Honda’s immobilizer system is designed to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. If your keys are lost or stolen, the immobilizer system will prevent the engine from starting. In order to bypass the Honda immobilizer system, you will need a new key with an embedded transponder chip.
Once you have the new key, start the car and insert it into the ignition. Turn on the power but do not start the engine. Press and hold the unlock button on the key fob for five seconds.
This should disable the immobilizer system and allow you to start your car.
- Locate the data link connector (DLC) under the driver’s side dash
- Insert a paperclip or other small, sturdy object into the DLC’s pin 9 slot
- Turn the ignition key to the “On” position without starting the engine
- The immobilizer light on the dash should turn off after a few seconds
- Start the engine and remove the paperclip from pin 9 of the DLC
Can You Bypass an Immobilizer?
An immobilizer is a device fitted to an automobile which prevents the engine from running unless the correct transponder key is present. This means that even if a thief manages to hotwire your car, they won’t be able to drive it away without the proper key. While this may seem like an impenetrable defense against car theft, there are ways that thieves can bypass an immobilizer.
One common method is known as relay theft. This involves using two transponder keys, one of which is placed near the immobilizer (usually under the steering column). The other key is then used to start the car from a distance.
The signal from the first key fools the immobilizer into thinking that the correct key is present, and allows the engine to start. Another way to bypass an immobilizer is through what’s known as “key cloning.” This involves stealing a transponder key and then using it to create an exact duplicate.
Once you have a clone of the key, you can use it just like the original to start the car and drive away. Key cloning can be done relatively easily with some sophisticated electronic equipment; however, it’s also possible for thieves to do it simply by taking apart two identical keys and swapping out their internal components. Of course, these methods don’t always work and there’s no guarantee that a thief will be able to bypass your car’s immobilizer successfully.
However, it’s important to be aware that these techniques exist and take steps to protect your vehicle accordingly. One good way to do this is by investing in an aftermarket alarm system with its own transponder-based immobilizing function; that way even if thieves are able to get around your factory-installed immobilizer, they’ll still trigger the alarm and hopefully deter them from trying to steal your car altogether.
How Do I Reprogram My Honda Key Immobilizer?
If your Honda’s key immobilizer system is not working properly, you may need to reprogram the system. Here’s how to do it:
1. Locate the diagnostic port under the dash near the steering column.
2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position.
3. Press and hold down the panic button on the key fob for three seconds.
4. Turn off the ignition and remove the key.
5. Press and hold down the panic button again for three seconds, then release it. You should now see a flashing red light on your dashboard that indicates that the key immobilizer system has been reset and is ready to be programmed with new keys.
Honda Immobilizer Reset
If your Honda’s immobilizer has been activated, you can reset it yourself in just a few minutes. You’ll need to have your key and access to the car’s engine. Once you have those things, follow these steps:
1. Open the driver’s side door and sit in the car. Make sure all doors are closed and that the parking brake is engaged.
2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position without starting the engine.
3. Press and hold the “Lock” button on the driver’s door until you hear a click. This should take about five seconds.
4. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the cylinder.
Conclusion
If your Honda has an immobilizer system that is not allowing the car to start, there are a few things that you can do to bypass it. One way is to disconnect the battery for about 30 seconds and then reconnect it. This will usually reset the system and allow you to start the car.
If this does not work, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. You may also need to replace the ignition switch or have a professional disable the immobilizer system.