Rep Power: 203

I am considering replacing my 2003 Civic's ignition key cylinder with a 2002 cylinder. This way, I can use the old-style, much more reliable, key-cylinder-tumbler system (that is non-sidewinder). Can the 2002 key head be re-programmed to my 2003's immobilizer using the steps at https://itstillruns.com/program-car-keys-6471878.html ?

The steps are as follows:
1.
Enter your vehicle with the key you want to program and insert the key into the ignition.

2
Turn the key to the "On" position and leave it there for 10 minutes and 30 seconds.

3.
Turn the key to the "Off" position within 45 seconds of finishing step 2, and then turn it back to the "On" position for another 10 minutes and 30 seconds.

4.
Turn the key "Off" again within 45 seconds, and then "On" again for another 10 minutes and 30 seconds.

5.
Turn the key "Off" and then back "On." The programming should be completed and the key ready to use.

 
Rep Power: 518

Programming Hondas keys is a scanner only operation.....so I'm gonna say nope.
Try it though, let us know if it works!

 
Rep Power: 203

ezone, suppose I get a 2002 ignition key cylinder and put it in my 2003. Then

(a) suppose I have the 2002 key. Can the dealer (or locksmith) re-program the 2002 keyhead using my 2003 key?

(b) suppose I do not have the 2002 key. I go buy a blank key for the 2002 model. Can I have a locksmith cut the blank key, using the tumbler numbers from the 2002 ignition cylinder? Then have either the dealer or locksmith program the new keyhead?

 
Rep Power: 518

Yes. The "chip" is the same, so it can be programmed to the car.

This I can't say. You'd have to ask a locksmith.

At the dealer we would not. We use the VIN of the car and Hondas database of key codes that are matched to individual VINs.

If you don't have the VIN of the car your lock came from, we cannot cut a key for it.

Many people change locks for whatever reason (ignition jams up, maybe a PCM got ruined and they change the PCM and ignition as a matched set from a junk yard) then months or years later on they lose the car keys..... So they come to the dealer, we cut a new key off the VIN and then it doesn't work in the ignition, and the people don't want to understand why it won't nor do they want to hear why we can't do it. Yes this happens and some people just get soooo pizzed off you can only laugh.
I COULD tell them I can retumble the lock to match the key, but it's gonna cost a whole bunch to do it. By this time they are so mad I don't even want to mention it.

Dealer yes, locksmith you will have to ask. If you're in a large town I'd expect you can find a locksmith who can.

In my (not real big) town the locksmiths have equipment to program GM/Ford/Chrysler products, but they don't do anything with "foreign" keys.



You JUST posted in the other lock thread that you removed some tumblers from your lock.......If you really want to be thrifty, you could take it a step further and remove ALL the tumblers so the lock can't ever jam up again. Yes any key or screwdriver could turn the lock, but the immobilizer will prevent the engine from starting, so....

 
Rep Power: 203

ezone, thank you for sharing all this great experience. In particular, thank you for reminding me that, if I remove all the tumblers from my 2003 ignition switch cylinder, then a thief still could not start my Civic because of the immobilizer.