Losing or damaging your car key fob can be more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to a surprisingly hefty bill. Dealerships often charge exorbitant prices for replacements, and even locksmiths can add up with programming fees. If you’re a Honda owner looking for a more affordable solution to program your key fob, you might be in luck. This guide will walk you through how to program a Honda key fob yourself, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
Why Program Your Honda Key Fob Yourself?
The primary reason for DIY key fob programming is cost savings. As highlighted in a personal experience, the cost of a new OEM Honda key fob can be upwards of $467, with programming adding another $150 at a locksmith. Opting for an aftermarket key fob and programming it yourself can drastically reduce this expense. Beyond cost, DIY programming offers convenience. You avoid scheduling appointments and can handle the process at your own pace, in your own garage.
What You’ll Need to Program Your Honda Key Fob
To successfully program your Honda key fob at home, you’ll need a few key items:
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A Compatible OBD-II Scanner: For Honda vehicles with push-to-start buttons, the Autel MaxiAP200 Bluetooth dongle is a highly recommended and cost-effective option. This scanner plugs into your car’s OBD-II port and communicates with your smartphone via Bluetooth. It’s crucial to ensure you have the correct version. For push-to-start Honda models, you may need the beta Honda module V2.01.54, which at the time of the original article, required request from Autel and ran on 64-bit Android phones. Standard Honda modules might require a separate external module.
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A New Honda Key Fob: You can purchase OEM fobs online or explore more budget-friendly aftermarket options. Websites like eBay and Amazon offer a variety of key fobs compatible with Honda vehicles.
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A Compatible Smartphone: The Autel MaxiAP200 is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. You’ll need to download the MaxiAP200 app to control the scanner and perform the programming.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your Honda Key Fob with Autel MaxiAP200
Once you have gathered all the necessary equipment, follow these steps to program your Honda key fob:
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Connect the Autel MaxiAP200: Plug the MaxiAP200 dongle into your Honda’s OBD-II port, typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
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Launch the MaxiAP200 App: Open the MaxiAP200 app on your smartphone and ensure Bluetooth is enabled to pair with the dongle.
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Navigate to the Service Menu: In the app’s main menu, select Service.
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Select “Immo Keys”: Choose the Immo Keys or Immobilizer Keys option from the service menu.
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Choose Your Vehicle Brand: Select Honda as your vehicle brand.
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Select Your Vehicle Model: The app will prompt you to select your specific Honda model and year.
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Select Country of Sale: Indicate the country where your Honda was originally sold.
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VIN Scan and Confirmation: The system will automatically scan your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Verify that the VIN and vehicle information are correct on the confirmation screen.
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Access Hot Functions: Select Hot functions to access advanced service options.
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Select “One-push start”: Tap on the One-push start option, assuming your Honda has a push-to-start system. If your Honda uses a traditional key start, the menu options might be slightly different, but look for key programming or immobilizer functions.
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Navigate to “Registration” or “Keyless Access Remote”: Look for options like Registration or Add a keyless access Remote. This will lead you to the key fob programming functions.
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Follow On-Screen Prompts: The app will guide you through the programming procedure step-by-step. This usually involves a sequence of actions, such as pressing the start button with an existing key fob, turning the ignition on and off, and pressing buttons on the new key fob. Pay close attention to each prompt and follow them precisely.
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Programming Completion: If successful, you should see a confirmation screen indicating that the key fob programming is complete.
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Test the New Key Fob: Test all the buttons on your newly programmed key fob – lock, unlock, panic, and remote start (if applicable). Also, ensure you can start your Honda with the new fob.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Beta Software Requirement: If you encounter issues programming a key fob for a push-to-start Honda, double-check if you need the beta Honda module V2.01.54 for your Autel MaxiAP200. Contact Autel support for information on obtaining this version if needed.
- Compatibility: Ensure the aftermarket key fob you purchased is indeed compatible with your specific Honda model and year.
- Battery: Make sure the battery in your new key fob is new and properly installed.
- Procedure Accuracy: Double-check that you have followed all the on-screen prompts in the Autel app accurately. Even a slight deviation can prevent successful programming.
Conclusion
Programming your Honda key fob at home is a viable and cost-effective alternative to expensive dealership or locksmith services. By utilizing a tool like the Autel MaxiAP200 and following the correct procedure, you can regain full functionality with a new key fob and save a significant amount of money. While the process requires careful attention to detail and the right equipment, the potential savings and convenience make it a worthwhile DIY endeavor for Honda owners.
