How to: Modify a Ridgeline/Accord Remote+Key combo for use with the EP3
How to: Modify Rigeline/Accord key for the EP3
So, imagine you're like me and are tired of carrying around a seperate key and remote.
What you'll need.
- A Ridgline/Accord key. FCCID is OUCG8D-380H-A, Honda part number is 35111-SHJ-305.
- One of your stock Civic Si keys/A replacement key that contains a transponder that can be
programmed to work with the EP3's engine immobilizer.
- Dremel rotary tool.
- Poster tack, RTV/Silicone sealant, superglue etc (to glue transponder into the new key)
So, here's a rough outline of what you need to do before you start cutting keys apart.
1. Have the Ridgeline key cut. Since you will be disposing of the chip, you do not need to have it programmed. At this point, the key will open your doors but will not start the engine.
2. This is optional only if you are using your current key, but if you bought a new key to cut apart because you don't want to destroy your current key this step is required. Have your extra Civic key cut AND programmed. Having it cut is optional, but once you take the chip out, it will still open your doors. Put it in your wallet and you'll never get locked out of your car again!
3. Cut apart the Civic key around the edges with your Dremel tool. Use a cutting wheel, and it'll come apart like butter and melt right through the plastic. ONLY CUT AROUND THE EDGES, the metal key will protect the chip and its bushing, but if you cut accross the face of the key it might damage the chip. That's an expensive mistake.
http://i.imgur.com/YPUj9l.jpg
This is what it will look like when you're done cutting it apart:
http://i.imgur.com/7YEFZl.jpg
4. Remove the key blade from the plastic cover like so:
http://i.imgur.com/ls94kl.jpg
5. Remove the vaguely triangular transponder chip bushing from the key blade "bow" handle thing by pressing down on the narrow part of the bushing.
http://i.imgur.com/PqgU3l.jpg
6. The transponder is the little cylinder in the middle of the rubber bushing:
http://i.imgur.com/48Qywl.jpg
Press the chip out of the bushing with a toothpick, jeweler's screwdriver, etc.
http://i.imgur.com/Gj8nZl.jpg
You'll notice that the chip has one end that is transparent and has a small copper coil inside. That's the antenna end, and it will be important in a future step.
7. Finally we get to the actual Ridgeline key. There is a small phillips head screw on the back at the base of the key blade. Remove it with a jeweler's screwdriver.
http://i.imgur.com/RBbKDl.jpg
8. Remove the backplate by angling it up and pulling the cover down towards the direction that the keyblade points. After it is removed, the key will look like this:
http://i.imgur.com/L8bjFl.jpg
The small compartment that I'm pointing at contains the Ridgeline transponder, that since I've already done this once, isn't shown. Since it's absolutely useless, remove it and throw it away.
9. Place the transponder that we liberated from the civic key in steps 5 and 6 into the compartment with the antenna end (transparent dome with copper coil showing) pointing towards the base of the key blade. If you get it backwards, the engine immobilizer might not be able to recognize the chip in the key, and you'll have to tear it apart again and turn the transponder around.
http://i.imgur.com/su8Dbl.jpg
Now that the transponder is in the compartment, you're going to want to find a way to secure it so that it doesn't rattle around. Some other guides suggest RTV or sillicone seal, but I'm cheap, so I used a small blob of poster tack (not shown) pressed into the compartment over the transponder chip. This also has the benefit of making it easier to move the transponder into a different key if you ever break the casing on your Ridgeline key.
10. Replace the back plate by snapping it on and replacing the small phillips head screw, and admire your handywork. Optionally, purchase a FD2 type R backplate, or buy a red honda key emblem from DecalDude like I did. Damn, doesn't that look good. Also, put the now chipless key in your wallet, since it will still open your door. If you lock your keys inside, you won't have to call AAA and stand around in the cold.
http://i.imgur.com/wEz2Pl.jpg
Now, to program the remote part of the Ridgeline key:
To program the remotes:
Except where noted, time between steps should not exceed 4 seconds. You may push either the lock or unlock button. Use the same remote for steps 1-13.
Step 1: Turn ignition switch to ON (II)
Step 2: Push remote lock button
Step 3: Turn ignition switch off
Step 4: Turn ignition switch to ON (II)
Step 5: Push remote lock button
Step 6: Turn ignition switch off
Step 7: Turn ignition switch to ON (II)
Step 8: Push remote lock button
Step 9: Turn ignition switch off
Step 10: Turn ignition switch to ON (II)
Step 11: Push remote lock button
Step 12: Confirm that you hear the door locks move
Step 13: Within 8 seconds, press the 1st remote lock button
Step 14: Confirm that you hear the door locks move
Step 15: Within 8 seconds, press the 2nd remote lock button
Step 16: Confirm that you hear the door locks move
Step 17: Within 8 seconds, press the 3rd remote lock button
Step 18: Confirm that you hear the door locks move
Step 19: Turn ignition OFF, and remove key.
Step 20: Confirm that your keyless remotes now work.
Note: To program only one remote, skip steps 15-18. To program only two remotes, skip steps 17 and 18.
