Hi, all. Just picked up our first Fit (2009 Milano Red, base model, Cash 4 Clunkers). Now I have this enormous key taking up more real estate in my pocket than I'd like. The salesman said the keys could only be duplicated at a Honda dealer. Questions:
1. Is this so? Or is there another source? (Dealer's a ways away.)
2. Is there such a thing as a "slimline" key? Or is that bulbous knob gonna be with me for the duration?


thanks and hope to eventually be able to answer questions on the forum, but right now all I can do is ask.


Joe

 

somewhere on this site there are instructions to make a "switchblade" style key that folds up.

 

I believe it's also possible to get an older-style key without the keyless entry buttons. Of course then you have no keyless entry buttons. Unless you can program an older-style standalone fob, but I found that having both is bulkier than the combined key + buttons.

You may be able to get a locksmith to cut the key, but you still need the dealer to program the immobilizer chip in order to start the engine...and that's usually where they gouge you.

 

Thanks. I have the base Fit sans keyless entry. Getting the reprogramming seems to be more than I want to get into, plus it seems that doing so would disable the anti-theft functions. Even though theft is not a big concern where I live, I don't want to sacrifice security to slim down my key ring.

 

Actually, I think a local locksmith probably will be more knowledgable then your dealer about keys and the immobilizaton system. All they do is locks and lock related items, while your dealer will be more interested in just replacing the whole system with a new one.
My rough thoughts are cars are probably half if not more of a locksmith's business, so it's not unfamiliar territory.

Talk to your local one (most will advertise if they are specialists with particular car brands, or have displays of car keys in their windows), nothing to lose through a phone call.

 

The dealer is not going to try to get you to replace the entire ignition system just because you tried to get a spare key. Not even the shadiest of shady dealers would try something like that - they already gouge the crap out of you on the programming part which takes all of 10 minutes!

Unfortunately, to program the immobilizer system to work with a new key you need the Honda diagnostic system. It is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools or knowledge to do this part, but I suppose I could be wrong. Seeing as the immobilizer system is an RFID system that is built-in to the car by Honda, I can't imagine that a locksmith would know more about it than a Honda tech.

 

In my experience, any good locksmith will know all about car systems and the good ones all have the diagnostic computers for all the main car brands ( including of course Honda).

Cars/Automobiles are a huge part of a Locksmith's business, and keys/ignition are their specialty, whilst the dealership's main business to be honest is oil changes. Locksmiths have kept up with the times just the same as car a whole lot of locks are electronic in nature these days too, so locksmiths are also not just wrench monkeys anymore but "technicians" too.

It's worth a call to see if they can do it cheaper.
As an example, just searching google for "honda key locksmith" gives as a top result:
Honda Keys and Ignitions - Locksmith service for Honda vehicles by Arizona Keys Locksmith LLC - Locksmith*and*Lockout*Service*in*Phoenix*AZ 480-941-7239
and they have pretty much every key service you can think of.
Here's another one:
http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/services.html
and they explictly state they got all the programming computers, or will refer you to a partner locksmith that does should they not have it.


The example I gave above, is more for the scenario if you lose all your keys. Every so often I see a post similar (not here, other forums) and it always says the dealer says to replace the whole ECU. Then later on, they find a locksmith who will actually take on the challenge and reflash the ECU it for a much cheaper rate. That is my basis that locksmiths can do everything the dealerships can and more (key related that is), and potentially save you a bit of cash at the same time.

As stated before, it's worth a phone call.

 

I ordered a valet key from the dealer. They cut it and programmer the immobilzer chip. It cost me $127. The key needs to be cut with a special machine not the average grinder type found at the hardware store. A chip inside the key needs to be programed to work with your car. You need to bring all of your keys to them. It looks like a normal key without buttons. I needed a spare for keeping in my wallet. I looked all over and found that it really needs to be at a dealer. The dealer I purchased my fit from quoted a higher price than the one I purchased the key from, so shop around. It is not cheap but is handy for backup situations.

 

Where's Craig?

I was fortunate enough to have a service manager cut (strike that) mill me a door only key for $0. It won't start the car, but if I ever manage to lock the keys inside, I'll be able to get in the car to get them.

Locally, a different service dept wanted $42 for that key, or $92 for the chipped key.

 

Do you have a pic of your key? On the GD3's the base key is not huge. I thought you were talking about the key with the keyless entry remote on it.