RevNL

Greetings!

I have a 2003 Honda Civic, base model (LX?), 1.7L SOHC, auto, no alarm or keyless entry. Recently it has been difficult to insert the ignition key. It's like something is jammed in the lock cylinder. Jiggling it for a while will finally get it in and the car will start, but that was a 30 minute operation last time.

Sounds like the lock cylinder is worn out and needs replacement.

1. Does the whole ignition lock unit need to be replaced as a unit? It's pricey.

2. The ignition lock unit comes with new keys. Does this car have some kind of RF anti-theft device in the keys? I searched the forum - some posts said yes and some said no.

3. If it does, how might I go about getting the car matched to the new keys? I'd prefer to do as much of the job in my own garage as possible.

Any ideas?

Thanks!


(I searched and read the FAQ and couldn't find an answer.)

99blackcivicSi

if somethings stuck in there needs to be taken apart and checked if so thats easy, remove lock assembly dissassemble remove tumblers and remove whatevers in there, OR most likely you need new tumblers and it needs to be rekeyed quite common have done countless at work.

RevNL

Can you elaborate? If I remove the lock assembly can it be repaired? It looks like a non-serviceable unit that's riveted together and filled with a billion little springs and pins.

99blackcivicSi

everything is serviceable, remove the lock assembly and give it to a locksmith and have it rekeyed or take it to a honda dealer i know we rekey them i can't speak for all honda dealers though. don't take the roll pins out if you don't know what your doing though

TailZ

i also have a 03 civic with the same problem.
i would have to wiggle the keys around for days. it's kind of embarrassing. i just got myself a remote. makes life so much easier

RevNL

Perhaps you mean the door locks. This '03 had the same problem so I also installed a keyless entry because I hate working inside doors.

Back to the ignition lock. It's fixed now, temporarily at least. I removed and disassembled the ignition lock assembly. A couple of the lock tumblers were bent/sticky so I just ripped them out of the lock cylinder, leaving just the last one to keep the key from falling out of the slot while driving.

Works great! The only downside it that the lock would be easy to pick or crack with a screwdriver. The keys definitely have RF chips so it should still be a challenge to steal the car. It's an older car and I live in a safe area. Should be fine.

Next problem... I disconnected the battery during the repair and now the radio reads "CODE" on the display and no output. Yay. Do stock radios actually get stolen? Why bother?!

99blackcivicSi

turn the radio off hold 1 and 6 turn the radio on, call your local honda store with the number that comes up and they will give you the code.

sfetech01

Try a different key

amanda steuver

I'm in the same boat. Every car repair says it comes as a pricey kit and it's 800 to 900 to replace ( I'm in PHX arozona) even tried calling locksmiths. They said same price to replace. However a locksmith can repair for around 150 to 200 bucks. So I think that's the route I'm going.

prodjay10

You can take it apart and remove the pins that are worn.