facts i believe to be true (2000 Integra):
microchip is in the key.
transponder receiver is in the gauge cluster.

so: if i have an OBD-1 ecu, will i still need the key in order to work with the transponder?

if so: if i have an OBD-1 ecu and swap out gauge cluster, then i won't need the chipped key?

just trying to figure out which parts are dependent and, in what way, the transponder affects the starting of the vehicle.

i'll be going to an OBD-1 ecu when i tune.. and i have a really cool "type r" key, from the dealership, that i'd like to use.. but, it obviously has no chip in it.

 

Imobilizer receiver unit is attached to the ignition, little black ring with a green plug.

The flashing key on the cluster is only an indicator.

Any OBD1 ecu will start no problem. Your new key will be fine with the OBD1 ecu.

If you change to a different ecu that uses imobi, you will need to reprogram it, or find the brake code and use that to start every time.

 

perfect! sensor attached to ignition, but it's the ECU that requires the signal be read. you rock man. thank you, very much.

i thought someone told me, once, that part of the imobilizer was in the gauge cluster, so you wouldn't be able to swap them out. hm.

info noted. thanks, again.