Good day all,

I have recently aquired a 96 Accord LX 2.2L Automatic. It came with only one key, that isn't the original. The owner told me that it was hard to open the doors and crank the car before I bought it. Unfortunately it has gotten much worse. We leave the car unlocked now so we can get in it. When the key is in ignition it sometimes takes up to ten minutes to finally turn the key and start the car. Now have a new copied key and it makes no difference which key is used. Is it simply bad keys? Is the ignition switch bad and the door locks? Please any help would be greatly appreciated!

VR,

Sandy

 

Right now, it sounds like a bad key since both the door lock and ignition has problems which utilize a key.

 

Thanks for answering. Yes, that was my thought as well. Do I have to get a Honda dealer to make a new key? Clearly the previous owner had lost the original, so my copy of their copy didn't help.

 

Since the door lock and ignition still utilized the same key, it doesn't sound like the key cylinder was changed previously. So, yes, the dealer may be able to make the key with the car's VIN and information in their database.

 

Is that the only way I can solve this problem? I hate to think what a dealer might charge me for this, especially since it is 16 years old.

 

A locksmith probably can do something too. Years before, when I had a 1995 Accord, they (the dealer) only charged me like $10 for an extra key. These older Accords didn't have the Immobilizer system like later generations; so, it was just a simple key blank and cutting. -- You can always call them first to check the costs and whether it is easy for them to do it.

 

Most excellent, thank you for the help!

 

No problem. Also, you only need to deal with the parts department at the dealership for the key and not the service department (as there is no programming necessary like later generation Hondas).

 

What about corrosion binding up the lock cylinder? Try lubricating it?