TL Key Conversion (56K BEWARE)

[MJL]

This is a guide on how to do a TL key conversion with your current Honda Key. It will show you how to disassemble, transfer the immobilizer chip and program the remote for the remote locks. I was lucky enough to find out my dealer would cut the key for me, which they actually did for free. I was prepared to use the method members on an RSX forum used before I found out my dealer would cut my key for me. If you can't find a dealer of locksmith willing to cut your key blank for you then this link should help you if you want to transfer your key to the TL key fob.

http://forums.clubrsx.com/showpost.p...&postcount=127

Part Number: 35111-SEP-306

Key Comparisons:


TL Key Closeups:
Key 1
Key 2
Key 3

Key Partially Disassembled:


Next take NOTE of the spring position (indicated by red arrow below). This was the only snag in completing this for me. I couldn't remember the spring position when putting everything back together and had to refer back to pictures I had taken before I took it apart. After that there are three screws to remove to access the spring and key itself where the immobilizer chip is located. Before you begin with the screws make sure you have a quality, broad crosstip screwdriver for these screws. They are held very tightly with thread locker and if have a pointy or narrow phillips screwdriver you will most likely strip the heads.



Once you have the screws and cover off, take your spare honda key. Yes you need to use your spare as a donor for the immobilizer chip, but dont worry, once you are done you will still have 2 working keys. Remove the screw on the back and pop the cover off. Below is the location of the chip in your current key, under a small black cover. You will need to pry the chip out once you get the cover off. It is glued in, I sliced the side of the plastic off near the side of the chip to be able to get a small flathead in there to pry it out.



Once you have the chip out, set it aside and don't lose it. Now take your TL key and find the area with the rectangular cover, this is where the chip is located, and remove the cover. You will see that getting this chip out isn't as easy as the other one. I flipped the key over and drilled a small hole on the opposite side of the chip to be able to push it out, making sure to only drill a small depth so that I wouldnt damage the chip (even though I don't know why it would have mattered, its not the coded one, but still...).




Chips Are The Same:


Replace the chip with the coded one and put everything back together. Time to test it once everything is put back together. Make sure it works in all the locks and ignition, after you've transferred the chip it should start the car too, if you mixed the chips up and put the uncoded one back in your engine will just crank and not start.

To program the remotes for the lock feature do the following:

Insert one of your keys into the ignition (You will need all keys present to program them all at the same time, I'm not sure if you can simply add one in. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.)

Turn the key to the on position and all the way off to the point you can remove the key. Each time you turn to the on position, press the lock button on the remote. This needs to be done 4-5 times.

Once you locks actuate, you have entered the program mode. Simply press the lock button and each remote to program each one. Remove the key and test each one. If they don't work repeat the procedure again.

DISCLAIMER: Try this mod at your own risk. I will not be held responsible for any damage done while anyone is attempting this mod.

[faderrific]

Originally Posted by MJL

Insert one of your keys into the ignition (You will need all keys present to program them all at the same time, I'm not sure if you can simply add one in. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.)

So if I only have 1 key (master) am I screwed?

[MJL]

Nope, you can use your single key to transfer its chip, but in the end you will still have only 1 working key. Another method would be to remove the immobilizer chip and fix it to the steering column near the ignition, then, even tho you don't have any keys with chips in them your car will still see one present. Of course, this this eliminates that added level of security for you.

I typed this DIY off the assumption that anyone wanting to do this mod would have 2 keys. But 1 should work just fine too. Or you could get the key and just have the dealer cut it and program it for the price they usually charge and you would have a 2nd key.

[faderrific]

I think it might be beneficial to just pay to have them cut and program it, that way I have a backup. I once had to drive 6 hours roundtrip to get something out of my car for someone because no one has another key to my car.

Oh and I forgot to say GREAT WRITEUP!!!! Good thing you took a picture of the spring before hand.

[OwAce]

Originally Posted by faderrific

Oh and I forgot to say GREAT WRITEUP!!!! Good thing you took a picture of the spring before hand.

http://www.v6performance.net/forums/...ad.php?t=80815

yeh much better than that one.

[mwmcginn]

That is cool. Can you pull the chip out of the valet (useless) key? I would think so. Just didnt know for sure. I might do this.

[MJL]

Originally Posted by mwmcginn

That is cool. Can you pull the chip out of the valet (useless) key? I would think so. Just didnt know for sure. I might do this.

Yeah but you would have to really saw away at that thing. It all one big plastic piece, at least mine is. Plus I have no idea where the chip is inside it, thats why I used the one out of my other remote, easier access.

One other thing I thought of...I watched the parts guy cut my key. I gave him my extra key plus the tag with the barcode on it that they tell you to keep in case you ever lose your keys. He simply clamped the key on the cutter and used the spare to make a copy of the blank. I've seen people say that only honda dealers can cut honda keys but if all they needed was the spare, an acura dealer should be able to do it too or a good locksmith.

[06accord]

i just found a great deal on the key
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...2509%26fvi%3D1

[VTECaddict]

BAHHH! they have 27 in stock! i hope Hondacuraworld got them in stock too, they were backordered and i ordered 2 weeks ago.

now i need to find someone to cut and program for cheap (i want all my keys working).

[prkiller]

Originally Posted by 06accord

i just found a great deal on the key
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...2509%26fvi%3D1

Thanks!!

I ordered one!
Needed another key anyway, so I'll be taking it to the dealer when I get it for cutting and programming!

[mwmcginn]

Originally Posted by 06accord

i just found a great deal on the key
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...2509%26fvi%3D1

Thanks, just took them up on one too.

[prkiller]

After doing a little read up, I will post my experience after I try.

Seems that no one knows for sure if Honda will program my new "acura" key for my accord. Hope they don't have an issue with it.

[MJL]

After my dealer cut my key for me, the parts guy asked if I was sure I didn't need the key programmed too, but I just told him I was going to swap the chips out. But he said he was able to program the key as well if I wanted. As you can see in the pictures, the chips are both the same, so there should be no reason why they can't program the acura key for a honda vin as well.

That is a great deal on the ebay keys too! Looks like word has spread about them too because as of now there are only 19 available.

[Conundrum]

Wow MJL...now THAT was fast!

As far as I know, the valet key CAN be used, but like MJL said you need to saw the thing in half along its border. It's really 2 sides glued together, and IIRC the chip is in the centre of the valet key's head (key continues into the head and then forms a "loop or ring" inside the head, with the chip in the centre, if that makes sense).

As far as Acura doing the programming they "might" be able to do it...but there is a guy who works at Acura on G7A who said that Acura's computers are not able to read Honda VINs and Honda's computers can't read Acura's VINs. I think they said the reason was to keep Acura buyers going to Acura, and also because every key cut for an Acura has to be reported to the head office in case of vehicular theft (so everything is on record for them). Still, that shouldn't stop a Honda place from doing the cutting/programming for you.

I'll have to call a few Honda dealerships close to me and see what they charge for cutting and programming...if I get lucky and programming is only $10 more or something then I'll just have them do everything, however if its like I suspect (where it is about double for them to program as well as cut), then I'll definitely be doing this mod.

BTW, I'll post a link to this thread on TorontoAccords too as I know a lot of them have been waiting for a write-up/tutorial just like this one. Thanks again MJL...

[VTECaddict]

they immobilizer chip is the same, and honda dealers will be able to program it no problem. they only problem is convincing them to program an "Acura" key to a "Honda".

all the dealers in the bay area want like $60 for cut and program. i contacted streetkeys, and they said they can cut and program for $90. i thought they were supposed to be cheaper than dealers.