Someone was telling me that any TL models from 1999 to the present have a computer chip in the key that makes it impossible to start the car without the key. Does anyone know whether this is true? I was wondering because I was told that because of this a car thief would have to tow your car to take it because in order to actually start it without a key they would have to have some kind of decoder that could be very time-consuming.

 

It is true that the 99-03 TL & some other models like CL, RL have the coded key chip. What that does is prevents someone from punching the ignition to start the car. Example some HONDA ACCORD & TOYOTA CAMARY cars that thiefs love to steal . This is how they take most of them they punch the ignition with screw drivers & other tools even master keys. With the coded key Imobilizer system it needs to read the code from the chip in the key for the car to start. The key has to send the correct signal to the system. So for example a screw driver would not be abale to send a signal to the system & the car would not start.

 

Where is the chip located? In the black plastic part or actually within the steel itself?

 

in the plastic part.

 

yah but a professional could still steal the car, it just makes it real hard for joe blow GTA to swipe your ride.

 

It has been posted here before that our system can be bypassed. Instructions supposedly can be found on Internet if you look hard enough. So do not count on stock system to prevent someone from stealing a TL. That is what Clifford is for.

 

ALL the recent year HONDA model has Imobilizer system. (green key indicator)

 

I would also recommend the Autolock (brake pedal lock) on top of that.