Honda is a major brand in the US auto market, second only to Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet. Approximately one in every 15 Americans drives a Honda. Honda key fobs come in a variety of styles, whether smart or mechanical, and losing any one can be frustrating.
In a previous article, we briefly addressed the question of how to program a new key fob. However, the key fob programming process varies depending on the vehicle's brand, year of manufacture, and engine specifications. So, how do you program a Honda key fob? Can you program a new key fob yourself?
In our previous post, we shared how to program a BMW key using an Autel key programmer. Today, we'll take a different approach and show you how to program a Honda key fob at home, and explore the specific methods that make this easy.
The development of automobiles has a long history, and keys have also been developing towards greater convenience and security. Honda cars have a variety of key types, with different car models and production years having different keys.
The overall change is towards a more intelligent direction, which also puts higher demands on key programming technology. The following are the specific development patterns:
There are many types of keys for Honda vehicles.
| Honda model year and key type comparison table | |||
| Key Type | Applicable Year Range | Typical Model | Example Description |
| Mechanical Key | 1990 and earlier | Civic, Accord, CR-V (early), Odyssey (early) | Starts with a tooth pattern only, no anti-theft chip. |
| Transponder Key | 1998–2010 (approximately) | Civic (1998–2005), Accord (1998–2002), CR-V (2002–2011), Odyssey (2001–2010), Pilot (2003–2008) | Built-in anti-theft chip, requires ECU matching. |
| Remote Folding Key | 2003–2015 | Accord (2003–2012), CR-V (2012–2016), Odyssey (2011–2017), Pilot (2009–2015) | Integrated remote control + chip, supports remote unlocking. |
| Smart Key (Key Fob) | 2013–Present | Civic (2016+), Accord (2013+), CR-V (2017+), Odyssey (2018+), Pilot (2016+) | Supports keyless entry and push-button start, and comes with an emergency mechanical key. |
| Digital Key / NFC | Select models starting in 2022 | New Accord, Civic, and some high-end Acura models | Unlock/start via a mobile app or NFC. |
Although Honda cars have a variety of key types, traditional mechanical keys do not require programming. However, the most common types that can be programmed are semi-mechanical keys and smart keys. Their programming methods are similar, so we combine them together for a unified explanation.
The programming process may vary depending on your Honda model, but the following steps generally apply to most newer models. Here's how to program a Honda remote key:
First, get in the driver's seat of your Honda and make sure all doors are closed. Insert the key in the ignition, but do not start the vehicle.
Within five seconds, turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position (the ignition switch clicks a second time), then turn it back to the "OFF" position. Repeat this step twice (on/off), then hold the ignition switch in the "OFF" position.
Press the "Lock" button on the remote key. Then, within five seconds, press and hold the "Unlock" button on the remote key for about one second, then release it. This will trigger the vehicle to enter programming mode. The vehicle's hazard lights will flash to confirm the programming process.
After programming the first key remote, repeat this step within 10 seconds to program additional keys. For each key remote, press and hold the "LOCK" button and wait for the confirmation light to flash, indicating that the key remote has been successfully programmed.
Once all remotes have been programmed, turn the ignition switch back to the "ON" position. The vehicle's hazard lights should flash again to confirm programming is complete.
For the specific operation process, please watch the video below:
NOTE: The programming method for each car model may be slightly different. Please refer to your vehicle manual to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The programming method for a Honda key fob varies depending on the scenario. For example, if you simply want to add a new key, or need to delete an old key, or if you've lost all your keys and don't have the original key, these situations all require programming. Let's take a look at how to program a Honda key fob in different scenarios.
Adding an extra key fob for your Honda is one of the simplest applications of key programming. You don’t need to be an expert or own expensive professional equipment. With a user-friendly device like the Autel KM100, you can easily handle the process right at home.
In the next section, I’ll walk you through the exact steps using the Autel KM100 as an example.
Use KM100 to program additional keys.
You can refer to the video tutorial below to operate:
The loss of all keys is a difficult programming process, especially for some newer models. The higher security factor may also involve the disassembly and reading of the anti-theft system. We will not introduce these for the time being.
Today, we will mainly provide a simple Honda key programming process for novice DIYers after losing all their keys. With the help of a professional key programmer, you can complete the entire Honda key programming process. Next, we will use Autel IM608 Pro II as an example to provide you with step-by-step guidance.
Use Autel IM608 PRO II to program Honda key fob.
You can refer to the video below for instructions:
Autel MaxiIM KM100 is a universal anti-theft tool that integrates key generation, key fob programming, anti-theft learning and transponder creation, with the same functions as KM100/KM100X/KM100E.
The Autel MaxiIM IM508S, equipped with XP200, integrates key fob programming, full system diagnostics, two-way control, and 40+ service functions. It also enjoys 2 years of free updates and is an upgraded version of the IM508/KM100.
Autel MaxiIM IM608S II integrates top-level IMMO, anti-theft key programming, and advanced ECU coding, without IP restrictions. It is a comprehensive upgrade version of the IM608 series and IM508S.
Choosing the right key programming tool can make programming your key fob more efficient. It's important to make sure your car is covered by the key programmer to avoid unnecessary trouble. If you're interested in purchasing the aforementioned tools, you can check their coverage here.
Nowadays, most key programming tools are very professional, and there are many brands that are very professional in this industry. If you want to buy top-notch key programming tools from other brands, you can check them out through the link below.
Whether you use a professional key programming tool or not, programming a Honda key is actually very simple. With a smart key programming device like Autel, you can easily add or replace keys at home, eliminating the need for dealerships or specialized dealerships.
With the right methods and tools, every car owner can easily handle key programming, enjoying a more secure and efficient driving experience.
In our previous post, we shared how to program a BMW key using an Autel key programmer. Today, we'll take a different approach and show you how to program a Honda key fob at home, and explore the specific methods that make this easy.
Today we'll explain how to program your BMW key at home using an Autel key programmer. This not only saves a lot of time, but also makes key programming much simpler and easier. This guide will walk you through the entire process.
The Autel MaxiIM KM100 is an all-in-one key programming tool with hardware upgrades, 60-second key generation, chip cloning, IMMO pairing, and smart key replacement for over 700 vehicles.
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