Honda Accord & Keys: 11 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

The smart keys for cars, a.k.a key fobs, became popular in the last decade and they have been an ever-evolving innovation.

These devices offer several functions, such as auto locks and alarms and you can use them from a distance.

If you own a Honda Accord, you want to know the many special features of its key fob.

Let us walk you through the functions, tricks, and general usage info of the Accord key fob in this article.

Honda Accord Key Fob Buttons, Functions, and Tricks

Here are the common functions and tricks you can do with your Honda Accord key fob:

Locking/Unlocking

This is the simplest and commonest thing you can do with a Honda key fob.

If your Honda Accord has a Smart Key Fob, you don’t even need to press the unlock button.

The car will unlock the doors automatically when you place your hand on the door handle, so long as the key fob is in your pocket or a bag.

Roll Down the Windows

You can also roll down your Accord’s windows with the key fob.

To do this on the 2019 Accord, you press the unlock button once and then press and hold the button again. The car will roll down the windows, including the sun roof, if it has one.

Remote Start

You can also start your Accord remotely with the key fob. To do this, press the lock button and the remote start button until you see a red light blink.

Open the trunk

To do this, press the trunk button on your key fob.

Preset Memory Seat

You can also use the Honda Smart key fob to pre-program the memory seat.

Once you store the settings, the car will automatically adjust the seats to your preferred position whenever you enter with the key fob.

How Much Does an Extra Key Cost?

The cost of the Honda Accord key fob varies. It depends on the year/model of the Honda Accord.

An average smart key for Honda Accord 2018 to 2021 model on Amazon is about $50. For 2003 to 2007 models, it costs about $20 and 2008 to 2017 models cost about $29 on Amazon.

The Honda Accord key fob is quite affordable compared to the cost of the smart key of other brands. For example, the Toyota Camry 2018 – 2020 costs $149 on Amazon.

Also check out our article about Honda Accord and lights.

Which Batteries Do Honda Accord Keys Use?

The Honda Accord key fob battery uses a 3v lithium battery. If you are looking to replace the battery, check for CR1616 battery at your local store or Amazon.

The Honda Accord keys batteries usually have a battery number. If the key fob battery is not in the device, you can find the battery number on the back cover.

The Honda Accord key fob battery is usually long-lasting. It can serve you for about three to four years before you need a replacement..

Check here for the best price for Honda Accord key batteries on Amazon.

Signs of Bad Key Fobs Batteries

Here are common signs your Honda Accord’s key fob battery is bad:

• The car will not unlock.
  The first sign something is wrong in most cases is that the key fob won’t be able to unlock your car. It is so because the unlock function is the most used function of key fobs.
• More effort to get the key fob to work.
  When you hit the button two to three times before it responds, know that the battery is going bad. Consider replacement as soon as possible before you have a dead key.
• The buttons on the key fob will only work occasionally.
  At this point, the key is potentially dead key and needs a battery replacement immediately.

When you notice any of these signs in your key fob, it is advisable to replace the battery to regain its full function.

Can You Change the Key Battery Yourself? (Dead Key)

It is possible to change the battery of a Honda Accord key fob yourself. All you need is a jeweler’s screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, and a stable hand.

• The jeweler’s screwdriver will help you unfasten the small screw present in most Honda Accord key fobs.
• Use the flathead screwdriver to separate the two halves of the key fob.
• You need a stable hand to hold the fob together so that the internal systems and external buttons don’t fall off.
• After opening the device, remove the dead battery, noting the positive and negative terminals.
• Replace the dead battery with a new battery with the right terminals fixed appropriately. While fixings the new battery, avoid touching the battery terminal to prevent corrosion that skin oil could cause.
• Align the two halves of the fob gently but accurately. It will produce a snapping sound when it is fixed appropriately.
• Then use the jeweler’s screwdriver to tighten the screw.

Make sure to also read our article about the Honda Accord in snow and winter driving. 

What to Do When the Key Is Stuck in the Ignition

There might be several reasons why your key might be stuck in the ignition. Let’s discuss some common reasons that might lead to a stuck key.

Steering Lock

Honda Accords are equipped with steering locks. So when the steering locks, it might also lock the ignition key.

Here, all you need to do is to wiggle the steering wheel to unlock it and unbind the key.

Parking Lock

This feature is an automated lock for Accord cars to prevent the driver from leaving the driver’s seat without parking the car.

If your key gets stuck, ensure you check your car gear is in park mode.

Bad Key

A bad key can include a bent key, keys with debris from food or other substances, rusted keys, and worn keys.

All these conditions can cause a key to get stuck in the ignition. Try using a little amount of lubricant on the key.

If, after trying all the above, you still can’t remove the key, don’t try forcing it out to avoid damaging the ignition’s cylinder. What you need to do is to have a mechanic get the key out of the ignition.

Three Popular Types of Key Fob Covers

Three types of popular Honda Accord fob key covers are described below:

1. Plastic key fobs cover:
   These are made of plastic and come in flashy colors. While they offer protection, they can also shatter easily.
2. Silicone key fobs cover:
   These are made from silicone and offer improved handgrip. Does not affect the signal strength of the key fob.
3. Leather key fobs cover:
   These are long-lasting and classy. However, they get stained easily and are susceptible to damage by moisture.

Click here for the best prices of key fob covers on Amazon.

How to Find the Key Codes for Lost Keys

The key code can get lost easily because it is written on the key fob and in the Honda Accord manual. It is important because it is essential when you what to replace a lost key.

If the manual is lost or you have a used car, you must visit a Honda dealership.

All you need is a piece of evidence that you are the legitimate owner of the Honda Accord and your driver’s license. Tender the documents and you will get the key codes for your lost keys.

Please also read our article about how long the Honda Accord lasts.

What To Do If the Key Won’t Turn

Here are things to do if your key won’t turn in the ignition:

1. Check if the steering is locked.
   If so, wiggle the steering back and forth while you try to turn the key.
2. Check if the car is in park mode.
   Cars with automatic gears are programmed in a way that the ignition won’t turn if the car is not in park or neutral. If that is the issue, put the car in park or neutral then turn the key.
3. Check the key for damages.
   The key won’t turn if the key has been damaged either by excessive wear, broken teeth, deformation or rust. If it is damaged, the key won’t turn because its configuration now differs from that of the ignition cylinder. The best thing is to replace the key.
4. Check if the key has something stuck on it.
   If you find anything, remove the debris, clean the ignition and try again.

If these do not rectify the issue, you can wiggle the key back and forth as you turn the key. Getting the key to turn this way can mean that it has worn teeth. Otherwise, get professional help.

My Key Won’t Go In the Ignition

There are two major reasons why your keys won’t enter the ignition, including:

Dirt is the major reason for the key not getting into the ignition. If this is the issue, clean the dirt off the key and insert it into the ignition.

You can clean the ignition with an electric or air cleaner. Consider changing the ignition cylinder to avoid such problems in the future.

Damaged keys will have a hard time going into the ignition. You can straighten a bent key, but you will likely need to replace a worn key.

What To Do If Keys Are Locked Inside a Honda Accord?

In the unfortunate event that you locked your keys in your Honda Accord, here are things you can do to regain access:

1. If there is a person in the car, ask them to press the Unlock button on the door handle.

2. Use your keyless entry remote to unlock the door, if you have it with you. Most times, people have a spare remote somewhere.

3. Use an inflatable car door wedge and a wire hanger to open the door. To do this, insert the wedge into the space between the car frame and the door.

Agitate the hand pump to create a small opening. Now, insert your straightened wire hanger and use it to pull the lock switch or the door handle.

4. If all the above fails, dial the emergency number of the nearest locksmith. Locksmiths have the specialist tools to unlock any door, including automotive locks.

They also typically offer emergency services, in case you find yourself locked out of your vehicle when you want to leave the office after working late into the night.

Honda Accord Key Immobilizer Explained

The Honda Accord immobilizer is a security system that protects your vehicle from theft.

If an improperly coded key or an unrecognized device is used to start the vehicle, the immobilizer will disengage fuel system. That way, an intruder won’t be able to take off with your car.

What Does the Key Light on My Dashboard Mean?

If you see the key light on your dashboard, it means that the system does not recognize your key’s coding. There are two reasons why this can happen:

1. When another key is close to the ignition switch when you insert the key.
2. Another metal object such as a key chain is close to the ignition switch when you insert the key.

If this persists, it means your car does not recognize the key code and you may need to contact your dealer to rectify the problem.

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