Prelude key in a 97 Accord - Honda Prelude Forum

oimetra · 01-14-2003, 12:20 AM

My wife were going home from a restaurant last night using her 1997 ACCORD DX AUTO. When we got home, I tried pulling out the key, but it wouldn't turn. I checked to see if it was in park, and it was, but the D4 AND the P light were both on. After working it out somehow, I realized I used my 5th gen key the whole time I was driving!! My accord key is a copy and it's all metal, unlike the Prelude key with the plastic immobolizer. I checked to see if the proper keys worked and they do... now I have to check if my prelude key still works when I get my car back.

CLIFF NOTES:

Accidently put my 01 Prelude key in a 97 Accord...and it worked!

gen5 · 01-14-2003, 12:38 AM

scary. accord didn't have the immobilizer back in 97, or did they? that's besides the point though. haha, try it with other honda keys, maybe it's not the keys, it's the car.

oimetra · 01-14-2003, 12:59 AM

No immobilzers on the 97... I think it's the ignition because the real key got stuck there twice before...

Maybe this is a sign to trade in the car!

LOL

Niffum · 01-14-2003, 01:34 AM

I think the immobilzers were first installed in the Preludes under Honda.. Acuras might have them for a long time...

ShadowSonic · 01-14-2003, 05:47 AM

Wow that bites im sure thieves knew about this already though

oimetra · 01-14-2003, 06:12 AM

I believe the immobolizers were put on 98- up Honda cars. Remember when the ACCORD and the CAMRY were always in the top 5 of "Most stolen vehicles in the US"?

ZDVS1 · 01-14-2003, 02:11 PM

There are only soo many key codes. Odd coincidence that you own two vehicles that match tho...

LaZy CrEaTiOn · 01-14-2003, 02:21 PM

not only that but my cousins 99 Civic Si, was used turned on and the door was opened by a old CRX key, thats why our cars are so easy to steal.

BlackLudeCIU · 01-14-2003, 03:49 PM

When I was a valet I went to pick up this honda from the lot. I drove it down and gave the customer the key. She said that it was not here keys.

I drove the car down with the wrong key.

MugenPoweredLude · 01-14-2003, 05:35 PM

uhhh guys shouldnt we be keepin this to ourselves since thieves probally look at this site and stuff like that.....then again what are the odds that they will actually find the same exact car???

oimetra · 01-14-2003, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ZDVS1
There are only soo many key codes. Odd coincidence that you own two vehicles that match tho...

To clarify, the Accord does NOT have an immobilizer, so a coded key is not needed. Basically my iginition is messed up and any key would probably work.

ZDVS1 · 01-15-2003, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oimetra

To clarify, the Accord does NOT have an immobilizer, so a coded key is not needed. Basically my iginition is messed up and any key would probably work.

By key code I meant the tumbler settings. If you go to a dealership, they have a book of tumbler settings that have corresponding numbers or codes. If anyone has bought their car new, the key ring comes with a small metal tag that has a numbered code on it, that's the key code. If you need a duplicate (not with immobilizer) or just a spare key to open the doors, all you need is that number and they can cut a key to match your car. This is how the dealerships know what key code you have by the vin, they have a database to cross reference.

screamer5300 · 01-15-2003, 09:55 PM

hmmm interesting fact. lol. better erase this one, before someone trys to do something funny with this information.

lol

DHlude · 01-15-2003, 11:59 PM

Do all 5th gen preludes have immobilizer? My 97 prelude key looks just like any other honda key. Does have a little box on it or something? Just wondering because I did the ss trans swap and want a five speed ecu.
Thanks

Niffum · 01-16-2003, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DHlude
Do all 5th gen preludes have immobilizer? My 97 prelude key looks just like any other honda key. Does have a little box on it or something? Just wondering because I did the ss trans swap and want a five speed ecu.
Thanks

Indeed we do have an immobolizer.

I think Honda loves to put new technologies into the Preludes...

1) 4WS
2) ATTS
3) Tiptronic (as many of us called it crappy tranny)
4) Immobolizer (as a Honda, maybe Acuras have them first)

and more...

screamer5300 · 01-16-2003, 12:29 PM

the immobilizer chip is inbedded into your honda key. inside the black rubber handle.

i think someone x ray it a while ago and it's there.

you know, tiptronics on prelude is smarter than porche's tiptronic..

leif · 01-17-2003, 07:33 PM

I just tried using a 5th gen key on a 4th gen.
It doesn't work.

jz23 · 01-18-2003, 02:42 AM

so you guys say if i went out to walmart and made a copy, it woundnt start up the car?

azninside · 01-18-2003, 10:55 AM

^^ that's correct!