Hi,

I locked my one and only key in the ignition last night. :mad:

I have a 1998 Honda Accord EX 4 dr sedan.

What kind of keys are there? Which one should I get? How much will it cost?

Do I have to go through Honda, or can a locksmith make a replacement?

If I go through Honda, and I want the top of the line key, what kind of documents do I need? Drivers license and insurance enough?

Thanks,

Stupid Me

Stupid Me:

Far as I know, ONLY a Honda dealer can replace your key....with one that actually WORKS.

Sure, you can go to Wal*Mart, AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Advance, NAPA, etc. to have a key cut. Said key will open the doors, trunk, and glovebox. But although the starter will turn over, the engine will NOT start. Why? Because of the "Immobilizer Anti-Theft System."

1998 and up, HMC incorporated a microchip into their OEM keys, which must be programmed by a Honda DEALER...in the case a spare or replacement key is necessary.

I would FIRST suggest you get a locksmith to open your driver's-side door...so you can remove your key, then take said key to your dealer to have a "T5" copy made. My dealer's parts department charges about $20 for a "T5" duplicate key.

Otherwise? You may have to have your car TOWED to your dealer, whereby you will have to furnish strict (written) proof that YOU own the car. Expect them to run a VIN check on your car. And expect to pay about $75-$100 for another key. Plus any towing charges.

NOT to insult you, but having only ONE key to your car is as bad as (or worse than) having only ONE key to your home. In either case, a lack of common sense and an exercise in poor judgment. And often very PAINFUL and EXPENSIVE mistakes.

i went last week to the local Honda dealer they told me $65 for the key programmed and my car dont have to be there all they need is just the Vin #

I would FIRST suggest you get a locksmith to open your driver's-side door...so you can remove your key, then take said key to your dealer to have a "T5" copy made. My dealer's parts department charges about $20 for a "T5" duplicate key.

$20? Maybe there's a difference between the 1998 and 1999 but, when I bought mine used and it only came with one key, I quickly took it to the dealership and had them make a couple copies. Even working from my original key, each replacement cost me $50 "plus tax." Of course, they did throw in a Honda keychain for "free"... :rolleyes:

My son's 98 came with only one key. Took that key to a locksmith (not a hardware store) and they cut and programmed a duplicate for about $30. That was a couple of years ago.

To All:

I can suppose that policies and procedures, along with key-cutting equipment, vary from location to location. I'll concede that much.

However, my dealer's service department and/or parts department will NOT let just anyone waltz in, requesting a duplicate key. Without demanding proof of ownership, for what they know, the car it goes to could be a STOLEN car. Thus, they could/would be held liable for assisting a thief with the crime. I wouldn't want to be an accessory to a "Grand Theft Auto" felony.

Again, my dealer charges about ~$20 for a "T5" duplicate key. And personally, I would trust Honda's (programmable) blanks more than any other.

OK, thanks for the info guys.
I live in a small town in the upper Midwest. Here's my story.

I first had the locksmith over, $55. Ouch.

I called Honda and asked about keys. I told him I had locked the transponder key in my car, he said he could have made a dummy key and I would have saved the $55. Ouch. Stupid Me. But that's life.

So I got a T5, $35, a dummy key, $3, and tax, for $40.50. Now I'm set.

If I had lost the transponder key, I would have had to have my car towed to the dealership so they could call Honda get the info and put that into the car and then make new keys.

So I got a T5, $35, a dummy key, $3, and tax, for $40.50. Now I'm set.

If I had lost the transponder key, I would have had to have my car towed to the dealership so they could call Honda get the info and put that into the car and then make new keys.

Stupid Me:

THAT'S exactly what I was trying to explain, albeit poorly. Thank You.

NOW, you should be suitably equipped to protect yourself in the event of a future key mishap. :)

Does anyone know if we can use the newer honda keys (switchblade style) and program/cut them to our cars?

Caod:

Yes, I believe you can use a Honda "switchblade" key. But the plastic case is prone to break, takes up a bit of space in your pants pocket, and it is rather expensive. Few months ago, I looked at one in my dealer's parts department. They wanted $75 + tax. I said "Forget it!"

i went and got my new key from Honda for $65, it kinda hurted paying $65 for a key but i needed a extra key because my car only came with 1