goonslude

Hey guys. I have a 5th gen prelude and I am wondering what the red key is. I thought it was for the immoilizer but I am not sure. Thanks for the help.

minilogoguy18

It's for programming a new immobilizer key, don't lose it, it's VERY expensive.

86belated

Don't ever put it in your ignition, either.

goonslude

So don't use it or lose it. What key is used to program a remote

m_shake

CONSEQUENCES OF A LOST KEY
The programmed ignition keys and the learning key are
essential parts of the immobilizer system. If your
customer has lost one or both of these components,
the consequences could be costly. Here are some
typical situations you could encounter and the potential
consequences:
• Your customer has none of the programmed ignition
keys, but still has the learning key. The immobilizer
control unit must be replaced with the Immobilizer
Unit Set.
• Your customer has none of the programmed ignition
keys and no learning key. The immobilizer control
unit must be replaced with the Immobilizer Unit Set.
• Your customer has a programmed ignition key but no
learning key. You have limited ability to add ignition
keys (you can only use the Ilco Immobilizer Key
Code Duplicator), and you have no ability to clear
transponder codes of lost ignition keys from the
memory of the immobilizer control unit.
• You are replacing the ECM, and your customer has
a programmed ignition key but no learning key. You
need to also replace the immobilizer control unit.

Rude Awakening

I Use it:



Do it.

m_shake

Programming the Transmitter
NOTES:
• The system accepts up to three transmitters. The
transmitter codes are stored in a stacking-type
memory. If a fourth transmitter code is programmed,
the code for the first transmitter is erased.
• Entering the programming mode cancels all learned
transmitter codes, so none of the previously
programmed transmitters will work. You must
reprogram all of the transmitters once you are in the
programming mode.
• You must complete steps 1–6 within 4 seconds of
the previous step to keep the system from exiting the
programming mode.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Press the “Lock” or “Unlock” button on one of the
transmitters. (An unprogrammed transmitter can be
used for this step.)
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
4. Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 two more times using the
same transmitter used in step 2.
5. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
6. Press the “Lock” or “Unlock” button on the same
transmitter. Make sure the power door locks cycle
to confirm that the system is in programming mode.
7. Within 10 seconds, press the “Lock” or “Unlock”
button on each transmitter. Make sure the power
door locks cycle after you press each transmitter
button to confirm that the system accepted the
transmitter’s code.
8. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0) to exit the
programming mode.

This is for 99-01 w/factory installed keyless

goonslude

So it can be used to start and drive the car on a regular basis?

m_shake

Each master and valet key has a transponder in its grip
that outputs an ID code when you insert the key into
the ignition switch. The immobilizer system uses this ID
code to determine whether or not to start the engine.
There are no batteries or other serviceable parts inside
the keys.
The learning key has a unique ID code that is matched
to the vehicle’s immobilizer control unit. It lets you
rewrite the immobilizer control unit to add programmed
ignition keys or to clear the transponder codes of lost
programmed ignition keys; it will not start the engine.

If you try to start the engine with the learning key, you
could damage the immobilizer control unit.

The learning key is given to the customer, sealed in its
plastic case. Advise your customer that the learning
key is a tool for the dealer; it will not start the engine.
Customers should keep the learning key sealed in its
plastic case and stored in a safe place.

goonslude

Ok easy enough thanks for the help and information

m_shake

No problem, was easy to copy and paste from the hondaIN at work haha

goonslude

I knew how to program the fob but I have never seen the red key before. My old 99 BB6 didn't have one with it.

m_shake

Yea they are usually lost by now and most don't know about it. It def sucks when u lose all the keys and have to shell out $320.57 msrp for a new immobilizer set

goonslude

I got like 15 keys when I got the car so I am set lol. Also when I was got it i got all the original paper work with it

minilogoguy18

Recognized that total copy/paste action from the IN.

Rude Awakening more than likely doesn't have the immobilizer system enabled anymore so he can use the red key. It's really expensive so like said don't lose it, 5g Preludes are the only weirdo Honda that uses the red key to program.

Love the link in your sig btw m shake.

civichhh

Man I learned my lesson the hard way. I bought a 00 prelude with no red key and lost the only key I had. I called Honda and they wanted $600+ for a new immobilizer system, re-flashing of the ecu, and a set of new keys.

Rude Awakening

Yes. Dont use the key. LOL. I have a RHD conversion and OBD1 so none of that garbage is operable. Infact the original ignition tumbler from the clip had the earlier key (88-00 Civic style) that has no chip.

Although when I got the key it was loose, and on my key ring, I accidentally used it once while the car LHD/stock. I inserted the black key, and nothing and the green key symbol flashed. Tried it a second time and it started.

goonslude

I am just going to admire the fact that I still have the red key still I mean the car is beautiful shape and I have all documentation for the previous owners

Joshmar

Soneone accidentally used my learners key on a new 97 lude i just bought and I wanted to know is there anyway I can reprogram my keys myself ?