TSX1012m6

My key is in rough shape. The plastic is starting to flex and the button's silver finish is almost entirely worn off. There doesn't seem to be an OEM route to go, other than buying an entire new key for ~$180. I only have one key for the car, but I still haven't had a chance to justify the $280 for a second key. I found non OEM shells for pretty cheap without the buttons, but with the buttons they are about $35.

Heres a video:
Key from Amazon (reviews arent good because people are trying to use it as a key) - https://www.amazon.com/Discount-Keyl.../dp/B00LEVFDYC

I would love to find just the shell and plastics. I am not interested in the metal shaft or PCB. Has anyone ever tried this? Any alternatives?

ceb

There is an eBay vendor that sells what you need.

cu2wagon

Yup.

eBay is probably the place you need. You can find all sorts. As long as you can find the same switchblade key style, you can disassemble it and swap the parts over.

There are OEM as well as knock-off aftermarkets available.

Also, if all you want to do is replace the buttons, you can find just the transmitter/buttons listed from time to time. Finding *just* the buttons is pretty rare though.

Basically, you just want to find the cheapest replacement key that you can, that meets you needs (ie. new, lightly used, broken, etc.) and then disassemble and swap parts as needed.

Ballpark in the $35 range. I just looked and found one for $27 in good shape (uncut refurb, like new).

Small bit to consider, the keys for the wagon and sedan have slightly different images on the buttons. If that matters to you; make sure you get the right one.

xtcnrice

Moderator caught double posting! *shocked face emoji*

thoiboi

Don't know what you're talking about, I only see one post..

cu2wagon

I am only human. Thus, I blame the computers.

TSX1012m6

Just picked up a key assembly off Amazon. I like Amazon because it is so easy and fast to return if I don't like it. I'm going to see how the quality is and probably swap a few pieces on my current beat to crap key. May even consider taking the non oem key (after I put the warn components on it) and see if a locksmith can cut/program the key. I'm not a fan of non oem keys, but ive called a few locksmiths and they said they most likely can get the key cut and make it so it can start the car. If this works, it may be worth it as a temporary backup if I ever lose my oem key. I certainly would not daily a non oem key though.

cu2wagon

It can be cut no problem.

It *should* be possible to register it to the car ECU as long as it's got the same FCC ID code. That is, Honda uses a wide range of transmitter IDs/wavelengths and you must have the right one for your car to "see" the signal. It's the string of numbers printed/etched on the back of your key.

Be forewarned, the cost to register the key to the ECU is astronomical IMO. It seems like Honda/Acura wants to charge a full hour for it so it's in the $160 range even though it should only take a few minutes. A independent locksmith with the Honda gizmo would be less.

Also, Honda/Acura may not touch it if it's an aftermarket key. Depends on the dealer.

TSX1012m6

Received the Amazon replacement key. Its a 3/10 in terms of quality. The OEM is light years ahead in overall quality (as expected). I had swapped the PCB to the generic key, but was disappointed with its quality. In the end, I just swapped the buttons and the silver keychain piece. As an added bonus, I was able to program the generic to lock/unlock/actuate the trunk! If I get some free time I may run to a locksmith/dealer and see if he can cut/program it.

Directions from an OEM Amazon key post:

^Long story short, keep going from I to II and press unlock every time the key is in the II position. After about 4 tries it connects



OEM on the left