Does My Honda Key Have A Chip? (Read This First)

If you want to know whether your Honda key has a chip or not, no doubt, you already know how vital chips are to modern vehicles.

You may also have come to know that chips are in short supply, a scarcity that impedes large-scale production of automobiles today. 

For now, though, let us consider if your Honda key has one and how you can confirm it.

We will also look at the cost, duplicability, and how you can program a Honda key. Let’s begin with the key chip.

Your Honda key has a chip embedded in the plastic segment of the key; that is the Honda car key fob. The chip is necessary for your Honda vehicle; that’s what makes your vehicle identify its right key. With the chip embedded in your key, it becomes almost impossible for someone to steal your car through a falsified key. 

Do Honda Keys Have A Chip?

Yes, chips are embedded in the keys for most Honda vehicles from 1998 and the newer models.

The chips send signals to the vehicle’s onboard computer through the immobilizer to allow the car to start.

If the key inserted in the ignition is the correct one, the vehicle’s onward computer responds in the affirmative. But if it’s not then, the car won’t start.

Vehicles need these chips to power infotainment systems, special safety features, and a lot more.

However, the chips are in short supply, which has birthed the high cost of new cars, and indirectly, that of used cars.

Honda is a famous manufacturer known for producing vehicles that match the desires of its consumers. 

Honda has transformed in many areas; the former honda keys used to be simple metal-bladed keys attached to plastic fobs.

But lately, most Honda vehicles for 20 years now have keys embedded with the radio- chips. Read more to know whether Honda Dealership Make Keys?

The shortage of these chips, which has driven up the price of both new and used vehicles, explains in detail the validity and necessity of the chips.

How Do I Know If My Car Key Has Chip?

For the sake of clarity, always resort to your Owner’s Manual to know things about your vehicle and its application.

Other than learning from the manual, the only alternative is to locate a locksmith, who would carefully open up your car key to ascertain whether there is a chip inside.

In short, feel free to assume that your car key has a chip in it if it is a brand from 1998 above. 

I should have said cars from 1995 above have the chip implanted in them, but there’s more precision and confirmation about 1998 till date version of the narrative.

Where Is the Chip In My Honda Key?

Honda has a unique way of implanting the chip in its vehicles. The chips are concealed safely in a shell, mostly a white-looking one, and embedded inside the plastic casing.

As a result, almost all Honda keys are black. The chips themselves look kind of black and rectangular.

The chip is embedded close to the edge of your key so that the signal it sends to the transponder chip can be read and interpreted.

The transponder chip resides in the same position as the chip in your key, in the internal of your ignition.

So when you insert your Honda key to start the car, you turn the key, and the chip’s position in the key faces that of the transponder chip in the ignition. From here, the starting sequences continue.

The key start ignition system involving the transponder chips differs from Remote Engine Start (RES).

The ignition sequences are initiated automatically in remote start systems without the car owner physically inserting his key in the ignition.

How Much Is A Honda Chip Key?

Honda Chip key is a general name for the entire system, which comprises the metal blade that gains entrance into the switch and the key fob in which the chip is embedded.

There shouldn’t have been a need to differentiate between them, but it’s necessary since they can sell the key fob separately.

Honda, as a manufacturer, has umpteen models of cars. Each model or kind of Honda has its unique chip key, respectively.

However, the average price for parts and the programming for a replacement key, be it Honda Accord, CR-V, or what have you, is $90-140. 

For example, let’s assume your car is a Honda Accord. The Honda Accord key chip is available at dealerships at the rate of $8.80 – $15.52; however, this price captures just an item for the replacement key.

Can Honda Keys Be Duplicated?

Yes, If you choose to, you can be entitled to a new copy of Honda keys, even those with chips.

As do many manufacturers of keys; it’s not restricted to auto-makers; locksmiths can also duplicate Honda keys even you.

The keys can be replaced and would function very well if properly replicated. However, it’s safer to duplicate the Honda key at the Honda refineries so that you won’t fall victim to theft. 

Other than at Honda refineries, you can get a copy of your Honda key from a locksmith.

Many people haven’t realized that they can also get their remote key from a locksmith at dealerships or elsewhere. Locksmiths have the equipment to replace your chips.

How To Program Honda Key Chip

Some people think they must meet a locksmith before programming their Honda key chip, but that’s not so; you can program a Honda key all by yourself.

The steps to program your Honda remote key chip, commonly known as the Honda key fob, are the same for all Honda models.

Let’s assume you use a Honda Accord; you can program your Hoda Accord key following the steps below.

#1. Gather All the Remotes:

Gather all the remotes provided for you by the factory, you only need one remote to program but program, but all the remotes should be present.

#2. Replace The Battery:

Replace the remote batteries if they are not new. It’s necessary because if the remotes are not active, even if it’s just one of them, it will alter the programming.

#3. Get Inside the Car and Close the Doors:

You should close all doors while inside the car because the programming can’t be effective with an open car door.

#4. Turn on the Ignition:

Turn on the ignition, but do not start the car. You only need the power system to be on, not the entire engine.

#5. Press the Lock Button on the Honda Remote Key:

Press the Lock button on your Accord key chip, call it your Accord key fob and wait for some seconds.

#6. Turn the Honda Key to ‘Off’:

Turn your Accord key to ‘off after you must have pressed the Lock button. Repeat Steps 4 and 5
Turn the Key Back to ‘On’

With these, rest assured that your car is programmed, and from here on, no other key can start your vehicle.

Nonetheless, if you misplace your key or keys, you will be forced to opt for a Honda Accord key replacement.

honda chip key issues tricking the immobilizer!

Conclusion

Technology is undeniable, a tool that has made life easy. The inventions of the necessary equipment have helped improve life.

For example, introducing computer chips for our vehicles has offered car owners an increased safety measure.

With this tool, Honda has continuously offered many features for their cars to help their customers appreciate their products’ value.

However, due to the scarcity of certain materials, the world pays so much to have what would originally have been cheap to access.