Honda Insight & Keys: 12 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

The Honda Insight is a fuel-efficient hybrid with a stylish construction.

It comes with a posh interior and state-of-the-art gadgetry, including an intelligent key fob.

Read on for more about the Honda Insight’s keys.

Honda Insight Key Fob Buttons, Functions and Tricks

The remote start button so far remains the most impressive feature the Honda Insight key fob has offered.

To start your Honda Insight with the key fob, press the lock button twice. Then press and hold the ‘remote start’ button for 3 to 5 seconds.

Your car lights should flash briefly while the car engine comes on.

The Honda Insight key fob is enabled to unlock and lock the doors and the trunk.

It also gives the owner the ability to roll down all windows even while outside the car.

How Much Does a New Key Cost?

Getting a new Honda Insight key costs anywhere from $140 to $320. Why does it cost that much you might ask?

With microchips embedded in keys these days, buying a new key is not your only concern. A little programming is also required.

The cost also depends on the particular car you drive and your key specifications.

The good news is that a technician can easily program the key to your car. All he or she needs is the relevant information.

Which Batteries Do Honda Insight Keys Use?

Honda Insight key fobs use the CR2025 or CR2032 3 Volt Lithium Coin Cell Battery.

The batteries are flat and rounded and can be gotten in almost any car equipment store in your area or online.

You would want to take your time to look for an original one as there are many fakes out there.

Contact a technician if you must. You don’t want to go looking for a new battery after 3 weeks.

Check here for the best deals on Honda Insight key batteries on Amazon.

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

Of course you can. Although nothing is better handled than a professional, you can replace your battery yourself if you’re on a budget. Just follow these easy steps.

• Make sure you have a precision screwdriver to open the fob.
• You have to be extra careful because the Honda Insight uses a smart key fob. It is more delicate when compared to the key fob of other models.
• You would need to unscrew the key fob first if it’s an older model.
• A newer model may require that you simply press the release button to get the fob open.
• Avoid skin contact with the inside of the key fob at all cost.
• Remove the old battery and insert the new one, keeping note of the positive and negative terminals.
• Touch nothing else and leave everything in place.
• Then firmly place the separate parts together and apply pressure to close the fob.

What to Do When Key Is Stuck in the Ignition?

Your first action should be to rotate your car steering clockwise and counterclockwise while doing the same with your key.

The goal in this case is to release your car’s steering wheel from its locked position.

This is because your car steering can easily get locked, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

The mechanism is designed that way as an anti-theft feature.

Keep rotating until the steering wheel is released, then you’d be able to carry on with your normal activities.

If the stuck key is bent or broken inside the ignition that means it’s interlocked with the pistons in the ignition cylinder. A change of your ignition cylinder is your best option here. 

Popular Key Fob Covers

Key fobs covers help to protect and enhance the aesthetics of your vehicle’s smart keys.

There are different types of keys on Amazon, including the plastic, silicone, and leather designs.

Each of these key fob covers has distinct qualities, but the leather types tend to last longest.

Before choosing a key fob cover, make sure it fits your device.

Check here for prices of key fob covers on Amazon.

How to Find the Key Code for your Lost Key

Your key code is located on the lock cylinder in your car. It is the four-digit number written in very tiny fonts.

Sometimes, a car lock might be worn out. As a result, the key code might not be visible anymore.

If you can’t find it there, search your car’s user manual or documents for it.

If you’re still unable to get your key code, go to your closest car dealer.

You would need to provide your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It’s advisable to go with additional ownership documents just in case they would be required.

After a quick search of the Honda Insight’s database, your key code would be retrieved for you.

What to Do if the Key Won’t Turn?

Here are reasons why your key may not turn in the ignition:

Check for Dead or Weak Battery

You should usually inspect your car for oil levels, hydration levels and of course battery health.

This is because a dying or dead battery can prevent your key from turning in the ignition.

If a dead battery is the problem, quickly get it recharged or replaced. Once that is out of the way, your key should be able to start your car smoothly.

Check for Blocked Ignition Cylinder

If the origin of the problem is not your car battery, it could be from your ignition cylinder.

That would require more complex methods. A professional would have to diagnose the problem.

The cylinder would either be fixed or replaced.

But do not tamper with the cylinder or try to adjust it by yourself for whatever reason. That is likely to cause more damage.

See if You Have Bent or Damaged Key

A bent or damaged car key will also likely have a hard time turning in the ignition. So check that you don’t have a crooked key.

Unlock the Steering

If your steering wheel is locked, the key won’t turn. Try wiggling the steering from side to side as you turn the key in the ignition to solve this problem.

Put Car in Park or Neutral

Also, your key may not turn if your car has an automatic transmission, and the vehicle is not in park or neutral.

Please also read our article about the Honda Insight’s lighting system. 

My Key Won’t Go in the Ignition

One reason why your key won’t go into the ignition is that it might be disfigured.

A disfigured key is as dangerous to your car as much as a bad ignition cylinder.

Some people may try straightening their key, the same way you would normally straighten a nail with a hammer.

If your key is bent or damaged, then it is time to get a replacement. Unless a professional claims they can fix it or provide a less expensive alternative.

If you find out you’re using the wrong key, stop immediately. Although it is unlikely that this will occur, the possibility of it happening cannot be ruled out.

Also check your key and the opening of the ignition for residue from dust or any type of particle.

It is also possible that a broken piece of your key may be stuck inside.

Particles would only require cleaning and maybe lubrication in form of spray, whereas a broken object stuck in your ignition requires a professional.

What to Do If Keys Are Locked Inside a Honda Insight?

Call a locksmith and get a new key programmed.

After making sure that you have no spare keys outside the car, call a professional.

However, if you’re among the tech savvy percentage of the population, you might have the ‘Hondalink’ App on your smartphone. This can be used to unlock your car smoothly.

Still, if you forgot your phone and your keys, then it limits your options. That takes you back to the first option. Call a locksmith and hold on to your keys next time.

Also read our article about how long Honda Insights last.

Honda Insight Key Immobilizer Explained

The immobilizer secures your car against theft. As the name implies, it immobilizes (restricts movement) of your car.

If someone else uses a key that isn’t correctly programmed to suit your car, your car engine simply remains idle.

Every time you start your car with your car keys, your immobilizer momentarily comes on before going out.

The process is completely normal unless the indicator blinks, then you have a problem.

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

What Does the Key Light on My Dashboard Mean?

The blinking key light on your dashboard is your immobilizer indicator.

It means that your immobilizer cannot read the code that has been programmed into your key.

If that happens to you, try moving your ignition to the lock position, remove your key and try again.

If that doesn’t work, there may be a problem with your key’s programming. Having your key reprogrammed should be your next option.

If you misplaced your key and you’re trying out a friend’s key, your immobilizer indicator should be alarming enough to make you stop.

Also, remember to check for any object around your ignition that might be blocking your chip’s signal.

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