The key to our 2003 honda accord snapped off at the plastic piece. It's been getting worse over time and finally broke off. Honda says $176 to fit ix. I think that's absurd. Is there a way I can fix this myself? Where can I get a spare housing for the key and electronics?

 

You might want to try JB weld and glue it back together, make sure there is very little and doesnt make a mess out of it seeping through or super glue it. If you think its sturdy enough, take it to have a key made immediately, if it works by not breaking the key in the keying machine, try the new key to see if it works, If it does, make 3 copies of it. Unless you have the 176.00 to fork over. my 2 cents

 

You can always call a locksmith and have them to make you a key on the spot. thats 80.00 maybe.

 

Is there some kind of security feature built into the key. If I plug just the metal piece in, will it disable my car and screw me hardcore? I popped it open and see that the keyless entry is an enclosed module. There is something in the key housing that is rectangular that looks suspicious. What is that thing?

 

Looks like people on ebay are selling the shells with the blank key for $20. I'm surehonda techsaregrabbing them from stealerships and pawning on ebay. Serves them rightcharging $176 for some poorly engineered plastic key housing, and then telling a fib totrick people into coming in for the reprogramming.

It turns out the key has a transponder in it which doesn't hold a charge, so there is no programming. I just have to simply transfer the transponder which is clipped in the housing. I suppose if I want to change the battery in the keyless entry, I'd have to reset that, but they should be able to provide me the code just like the radio.

I guess since honda's are so reliable and keep well, the stealershipsneed to come up with a way to get you into their shop so they can take your money.

 

Not sure if it's the same as mine, but it sounds the same. I fixed it with a keykast. keykast.com

 

The key shell and blade can be replaced without RE-programming that year model of Accord key by moving the transponder chip from inside the key shell to the new key shell. The remote keyless entry module will not need to be reprogrammed. the key will have to be cut to fit your key code.

At our store its about 36.00 for a new honda keyblank shell.

hope that helps