Hi,

I own a Honda Accord LX 05 and would like to know how the engine immobilizer works ? I did go through the manual, but am not sure if my car is really equipped with this device. As per the manual, the key sends some digital code to the engine (electronics), and if this code does not match, then it immobilizes the engine ??? (does that mean it jamms the engine ???).
Also, for the key to send a code, am assuming it should have some battery in it. I checked the two main keys, and they have a flat battery in them, but what about the Valet key ??? It doesn't seem to have any battery within it. i.e. it's moulded. How would the Valet key send any signal to the engine(electronics).

Thanks
Ray

 

Correct. There is a chip inside each of your keys. That chip is needed get past the immobilizer, and start the car. Without it, the car just won't start.

With the main keys, you have access to everything.

With the valet key, your glove box, and trunk will not open. But you can still use the switch inside the car.

I have a plastic key that the dealership gave me just in case I ever lock my keys in my car. One day, I decided to see if I could start the car with it. Put it in, switched it to auxilary, and everything powered up. However, I couldn't get the car to start using it. It just wouldn't crank. Mystery solved.

 

The immobilizer chip doesn't have a battery. It's powered by the signal from the immobilizer antenna, near the lock cylinder. Google RFID (radio-frequency ID).

The main keys have a battery for the remote-locking transmitter. That has to have enough power so it's range is better than 2 inches.

The valet key has the immobilizer chip molded into the plastic head. It'll start the engine.

 

Thanks guys, that clears my doubts.
regards
ray