy any fob and make it work. There is an actually key in the fob that needs to match your car, and I'm sure an RFID key that needs to match too.

 

You need to go to the dealer or a locksmith who has access to the Honda Hds key programming system. Basically, there are three things that need to be done to get a fully functional fob like one that came with the car. First, you have to get the key embedded in the fob physically cut so that it will physically turn your locks and ignition. Then you need to program the chip that is embedded in the head of the physical key into your car's immobilizer. Finally, you need to program the fob itself to your car. The last two things you need the Honda HDS equipment to do. Unlike other Hondas and Acuras where you can program the remote fob on your own, you can't do that with the RL because the fob gives you the ability to start the car... Thus it needs to talk to the immobilizer and thus you need the HDS equipment to program it in.

Hope this helps...

 

I bought my #2 from the dealer along with programming services. Took 5 trips to the dealer to get it programmed to work reliably. Very expensive experience, even if the 4 retries were free.

 

Yeah I was quoted $300 for a new key and fob. They said $250 if I bring my own key. Wow! I need to find a locksmith who can do this in my area. I live near Charlotte, NC which is a big city. MAybe one there.

 

They milk you for all they can on adding keys because they know they have the HDS and you don't have many choices!

If you were closer, I'd do it for you... But unfortunately, you're on the other side of the country!

 

I think this a service they should do for free. How long does it take them - 10 minutes?

My step daughter had a Saturn and lost the key. Got the VIN number and registration and went to a dealer. It was one of the later models that had the hard to duplicate key so I figured it was going to be expensive. They gave it to us for free.

 

The programming is apparently pretty tricky on a 2006. Perhaps the tech's forgot how to the old ones ?

 

Programming is simple with the HDS tool. Takes 10 mins max. What takes the most time is bringing the fobs in and out of the car to do the programming one at a time. But most dealers charge you an hour labor minimum.

 

Its only tricky if they are idiots.
I don't think they put the sharpest tool in the shed on these tasks. Probably a service advisor rather than a Tech

 

Trouble is it worked for a while each time, then would quit a day or two later...(no car start up, crank ok - go get the other fob and all worked ok)

They stayed with the same fob and the paperwork did not show any car parts being changed. Weird I know.

Bought if from a used car lot, I'm sure the jokers there sell the #2's / extras on ebay for easy money.