When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 2008 Accord that our son is driving. He recently lost the key/fob. We have a spare key however, the remote/fob portion of the key has been lost. So we basically have a key and key fob shell. (see attached pic) Adding to that, the key core in the door is broken.....it just turns. We were able to have a friendly neighborhood policeman jimmy the door open. When my son tried to start the car with the fob-less key, it started but then quickly turned off. I'm guessing this is because the care recognizes the fob/remote is not present. So my question is, if I purchase an aftermarket key fob (like a universal remote from the hardware store, etc), will that work? Or should I buy an identical key fob remote off amazon and try to use that instead? And as far as programming the new fob/remote, is it possible to do on my own? I saw the video on turning the key and pushing lock on the remote 4x. Just curious if that actually works? Hope that is not too confusing, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
On older accords, you could program the fob portion of the key manually, but the immobilizer/security system was a separate system. The 2008 has them pogrammed together and requires a scanner.
You have a couple of routes to take to replace the key, so either the dealership or locksmith that does car keys. Some shops may be able to do the programming part, but they may not be able to cut the key.
I'd call a Honda dealership and some locksmiths to get a quote on cutting & programming new key(s). The Honda dealerships can cut keys based on the VIN, so you'd get an exact copy. I had a locsmith cut and program a key years ago for about $100 and the key works fine to this day. The key I used was an ebay key and the locksmith was able to get it to work properly.
1. If you have the original spare key, the car should start and run with the original spare key. The spare key has a transponder chip embedded in it.
2. For the cut key without the fob innards, you can separately purchase the transmitter and get the dealer or a locksmith to program it for the immobilizer system. There are also third party programmer devices out there for purchase.
2008 key fob issue
