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How to program Acura keys – All the information you need to know. How to program a new Acura key without the original, how to make a duplicate, which keys you can program yourself, costs, tips and more.
Most Acura models made after 1998 require some type of programming or coding to start the car. That includes transponder keys and remote key fobs.
Non transponder keys, i.e. regular metal keys, don’t require any programming and only need to be cut to start the car.
Here we will go over the different types of keys and show you a simple way to save a lot of money in case you lost your key or just need a duplicate made.
That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position”.
For key fobs, that means cutting the emergency key to match your door cylinders so you can unlock the doors and trunk with it in case the key fob’s battery dies. You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you.
Keep in mind that you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.
Most Acura models made after 1998 or so are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.
Therefore, the key or remote will have to be programmed to start the car. By saying “programmed” it means the car’s computer must be able to recognize the key as an “authorized key”.
Authorized keys may be added by programming those keys with a special programming machine that the dealer or most automotive locksmiths have.
Either a locksmith or a dealer can program the key for you. A locksmith can provide on-site service.
In case you choose the dealer, the car will have to be towed there if all keys are lost.
The programming procedure can be relatively expansive, especially if you lost all your keys and can’t start the car.
However, we have gathered here for you a few important tips on how to save a lot of money in case you need a new key. Keep reading for more information.
All Acura transponder keys and remote can only be programmed with special programming machine. Therefore, only a dealer or locksmith can program the keys for you.
However, there is a way to make the process much cheaper and affordable. Below, we will give you instructions on what is the best way to do that. It shouldn’t take a lot of your time and can save you a lot of money.
3. Make sure you make a duplicate key – regardless if you are coding a key fob or transponder key, it would be more cost-effective to make an extra copy once you get your key coded as the locksmith or dealer are already doing the procedure with the car. The price for the second key should be 50% off the original.
4. In case you only need a duplicate, you can have the option to add a key instead of erasing the current keys and then coding new keys. Ask the dealer or locksmith to add a key if you prefer that option.
As explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and program it.
When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key and programming.
Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.
True, it may take a longer time to get a key online but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.
Acura transponder and remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push to start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.
Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these types of keys or remotes and an additional equipment or programming machine is necessary to complete this process.
An automotive locksmith or the dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer and only then a duplicate or a new key can be made.
As stated above, getting your Acura key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith cutting and coding the key for you can save you a lot of money. Click here to order your key online.
Programming a new Acura key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Acura.
Cutting the key: Usually around $90
Programming the key: Usually around $70
In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $80-$120 (estimate)
Total estimated cost: $240
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Acura car, your location (as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $60
Programming the key: Usually around $65
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50-$100.
Total estimated cost: $170 (Not including additional factors such as after hours, long travel distance etc)
In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your Acura key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend to make an extra key while replacing your key as it much cheaper than making a new one once you lost all your keys.
The price of making a duplicate Acura key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Acura.
Cutting the key: Usually around $20
Programming the key: Usually around $70
Total estimated cost: $90
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Acura car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $10
Programming the key: Usually around $65
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend.
Total estimated cost: $75
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