Mine is a CBP base 07 automatic. Had it about 2 months... really nice shape ( and I looked at a lot) with 124k miles. It had NOT had all 105k service but I got that done right off. Drives and runs great. I paid 10k.

Mine came with two keys; the valet key and a switchblade fob. I'd like a couple more keys just in case.

All this discussion on "programming", but I am unclear of the basics and two local locksmiths conflict each other and have confused me even more.

Is the chip that will allow the car to start in the key itself, or is it in the valet key itself but in the switchblade fob and not in the switchblade key? ( that key doesn't have much body as it has a big hole through it's base ).

This discussion about putting the key in the car and on and off several times... that's to program the fob so it unlock's the car ect, right?

Thanks...
enjoy all the information here and have learned a lot from lurking.

 

There are two types of programming that must be done:

1: the anti-theft chip must be programmed which allows you to start the car
2. the remote must be programmed that allows you to lock/unlock the car

The second programming can be done with no special equipment; however #1 needs to be done by a dealer in most cases. I upgraded to a switchblade key and learned all this stuff earlier this year. You can buy a key blank from the dealer or at a internet key site that sells OEM keys for a lot less money.

I paid $90 for cutting and programming my one switchblade key at an Acura dealer. It took < 1 hour to do.

 

There are two things that need to be programmed.

As you know, the remote aka keyfob can be programmed at home for free.

The key, needs to be programmed at a dealer or specialized locksmith. Only reason why I say specialized is because back when I needed my key programmed, the dealer was the only one that could do it for me. Now I hear locksmiths and others have the ability to program the key.

Programming the key allows your car to start. Without programming, it will keep cranking but not start the car.

The immobilizer is apart of the blade.

 

One thing I forgot to mention: when you program the new key make sure you bring ALL your keys with you. The dealer winds up using a new code and burns that into all keys that will start the car. I didn't realize this and needed to make another trip with all my keys.

 

The chip keys don't actually get programmed. It is the car's immobilizer that is programmed to accept your keys. I was going to get my immobilizer programmed at the Dealer but they actually quoted me more than $150 so I ended up purchasing the Honda Diagnostics System (HIM) from ebay:

Newest Version V3 002 032 FOR Honda HDS HIM Diagnostic Tool With Double Board | eBay

If you have this you could program your immobilizer in less than 5 minutes.

 

cheapest way will be buy a compatible key fob on eBay and bring it to the dealership to cut and program the key. the fob can be programmed yourself and fairly easy to do so. It costs me $50 + tax to cut 3 keys (same price regardless number of keys)