[Gone]

Originally Posted by ethlar

Ok guys and girls I’m going to summarize everything I know about the Civic and RDX keys up to this point for all of you. The local dealers think I’m crazy for doing all this research BTW.

If you need to go to the bathroom, go now, this is a long one:

Honda and Acura as we all know have been using Immobilizer anti theft systems in their cars for quite some time. There are several types of this system, creatively names Type 1-6 (there is no Type 4 system though). Our Civics are using the newest Type 6 Immobilizer system. The reason that the RSX guys can use the TL-S keys and the Accord keys is because they are Type 5 systems.

Type 5 and Type 6 systems are very similar, in fact nearly identical in electronics, but owners of Type 5 systems often complained of a “hard start” because the key’s transponder was checked before the fuel system was activated. Whereas on the Type 6 system we have the fuel system is activated and the vehicle permitted to start and then the transponder queried, if it fails the fuel is cutoff and does not resume until an accepted transponder is present next time the system checks. (you can see this in action by taking the electronics out of your key and attempting to start your car)

Further, Type 5 systems have their transponders programmed via the HDS tablet system, but the remotes are programmed by repeating the procedure; key in ignition, turn to acc (II), press unlock, turn to off, repeat, on the 4th time the locks should cycle indicating the car is in remote program mode, press the lock button on each of the remotes to be programmed and then turn off the car.

Type 6 transponders are programmed through the HDS system as well, but the HDS also programs the remotes in the process

The RDX remotes are programmed using the Type 5 procedure. Another clue to the type of the key in your hand is apparently that Type 5 keys have separate transponders and remote electronics inside the key. Type 6 has the transponder on the board. The RDX key has its transponder in the base of the rotating part of the key while our civic keys have the transponder on the chip with the electronics...

This chart says that 8th gen Civics and 2007 RDXs both have Type 6 immobilizers (also stated here by Honda themselves). Its an install guide for idatalink remote doorlock and transponder systems (I believe they also make OEM systems as well). Where did you get your info on the TL Type-S and Accord immobilizer types?

Also, in this thread on ClubRSX, a Honda Master Tech describes all of Honda/Acura's immobilizer systems and says that Types 5 and 6 are identical in build, and only different in function, differing only in the sequence of the transponder check, like you mentioned.

Originally Posted by Jay

The stock spark plugs last 110,000 miles, and if there were a problem with them the ECU would throw a code.

One easy thing to check is to see if the immobilizer is preventing the car from starting.

The immobilizer won't allow our cars to start till the security code is read from the key; so if you begin cranking before the code is read, the car won't start. The green key on the dash stops blinking when the code is read, so always wait for the green key on the dash to stop blinking before you crank. The immobilizer may have trouble reading the RFID chip in the key if another RFID chip (like a Mobil speed pass) is nearby. Keep those away from the key.

I am thinking we still have a shot at this flip key thing... hopefully...