Rep Power: 0

ive got a 2003 civic EX with a immobilzer problem. i put the key in and twist, and it wont start, turns over, but as if its not sparking or getting fuel, but it is. if i take the key out, and try again it fires off instantly. since honda cant duplicate the problem with their tests (been in the shop 3 times incl. today and still cant find it), they told me that the next time it doesnt start, to make sure and look @ the dash for the green immobilzer blinking, well last night it didnt start, and the key was blinking, so its in the shop again. but since they yet again cannot duplicate it, they said they cant do a darn thing about it until it totally fails. so whats the worst case? will it take a dive on the frwy or is it just a starting problem? is there a way to bypass it? (risking theft i know, but its getting irritating when it doesnt start 3 out of 10 times) im getting the run around @ the dealer so i hope one of you can help. thank you all very much in advance. first post by the way.

 
Rep Power: 0

The immobilizer only does a check of the key transponder code once the key is turned, so it will not crap out on you on the freeway once the car is running. Yes you can buy a kit to bypass it but really, I'd do this as a last resort. There might be something unrelated to the immobilizer which is happening. The immobilizer has a diagnostic function which can inform the technician in most cases if there has been a no-start situation related to the immobilizer and key. These vehicles have been known to do exactly what you have described. It has been described as an emissions related issue and is not considered a major issue... I myself have encountered what you have described, but I wouldn't say it happens 3/10 times. More like once out of 20 starts.

 
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thank you for the reply. 1:20 does sound closer, but i know its alot because i always wonder if its gonna start every time i get in it.. after picking it up from the dealer this evening i went to in-and-out and when i got in the car to leave, bam, it didnt start. call me crazy but i swear its getting worse. so is the worse case that it wont start? again, thank you for the reply.

 
Rep Power: 0

Our family owns 2 nearly identical 2003 Honda Civic LX sedans. It does this once in a while on both. Amuse me and crank the starter a little longer than you normally would when you feel it's not starting properly. It usually starts on the first time if you crank it a second or so longer than you normally would. Both of our cars do this and I really don't think too much about it. Yes, the worse case is you have to stop and crank the car a second time on startup.

 
Rep Power: 303

A few stupid questions.....

Do you get in your car, put the key in the ignition and turn it in almost one motion?

Do you have ANY other immobilizer type keys on your keyring? The Valet key?

The immobilizer needs a moment to read the key before you should turn it.
I also had this problem. I now get in the car, put the key in, turn it to run and wait the 3 seconds for the pump to come up. Then turn to start.
So far it has ALWAYS started on the first try.

It was me being in a rush that messed with the immobilizer.

 
Rep Power: 0

noob question from me: how does the stock immobilizer work?

 
Rep Power: 813

its supposed to disable the fuel and ignition if the key chip doesn't match whats programmed in the ecu. thieves don't seem to have a problem with bypassing it however.

 
Rep Power: 0

hmmm i have the same problem with my 06 civic.

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Rep Power: 813

just take it in man. warranty since its a new car.