Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a real headache, especially when you discover the hefty price tag that dealerships and locksmiths often attach to replacements and reprogramming. If you’re a Honda owner, you might be facing this exact dilemma. The good news is, reprogramming your Honda key fob yourself is not only possible but also significantly cheaper than you might think. This guide will walk you through the process, empowering you to take control and save your hard-earned money.
Why Reprogram Your Honda Key Fob Yourself?
The primary reason for choosing the DIY route for reprogramming your Honda key fob is undoubtedly cost savings. Dealerships and locksmiths typically charge a premium for this service, often citing specialized equipment and expertise. As highlighted in the original post, you could be looking at costs of $150 or more just for the programming, on top of the key fob itself which can run into hundreds of dollars depending on whether you opt for OEM or aftermarket options.
By taking matters into your own hands, you can drastically reduce these expenses. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can reprogram your Honda key fob in your own time and at a fraction of the professional cost. This is especially appealing for those who are comfortable with basic car maintenance and prefer a hands-on approach.
What You’ll Need to Reprogram Your Honda Key Fob
To successfully reprogram your Honda key fob at home, you will need a few key items:
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A Compatible OBD-II Diagnostic Tool: While there might be various options on the market, the original article successfully used the Autel MaxiAP200 Bluetooth dongle. This tool is praised for offering many professional-grade OBD-II diagnostic functions at a consumer-friendly price point. It’s crucial to ensure that the tool you choose supports key fob programming for your specific Honda model and year.
- Important Update for Push-to-Start Hondas: If your Honda has a push-to-start button, it’s essential to note the update mentioned in the original article. For these models, you might need the beta Honda module V2.01.54 for the Autel MaxiAP200. This beta module is reportedly compatible with 64-bit Android phones and might require a request from Autel. Double-check compatibility and module requirements based on your specific Honda model and the Autel tool you are using. The standard Honda module may only support key programming via an external module plugged into the car’s DLC port.
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A New, Compatible Honda Key Fob: You’ll need a replacement key fob. You can source these online from platforms like eBay or Amazon. The original author found a remarkably affordable option on eBay that closely resembled the OEM fob.
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: You have the choice between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fobs and aftermarket options. OEM fobs, while typically more expensive, are guaranteed to be compatible and of high quality. Aftermarket fobs can be significantly cheaper, but it’s crucial to choose a reputable seller and ensure compatibility with your Honda model.
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A Compatible Smartphone: The Autel MaxiAP200 works with both Android and iOS smartphones via a dedicated app. Ensure your phone is compatible with the app requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reprogramming Your Honda Key Fob with Autel MaxiAP200
The following steps are based on the original author’s experience using the Autel MaxiAP200 to reprogram a key fob for a 2019 Honda Clarity. Keep in mind that the exact menu options and prompts might slightly vary depending on your Honda model year and the specific software version of the Autel MaxiAP200 app. Always follow the on-screen instructions provided by the app.
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Connect the Autel MaxiAP200: Plug the Autel MaxiAP200 dongle into your Honda’s OBD-II port, usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
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Launch the MaxiAP200 App and Select Service: Open the MaxiAP200 app on your smartphone and from the main menu, select the Service option.
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Enter the Immo Keys Module: Navigate to and select the Immo Keys module within the service menu.
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Select Your Vehicle Brand and Model: Choose Honda as your vehicle brand and then proceed to select your specific vehicle model, year, and region (country of sale) as prompted by the app.
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VIN Scan and Confirmation: The app will likely automatically scan your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Verify the VIN and confirm your vehicle details on the confirmation screen.
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Access Hot Functions and One-Push Start (if applicable): Select Hot functions. If your Honda has a push-to-start system, tap on One-push start.
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Navigate to Registration and Add Keyless Access Remote: Tap Registration, and then select Add a keyless access Remote to initiate the key fob programming procedure.
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Follow On-Screen Prompts: The app will now guide you through a series of steps to register your new key fob. This typically involves actions like pressing the car’s start button with an existing key fob, turning the car off, and interacting with the start button with the new fob in various ways (inside and outside the vehicle). Carefully follow each prompt displayed on the app.
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Confirmation: If the programming is successful, the app should display a confirmation message.
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Test Your New Key Fob: Finally, test the newly programmed key fob by locking and unlocking your Honda’s doors and attempting to start the engine (if push-to-start).
Choosing the Right Honda Key Fob and Autel MaxiAP200
When embarking on this DIY journey, ensure you select the correct key fob and diagnostic tool for your specific Honda model. Verify the compatibility of aftermarket key fobs before purchasing and consider the potential benefits of OEM fobs for guaranteed performance. For the Autel MaxiAP200, confirm that it supports key programming for your Honda year and model. If you have a push-to-start Honda, investigate the beta module requirement to avoid potential compatibility issues.
Conclusion
Reprogramming your Honda key fob yourself is a viable and cost-effective alternative to expensive dealership or locksmith services. By using an OBD-II diagnostic tool like the Autel MaxiAP200 and following the step-by-step guide, you can regain full functionality of your car’s remote access system and save a significant amount of money. Take control of your car maintenance and experience the satisfaction of DIY car repair.
