I have a 2015 LX. It has a regular (metal) key to open the doors and start the car, with the buttons for locking/unlocking. I would like to have backup keys, just the metal part, for several reasons (forgetfulness, less bulk, water sports). The two big locksmiths in my area say they could make the key but do not (yet) stock the correct blanks. The Honda Dealer says a plain metal key will not start the car, as even though it's not a "keyless" model (being the LX), there is still a chip in the key that is necessary for the car to start. That kind of key would be $88, from the dealer.

Has anyone been able to use just a metal key to start their 2015 LX? And/or have you found replacement keys cheaper than $88?

Thanks!
Debbie

 

$88 sounds good to me; my dealer wants $104. And I'm pretty sure there's a chip in the key . . .

 

There is most definitely a chip in your key and you most definitely will NOT be able to start the car with just the metal piece.

$88 is pretty good. That's what it was to have the original key duplicated on my old car. For $2 they duplicated just the metal part, which I hid on the car incase I ever locked myself out. The $2 key wouldn't start the car. The $88 key would. Because chip.

 

$88 is crazy cheap.

I paid a lot more for my Volvo and Audi keys.

 

OP - Does the $88 include programming? What I have in front of me is a printout the parts department gave me when I inquired about this, and it shows $63.97 for the key and $40.00 to program it.

 

Well if you have the smart key fob then this scenario wouldn't apply because the car won't let you lock it with the fob inside. Only way you could do that is open the door and then manually lock it before closing it which not sure why you would do that.

I used to have a spare key in my wallet in the ole days. Saved $$$ on getting my car unlocked by a pro.

 

there was another post like this, but with all the moderator moves, who knows where it is... although i have an ex, i thought the same thing. i wanted a spare key without the mobilizer. i purchased a "flat key" from the local dealer for $7 cut. i am sure your key is the same thing, as honda has used the same design for a while now. this flat key could be cut for my s2000 as well.

 

Having had to fix a relative's key, from best as I can tell, the chip is in the grip with the buttons. The car wouldn't start without the grip attached. But I think the flat key should be able to get you inside the car.