My brother lost the keys to his '98 prelude and he went to the dealership and they told him that unless he finds the master key he will have to have the ignition to his car replaced. is there any other way to get a key or are they just messing with him since they quoted him $500 to replace the ignition system in his car.

 

correct me if i'm wrong but they can make you a new set of keys as long as they know the VIN off your car. they need all the keys you have for the car because when they make new ones for you iirc they need to reprogram the ones you already have so they work w/ the immobilizer. idno about the ignition thing though. please feel free to correct me.

 

we took the vin and they still said they need the "master" key and having the title was not enough. My brother is getting anxious about it since his car has been parked at his job for the last 4 days, LOL and he is getting tired of not driving his car.

 

Normally I would call B.S. on the dealership because I have seen this in the past; but... I found this little article below which says the prelude is in fact set up that way.

I would check with some local locksmiths. There has been huge advancement in the technology provided to locksmiths just for this market. The dealership should be able to provide a KEY CUT CODE based off the vin #. With this the locksmith can effortlessly cut the key and if by chance there is now a programer for this he can then work his magic there.

If you have no luck with the locksmith. You may want to see if you can just purchase the parts and swap them yourself (either from the dealer or used). You would need from another car; The key (just for the transponder in it), The transponder reader on the ignition key cylinder (this may not be needed but if your getting it from a junk yard you may want to grab it anyway), and the immobilizer which should be located near the searing colum. It should have two connectors on it. One goes to the reader on the cylinder and the other goes to the ecu. You could swap these parts and get a key cut for your car based on the KEY CUT CODE from the dealer and the Transponder chip in the other key. I'm pretty sure for this car you don't need a new ECU if you did I'm sure it would be well over $500 from the dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions
The questions listed below represent a collection of questions commonly asked by new Honda owners and lessees. The responses to these questions represent a shortened version of Honda's official position on these subjects. For a more complete explanation, please review your Owner's Manual or contact your local Honda Dealer.
I'd like some spare keys. Do I need to use Honda key blanks?

If your Honda is not equipped with an Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System, you may obtain replacement key blanks from after-market suppliers.
Use only Honda-approved key blanks (regardless of where you purchase them).
You should have received a key number plate with your keys. You will need this key number if you ever have to get a lost key replaced. Keep the plate stored in a safe place.
If your Honda is equipped with an Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System, your keys contain a transmitter in the key head, which signals a control unit to activate the ignition system. Without this signal, your car will not start.
Protect the keys from direct sunlight, high temperature and high humidity
Do not drop the keys or set heavy objects on them.
Keep the keys away from liquids. If they get wet, dry them immediately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries. Do not try to take them apart.
At the time of this writing, your Honda dealer may still be the best (or only) source of replacement Immobilizer key blanks.
Regardless of where you purchase replacement Immobilizer key blanks, you must bring an original key for use when programming the replacement key.
If no original keys are available for programming purposes, you must replace the Immobilizer control unit (for Prelude models only).
How does this Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System work?
The Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System protects your vehicle from theft. A properly coded ignition key must be used in the ignition switch for the engine to start. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used, the engine's starting circuit is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), the Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System indicator light should come on for a few seconds, then go out. If the indicator starts to blink, it means the system does not recognize the coding of the key. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (O), remove the key, re-insert it and turn the switch to ON (II) again.
This indicator will also blink several times when you turn the ignition switch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (O).
The system may not recognize your key's coding if the key is in contact with a key from another immobilizer system. If you have a key from another vehicle's immobilizer system, keep it separate.
If the system repeatedly does not recognize the coding of your key, contact your Honda dealer.
Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems could result that may make your vehicle inoperable.

 

i lost my keys all u have to do is go in to service and twll them the vin they make it in like 20 min i lost my keys and u cant go to a lock smith cause its chipped which most dont kn0o

 

a locksmith won't beable to help since 97-01 Prelude have an immobilizer system, so you have to go to the stealership to get a new key made. I'd just try a different Honda stealership near you if possible and get some made.

 

i am a locksmith and i can make a key to the car. All you need is the $10,000 programmer that I have and a red key. If the red key is unavailable then the ecu has to be shipped off to be flashed and a new red key programmed which takes about three days. once the ecu gets back i can cut a key back to code which I, being a LOCKSMITH, can get, but dont need because i am a locksmith. but the answerto your question is yes a locksmith can cut and program a key to your brother's car.