Mechanical keys and separate remotes
A metal key turns the ignition by hand with no electronic check. A separate remote on the ring may lock and unlock the doors but does not start the Honda.
- What you see
- A plain metal key with no buttons. Any remote is a separate piece.
- Programming
- No chip to program. The blade is cut to code or decoded from a lock; a separate remote is programmed on its own.
- All keys lost
- A new key can be cut from the key code or by decoding a lock at the vehicle.
Transponder immobilizer keys
Honda added an engine immobilizer that reads a chip in the key head. The blade can be cut correctly and still not start the engine until the chip is registered.
- What you see
- A metal key with a black plastic head, often with a separate remote on earlier cars.
- Programming
- The chip is registered with diagnostic equipment through the OBD port.
- All keys lost
- Possible at the vehicle on most models with the right equipment.
Smart Entry and push-button start
The fob stays in your pocket; the doors unlock by touch and the engine starts with a button. It arrived on higher trims first.
- What you see
- A button fob with a hidden emergency blade.
- Programming
- The fob is registered to the vehicle with diagnostic equipment; the emergency blade is cut separately.
- All keys lost
- Possible on many models, though it can take longer than a turn-key system.