anamono

So my car only came with one key (valet). Now the valet key doesn't close the glovebox and doesn't open the trunk. So, I looked up parts online to get the cheapest price possible for OEM parts and put in my car model year (2003) and look at the combination switch parts. I found out that for MY03 they offered the special S2000 key so I chose to order that one cause it just looks so nice and makes the car feel special. I received the key and went to the dealership to get it cut and programmed and they said that it's not possible because the valet key is cut differently as in a different method (punching) rather than laser etching for this key. So, now I'm stuck with a key that I paid ~$130 for that I can't use. Now, I can probably return the key, but I'd really like to exhaust all my options in making it work if that's possible. They're telling me to take it up to Honda USA cause they're just not sure how this key can be cut. So, does anyone have any experience with this?

Combination switch parts diagram:


Parts list for combination switch

NDAZONE

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that "special" S2000 key never came with any AP1 cars. Judging from the provided diagram you want key #6.

NFR_AP2

I'm pretty sure 04+ had the special key....don't think there's anything you can do.

anamono

But how come it shows up in the part list for an 03?!
Keep in mind it doesn't show for 00-02. If I actually went through the local dealership for getting the key instead of buying it online, they also would've ordered the same S2000 specific key cause it shows up on their list for an 03. I just bought it online cause it was about $70 cheaper ($200 from the dealership!).

dwight

If the dealer ordered the wrong part then they'd have to deal with unloading a $130 key, not you.

anamono

Ok, I know I can return the key. But why the hell is Honda listing it as a part for MY03?? They don't list it for MY00-02. Just MY03 as far as AP1 is concerned. This key shows up on any North American dealers part list for an MY03. Is this a mistake from Honda?

Some87

I'm not sure it's even close for most makes but I know for the Toyota I had they didn't cut keys they just had a code they gave to a key maker to cut to the right specs. They got the code from the vin.

takeshi

No idea but that's definitely an AP2 master key. You're not going to get it to work with an AP1.

dwight

I don't know. If you search for parts by VIN, does it come up?

xviper

It's entirely possible that the parts illustration you posted up is from a world wide Honda micro-fiche and some '03s in some other world market uses that key. Those keys cannot be cut in the traditional way. It has no longitudinal grooves like your key needs and it wasn't designed to have the notches cut clear through - there retains a middle solid backing plate behind all the notches. This makes it much harder for thieves to duplicate. Without the grooves, it'll never go into the keyhole.
Sure, you may be able to return it, but I doubt you will get back the shipping charges both ways and your time and frustration is already spent. All you needed was the cheaper 40 buck key with the immobilizer chip. The dealer would have told you that.