System Description

The vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer system that will disable the vehicle unless the proper ignition key is used. This system consists of a transponder located in the ignition key, an immobilizer receiver unit, an indicator light, and the PCM.

The vehicle has two kinds of keys.

• The black master key for:
  • Ignition switch.
  • Door locks.
  • Tailgate lock.
  • Glove box.
• The gray valet key for:
  • Ignition switch.
  • Door locks.

When the key is inserted in the ignition switch and turned to the (II) position, the immobilizer receiver unit sends power to the transponder in the ignition key. The transponder then sends a coded signal back through the immobilizer receiver unit to the PCM.

• The immobilizer system can store up to six key codes.
• If it is necessary to rewrite the PCM, the dealer needs the customer's vehicle, all its master keys and valet keys, and the HDS. Any key that is not learned during rewriting will no longer start the engine.
• It is possible to add ONE new key without reprogramming all of the keys.
• If the customer has lost his key, and cannot start the engine, contact Honda Customer Relations.
  Fig 1: Immobilizer System Schematic

  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
• If the proper key has been used, the immobilizer indicator light will come on for about 2 seconds, then go off.
• If the wrong key has been used or the code was not received or recognized by the PCM, the indicator light will come on for about 2 seconds, then it will blink until the ignition switch is turned OFF. For accurate immobilizer system diagnosis get as much information from the customer as possible. A blinking indicator light means the key was not recognized.
• If the ignition switch is turned OFF, the indicator will blink for about 5 seconds to signal that the immobilizer system has been set correctly, then the indicator will go off.

Fig 2: Immobilizer System Problem/Solution Table

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.