Just curious to see if any of you guys had more info on how the immobilizer works and how effective it is at preventing theft. This is the OEM feature that requires your key to have an embedded chip programmed with the right code in order for your car to start. I'm looking at aftermarket alarm systems and want to get an idea if they'll interfere with the immobilizer.

My 2K1 DB8 has it but not sure what year Acura/Honda started installing it as standard.

Is it an ECU feature or some other component that handles this function?

 

the immobilizer system is a joke, professional thiefs know the brake codes to bypass it and it's not too hard to manuely pass it (not going into details for obv reasons), get a lo-jack and hide a couple of cutoffs (fuel,ecu,lighting)

 

"97" Preludes were the first to have it. Yes, the codes are stored in the ECU.

 

I'm putting a 2002 RSX S engine in a built from scratch race car. I NEED to know how the immobilizer circuit works so I can get the neccessary parts from the salvage yard. It appears I could tape the key to the immobilizer box and wire the box cable into the ECM. Anyone know if that is true or not true.
Del Long
02/06/10
Everything I can find indicates taping the original key to the immobilizer box will work. Without the original key, you need the Honda dealers magic black box to reprogram the ECM for the new key.
Del Long


[Modified by dglong, 1:45 AM 6/11/2002]