Barontufsap

I have a problem with a Honda Civic 3 door 1.4 Sports made in 2001 (not a red key model). My wife unfortunately lost all ignition keys in stolen handbag and car now stranded in an airport multi-storey.

We can easily get a key cut to get into the car and release the steering lock, but obtaining replacement keys with the necessary electronic chips and programming them to the car's immobilisor unit seems more of a problem without an original key to copy.

One dealer (in UK) says he has to get keys cut in Belgium (5-7 days) but can then program them easily to existing immobiliser. Another dealer says no way could he do that without exchanging the car's immobiliser unit for a new one plus matching keys (£150+).

Does anyone know from experience what has to be done here and whether replacing the car's immobiliser unit will be necessary?

tinman

The immobiliser can be flashed to the new key. Are you telling me you A) had only one key to the car, or B) your wife kept ALL the keys in ONE handbag????? Are you serious??
No Valet key hidden in the kitchen somewhere?

profuse007

ask them if they can read the actual ECM, if so take out the unit and let them try.

let us know how it turns out.

Barontufsap

Dear Tinman,

I'm afraid I was serious, but if you're married you know what women are. We have now managed to get keys cut locally in England and then had them programmed to the immobiliser unit at another garage without having to change the immobiliser unit.

It means of course that the original thief (or his Deputy Dog) could still get into our car with our original keys now in his possession, but as they were stolen in Belgium and we are located in England I think it an acceptable risk even though our home address was in my wife's stolen handbag.

P.S. Don't visit Brussels without a shotgun.

Kind Regards

Barontufsap

Barontufsap

Yes, they have managed to program the new keys to the existing car immobiliser without having to change the latter. Quite a relief and a salutary lesson in keeping spare keys in a safe and separate place!

Many thanks for your interest

Barontufsap

paradoxblue

iTrader: (1)

um and if the thief takes a trip to england :P bye bye honda

tacheon

Assuming the shop programmed the keys properly, he should have removed the lost key's programming such that it won't be recognized by the car. Therefore, it won't start the car. That however, still doesn't prevent entry to the vehicle by the key.