need help with my keys ( no i didnt lock them in the car) - Honda Prelude Forum

ludev5 · 05-01-2011, 04:50 PM

hey guys seeing another post here reminded me of my issue.....i have two keys....1 starts the car the other opens the car (doors trunk, etc) i honestly thought one was a spare.....but after a certain locked out incident i found out that wasnt the case......what should i do....ive searched but from what ive gathered i need the red key which i do not have......should i try the dealer a locksmith???? here is a pic ...i literally have to have both keys on me which is pretty annoying haha thanks guys

01lude812 · 05-01-2011, 06:06 PM

You bought the car like that? PO didnt tell you anything? Chances are the key ignition were replaced after it become locked up, making it hard to start or key stuck and cant remove.
My friend had the same problem with his 01 camry, had to get a brand new key ignition piece. Now he also have two key.. He have aftermarket alarm so he use that for keless entry. Pop trunk from inside..

SnOwAnGeL · 05-01-2011, 08:22 PM

That's a strange set up. One key starts the car but won't open the doors? The other opens the doors but won't start the car?

Your car should have:

2 Black "Master" keys. These work on everything. Doors, trunk, gas door, glove box, rear seat, and ignition.

1 Gray "Valet" key. This opens the doors, and starts the car. This key will not work in any of the other locks.

1 Red :Learning/coding" key. It's used for making new keys. Never use it in the ignition! I'm not sure if it will turn the door locks, or any other locks on the car.

You should have your keys checked out, and invest in getting the red key from Honda if you're planning to keep the car for a while. Be warned though, it's ridiculously expensive!

rjr1622 · 05-01-2011, 08:42 PM

Don't bother with the red key unless you think you will lose all of your keys. Just go to the dealership and they can cut a new T5 key. A T5 is your standard black.key, but instead of having a pre-programmed code that would need to be entered into the ECU, it comes with a write once chip that the dealer copies the code from an existing programmed key onto. So get them to cut for you ignition + clone code and you'll have an extra key to start the car. As for a spare key for the doors, just get that cut anywhere as you wont have to worry about the code since it doesn't fit the ignition.

And IIRC the only way to get a red key is with a new ECU (hence the crazy price). I think the red keys code is permanently stored in the ECU (though Honda may have another way around that anymore with the shop consult system... I don't know. Just like they use to have to cut + program until they introduced the T5 key which made the whole having a new key made a lot easier)

Sent from my GT-I9000 using AutoGuide App

ludev5 · 05-02-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01lude812

You bought the car like that? PO didnt tell you anything? Chances are the key ignition were replaced after it become locked up, making it hard to start or key stuck and cant remove.
My friend had the same problem with his 01 camry, had to get a brand new key ignition piece. Now he also have two key.. He have aftermarket alarm so he use that for keless entry. Pop trunk from inside..

when i first saw the car i just assumed it was a second key, stupid me....i may just do the alarm thing

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnOwAnGeL

That's a strange set up. One key starts the car but won't open the doors? The other opens the doors but won't start the car?

Your car should have:

2 Black "Master" keys. These work on everything. Doors, trunk, gas door, glove box, rear seat, and ignition.

1 Gray "Valet" key. This opens the doors, and starts the car. This key will not work in any of the other locks.

1 Red :Learning/coding" key. It's used for making new keys. Never use it in the ignition! I'm not sure if it will turn the door locks, or any other locks on the car.

You should have your keys checked out, and invest in getting the red key from Honda if you're planning to keep the car for a while. Be warned though, it's ridiculously expensive!

i do plan on keeping this car a very long time or as long as it lasts...its an auto :/ but its been great so far (knock on wood).....but i only have those 2 keys

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjr1622

Don't bother with the red key unless you think you will lose all of your keys. Just go to the dealership and they can cut a new T5 key. A T5 is your standard black.key, but instead of having a pre-programmed code that would need to be entered into the ECU, it comes with a write once chip that the dealer copies the code from an existing programmed key onto. So get them to cut for you ignition + clone code and you'll have an extra key to start the car. As for a spare key for the doors, just get that cut anywhere as you wont have to worry about the code since it doesn't fit the ignition.

And IIRC the only way to get a red key is with a new ECU (hence the crazy price). I think the red keys code is permanently stored in the ECU (though Honda may have another way around that anymore with the shop consult system... I don't know. Just like they use to have to cut + program until they introduced the T5 key which made the whole having a new key made a lot easier)

Sent from my GT-I9000 using AutoGuide App

i may do that as well to have some spares