Anybody know of an alternative to this very expensive transponder system? I have the opportunity to buy a 1997 Prelude from a impound lot for $600. They don't have a key for the car. But the car has Vtech, Enkei wheels, body kit, etc. But kinda hate having to spend close to the dealers almost total cost of $400 just to find out if it does run. Any Help is greatly appreciated.

 

running condition or not, you can't complain about $600 for a Prelude....especially when it has enkeis and a body kit which can be pulled off and resold for around $600....now you have a free car

 

I started thinking (uh-oh, lol) , if it would be possible to get an used Transponder/Immobilizer with the matching key from a salvage yard and have it re-coded by a Honda dealership or an experienced locksmith? The cost of that would be quite a bit cheaper. Is this possible? Has anybody on this site done this successfully? Thanks in advance!

 

Talk to some local locksmiths, if they have the right equipment, they may be able to make you a key and program it with the VIN, as long as you provide proof of ownership of the car.

 

All you would need is the ICU and key from the junk car. You can get your ignition rekeyed to match the new key, or do it yourself.

 

Yeah, I have talked to a locksmith I know through work, who seems quite knowledgeable about it, and agrees that what the dealership is telling is correct. They're telling me that you have top buy the transponder and key as a whole unit for $292 and then the code for another $80. I like any alternative that will save me as much money as possible, but i do want to be sure that the alternative will in fact work. And by ICU, are you referring to the transponder/Immobilizer or something all together different?