Remote Starter & blank key

Snoozer21 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 01:16 AM

I want to have a remote strater installed in my fit. I need to provide a "programmed" key to put in the enigine compartment so that the car will start. The dealer wants about $100 for an additional programmed key.

I've read a few threads about people just getting a "blank" key fairly cheap.This key just unlocks the doors, but would not start the car since it does not have a programmed chip in it.

Does anyone know if I would still really need an additional programmed key to run the

car? Since there would already be a key in the engine compartment which would be transmitting the signal, would a blank be all that is needed to drive away?

Would I also be able to "start" the car with an unprogrammed key?

559fitman · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 02:43 AM

I may be a noob replying to this but I usually thought you had to have alot more electronics than just a programed key to add a remote start funtion.... would just go with a quality aftermarket alarm product from a local shop.

For the extra key A and J's have some nice ones

Snoozer21 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 09:41 AM

559fitman,

Yes, you are correct. I have aftermarket remote starter & alarm which I had removed from my Honda Odyssey before I traded it in. I suppose I could call the guys who will be reinstalling it. They should know for sure.

I mentioned my idea to my boyfriend last night & he said that he had a duplicate key made for his van at Home Depot for just opening the
doors. It worksoro start the engine even though it doesn't have any programming (but it should). He has a remote starter also & had to provide the programmer keyfor the engine comparment.

Hmmmm, I think I'm on to something here. It would be great if I can just get a few non programedkeys as spare that would also start the car.
I could save lots of $$$$$$$$!!!!!!!

i suppose if any one has a blank key, they could test my theory by placing their progrmmed key near the steering wheel and trying the blank to see if it works. Any takers????

Snooz21

jzerocsk · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 10:19 AM

My understanding of the immobilizer system is that as long as the sensor detects a chip, the engine will run regardless of what is actually in the ignition. In fact a remote start system installed in this way effectively disables the immobilizer system.

There is actually a Honda OEM remote starter add-on for the Fit, that plays well with the immobilizer, btw.

M4psycho · #5 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 07:59 PM

When I got mine installed, they asked if I had a key and I told them I didn't have a spare one that I wanted to give them, so they just used an OEM generic Yaris key or something, just something to bypass the immobilizer, and it worked fine and is still working fine. If you go to a company that's been doing it for a while they should have some of these lying around or know of a way to get by it without having to waste one of your expensive keys.

Snoozer21 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 08:23 PM

Thanks M4 and jz.
Interesting. I wonder why a generic Yaris key would work also.

I forgot to call the shop that is going to do the re-install of the remote starter and alarm. They have been around for a while and are prrety experienced. Hopefully (if I remember to call tomorrow) they can explain a few things.
Do you also have a blank key and have you started the car (and driven)with that?
My car is the base model, so I don't have the keyless entry either. I'm getting real tire of using the key manually.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll report back when I get more answers!!
Snooz

M4psycho · #7 (**permalink**) 06-26-2009, 03:55 AM

Sorry no blank key here...I only have the 2 keyless entry keys that came with the car. I doubt the blank key can start the car. If I remember correctly they can only unlock the doors.