I just purchased a 1997 Prelude auto.
It only came with a key (with Chip inside) and no remote, so i bought an OEM Honda remote on Ebay, received it and tried to program it. So far no luck after following the programming instructions numerous times, is it possible for my car to NOT even have the keyless entry feature??? I have the original sticker price thing on PDF format (i have cut and past the info below). It doesnt exactly say that there's remote/keyless entry, can someone help me figure this out?? Thanks!

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
EPA FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS
* City 21/hwy 27 (2.2L engine/4-speed auto
trans)
EXTERIOR
* Pwr moonroof w/tilt feature
* Body-color impact absorbing bumpers
* Front chin spoiler
* Multi-reflector halogen headlights
* Body-colored dual pwr exterior mirrors
* 2-speed variable/intermittent windshield
wipers
INTERIOR
* Reclining front seatbacks w/driver seat
height adjustment
* Front passenger walk-in seat
* Fold-down rear seatback w/lock
* Center console armrest w/storage
compartments
* Front/rear beverage holders
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel
* Adjustable steering column
* Ignition switch light
* Low fuel warning light
* Tachometer
* Pwr windows w/auto-down drivers window
* Pwr door locks
* Cruise control
* Remote trunk release w/lock
* Remote fuel filler door release
* Immobilizer system-inc: electronic key
code security system
* Air conditioning
* Rear window defroster w/timer
* AM/FM stereo w/compact disc player-inc:
160-watt, acoustic feedback system,
6-speakers
* Digital clock
* Integrated rear window antenna
* Dual visor vanity mirrors
* Map lights
* Cargo area light
* Front passenger seatback pocket
MECHANICAL
* 2.2L (132) DOHC PGM-FI 16-valve 190-HP
VTEC 4-cyl aluminum engine w/second-order
balance system
* 4-speed electronically-controlled
automatic transmission w/sequential sport
shift
* Front wheel drive
* Electronic ignition system-inc: knock
sensor, immobilizer system
* Dual-stage induction system
* 55-amp battery
* 100-amp alternator
* Independent front/rear double wishbone
suspension
* Front/rear coil springs, stabilizer bars,
rear trailing arms
* P205/50R16 all-season SBR Bridgestone 87V
tires
* 16" X 6.5" alloy wheels
* Variable-assist pwr rack & pinion steering
* Pwr-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes (front
ventilated)
* Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
* 15.9 gallon fuel tank
* Dual outlet exhaust
SAFETY FEATURES
* Driver & front passenger air bags
* Anti-lock brake system
* Front/rear 3-point seat belts

 

The remote entry is a feature of the security system that was an accessory. In my 4th gen it consisted of a box and a wire harness that got connected to several other harnesses in order to access the door locks, ignition, horn, etc.. I don't know about the 5th gen but you can buy it here http://www.hondaautomotivepart...RICAL

 

my 99 came with only a key, so i went to honda and got the fob, and the guy there programmed it for me. then in july, i wrecked the 99 lude, and kept the remote from it. i then bought a 98, the current car i have now, and i tried to program the remote from the 99 with the 98 car. It wont work, so now i have a $60 remote laying around. it sure would be nice if i could get it workin with the 98, so i'll keep an eye on this thread.

 

go to http://www.keylessride.com and type your vin in and they will tell you if it came with keyless entry or not, and sell you the remote.

 

ok, that site really helped. it brought me to a page that showed the same remote i purchased.. if that's the case, why is it to hard for me to program it? who has done this before and what were the steps? i think the steps given to me by the Ebay seller is a joke... Please help! Thanks.

 

This is the steps that i have:

Perform each of the following three steps in order, then repeat all three steps two more times, for a total of three times each:


1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, marked II.
2. Press the LOCK button.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position, marked I.


Do this three times!


Next, turn the ignition switch to the ON position (II) for a fourth time.


Press the LOCK button again. The door locks should now make a cycling sound, indicating that the system has entered Programming Mode.


Press the LOCK button one more time to program this remote. If you have other remotes to program, press the LOCK button on each one in turn. The door locks should make the cycling sound after you press LOCK on each remote. You may program up to three remotes, and they must all be programmed within ten seconds of each other.


Turn the ignition off and remove the key. The remotes are now programmed and may be tested.

 

^ That's what i followed and didn't work, i dont think those instructions are for a 1997 Prelude ...hmm..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blackakkord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">This is the steps that i have:

Perform each of the following three steps in order, then repeat all three steps two more times, for a total of three times each:


1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, marked II.
2. Press the LOCK button.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position, marked I.


Do this three times!


Next, turn the ignition switch to the ON position (II) for a fourth time.


Press the LOCK button again. The door locks should now make a cycling sound, indicating that the system has entered Programming Mode.


Press the LOCK button one more time to program this remote. If you have other remotes to program, press the LOCK button on each one in turn. The door locks should make the cycling sound after you press LOCK on each remote. You may program up to three remotes, and they must all be programmed within ten seconds of each other.


Turn the ignition off and remove the key. The remotes are now programmed and may be tested.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Maybe they left out part of the instruction like hold the lock button down while turning the key to the off position. Or press the lock button on the remote and not the door. I program quite a few remotes for all types of cars and some times the speed of the cycling of the key is an issue. There are any number of things you could be doing wrong. I would try calling your local Honda dealership to see if they could offer support. Maybe they would even program it for you for minimal charge.

 

no luck so far... any additional ideas???

 

got a 1998 prelude auto and have same trouble. I have the mechanics manual and the keyless remote unit is NOT on the left B pillar as shown. I dont see evidence it was there either. Anyone have ideas? I've tried many times to program my remote and even had my honda mechannic try it. No luck.

 

I don't think 97 came with a factory alarm? mines did't, i have an after market. have you check the wire diagram and see if the 97 have any option on a factory alarm?

 

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2298152
Here are the instructions. I posted earlier in this thread a place to go if you want to know if you have factory keyless entry. You can also purchase the remote from them if you like.

 

just purchased a 99 base.
on the left side of the dash by the interior dimming swith, there is a plastic compartment (for change?) with a red button thing. do you guys have this?
the car only came with one key so i dont know if this is factory or aftermarket.

 

Sorry to bump an old thread, but

the 1997 & 1998 Preludes have to purchase the OEM alarm for keyless entry (the OEM alarm comes with TWO remotes) or an aftermerket alarm.
the 1999-2001 models came with keyless entry standard but NO ALARM

 

great, really, but how do i find out if i have it or not?

i have a 97, where is the "module" for it?

good info thread...

sorry to bump..but its good to know this info.

 

I have a 97 and it didnt come with a keyless entry just two keys...one for the engine and one for the door.