tinaply2

Someone tried to steal my son's car, and destroyed the key hole. We installed a whole assembly that was pulled from a like car (2003 Civic LX). I bought it off ebay. As soon as I tested the key, the windshield wipers did work, but of course it would not start. I am pricing costs to have the new assembly programmed, and am frustrated. I have the old immobilizer, and the new assembly came with a key and its own immobilizer. I'm trying to find out if my cost should be less if I put the old immobilizer onto the current assembly and use the old key, or if it will make a difference. The prices I'm getting for reprogramming are around $200, which is frustrating. Is this the going price? I have called locksmiths so far. I tried a couple of mobile mechanics, but haven't found one who sounds knowledgeable over the phone yet. I ask them what kind of programmer they have and they don't seem to be able to answer that question. Does it matter? Thanks for any info!!

thisguyaves

Yeah, sounds about right, has to be done by the dealership.

tech8

If you had the matching ECM/PCM with the keys and Immobilizer Receiver Unit, it should work. However, since it doesn't sound like you did, there are options:

1. Get the Immobilizer System reprogrammed; or

2. Install the old Immobilizer Receiver Unit. Tape the old key side by side with the new key. (The RFID transponder chip is in the key); or




3. Get an Immobilizer Bypass.

tech8

The 2003 Civic has the Type 3 Immobilizer System; which many locksmiths can program.

tinaply2

Thanks for the info! I tried putting the old immobilizer on with the old key taped to the new one, but it didn't work. Maybe because there's a chip in the new key too?

tinaply2

One more question - matching ECM/PCM. What does that mean? I have a green key flashing with either immobilizer.

tech8

If the old key is in close proximity to the receiver it should still work. Maybe try wrapping the new key with tin foil; lol?

tinaply2

I'll try that. The immobilizer is just that little square black box looking thing, right?

tech8

The little square box is the receiver unit. The actual Immobilizer System comprises of several components, including the PCM/ECM.

tinaply2

I thought of an idea. I really can't afford to mess anything up, so I don't want to try this if it could mess something up. I was watching a video where a guy took apart a key to get the chip out. He attached it near the receiver so he could have spare keys made that would all work. So I'm thinking that if I traded the chips in the two keys and put the old receiver unit back on, maybe that would work. However, there is another place where a second green plug goes, as well as this piece on the actual assembly that has a wire attached. It wraps around the assembly and seems to go in near the keyhole. Both the old and the new assembly have these pieces. The one with the green plug is torn up on the old one. What do these other parts do? Should I just eat the cost and have someone come program the whole thing?

lomol

I had that happen to my 1985 civic. Thieves trashed it! Don't think I have any chips or transponders so I have no help for your problem, but thanks for the e bay idea. I need to find a switch and steering lock cylinder. Sorry you were vandalized.