I replaced the ignition cylinder in my 2008 TL 3.2l which came with a new transponder key and a spare key. I broke the chip from the old key, so I can't transfer it to the new spare. There isn't an Acura dealership in my town, the Honda dealership said they can't program the new key and the 3 locksmiths in my town either don't have the equipment or don't know how to program for all keys lost. Is my only option getting another ignition cylinder, immobilizer, and ECU to get my car running again? Or do I have any other options?

 

Just curious, how many miles, out of the way from your town, do you have to drive to get to the nearest Acura Dealer?

 

Closest one is about 3 hours away according to Google maps

 

Thanks for the response.

Is there a 'somewhat' larger 'urban' area outside of town, less than '...3 hours away...', that may have an expanded locksmith selection that could provide you the experienced transponder key 'programing' functionality?

If the 'opportunity cost' of '...getting another ignition cylinder, immobilizer, and ECU to get my car running again...' is less of a time / financial burden than making an Acura appointment and driving 3 hours to remedy this issue, than perhaps it is the way to go?

On the other hand, I see you mentioning the car is not running, as a result of this dilemma, and if it has to be towed to the Acura dealer 3 hours away, than that is clearly not 'ideal' either?

Good Luck!

 

There is another option, try the in town Honda dealer again.

Here is my point:
The image below comes from the Acura 07-08 TL factory service manual.

If you look at #3 in the process of checking the 'Status Log' below it states specifically:
'On the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) screen, select Honda systems, select immobilizer set-up, select immobilizer information, then select status log.'

It (HDS) does not distinguish between separate Acura & Honda systems only one Honda system (used for Acura as well); therefore, one would think the (HDS) Honda Diagnostic System that your 'in town' Honda dealer employs daily IScapable of solving your issue.

You just need to talk to the right person.

I would go to the Honda dealer, in person, and explain your situation & make a point to talk with a service supervisor / manager to see if they can help you.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'll try my local Honda dealership again or another locksmith. Maybe I just got unlucky & talked to some people who don't know

 

I had a local locksmith that just used an Autel computer to program the transponder for my key no problemo. I think you may have just found an inexperienced one.