Does the Honda dealer really need my key in order to provide me a second key and a valet key? I bought the car used from a dealer (275 miles away) who could find only one key for the car. He promised to find the others and send them to me. Ha. They ordered new keys but now are telling me that I have to send my key back to them in order to cut and program the new ones. I asked them what they do when someone loses all of their keys. Long pause. Anybody got any words of wisdom I can use with these folks?

Thanks
Dave

 

I bought an extra key and I'm almost sure that it was programmed "on the spot" by my dealer. Maybe it depends on the size of the dealership and the equipment that they have (mine is a volume dealer)?

Isn't there a more local Honda dealer who may be able to handle the task for you? Of course, they would charge $$ unless there was some credit that was offered by the distant dealer

OTOH, I DID get the "send to the factory" story when I asked about replacing one of the Remote units (thought that I'd lost it....later found in an unused pocket )

 

I had another key made and the dealer needed my key in order to make it.

 

Yes, one working key is needed to program another. I like this since it is impossible for someone to get your VIN and have a key cut, then go out and steal your car. They will be able to unlock it, but without the correct code programmed into the chip embedded in the key, the immobilizer circuit will not let the car start.