hey guys - lately i've been having trouble getting my key to turn in my 99 accord lx.

it's not a steering-lock issue and it's happening with both keys. eventually when i fiddle with it long enough it will turn (and once it does the engine turns over no problem) but it's getting worse.

is this a cylinder housing issue? if so, i've changed one out on a corolla before w/out too much trouble. anything i need to know about the accords?

 

If this is a mechanical problem with the key cylinder, then replacing the whole assembly with new keys would require the computer to be programmed by a dealership so the keys will work.

If it were my car, I would call a locksmith and explain the situation. Ask what replacing the tumblers would cost, so you can use the same keys.

 

this might be a stupid question, but is there a computer key interface on a 6th gen accord? there's definitely no chip in the key or anything like that.

 

There is a RFID transponder inside the key for 6th generation Accords. The Immobilizer receiver is attached to the outer part of the ignition key cylinder.

Many locksmiths have hardware and software to program 6th generation Accord Immobilizer systems (1998-2002); but, not later Immobilizer systems on 7th, 8th, and 9th generation Accords (e.g., 2003-2014).

http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/accord/x97-058e.pdf

 

wow - good to know. thanks to you both for pointing this out! i would have been up a creek if i had plunged ahead.