The vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer system that will disable the vehicle unless the proper ignition key is used.
This system consists of a transponder located in the ignition key, a receiver, a control unit, an indicator light, and the PCM.

The vehicle has two kinds of keys.

• The master key is for:

ignition switch.
door locks.

trunk lock.

• The valet key is for:

ignition switch.

door locks.

• The learning key is for rewriting the immobilizer sys-

tem.

NOTE: This key cannot start the engine; do not use it
except for rewriting the system. If someone tries to
start the engine with the learning key, all master and
valet keys must be relearned.

When the key is inserted in the ignition and turned to the (II) position, the immobilizer control unit sends power to the
transponder through the receiver.
The transponder then sends a coded signal back through the receiver to the control unit.
The control unit in turn signals the PCM, as well as the starter cut relay.

IMMOBILIZER RECEIVER

IGNITION KEY
(Has built-in transponder)

• FUEL SUPPLY

SYSTEM

• STARTING

SYSTEM

PCM

BLACK

GRAY

RED

(cont'd)

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Immobilizer System

Description (cont'd)

• If the proper key has been used, the starter cut relay will be energized, and the PCM will energize the fuel supply

system. The immobilizer indicator light in the gauge assembly will simultaneously come on for about 2 seconds, then
go off, thereby signaling that the immobilizer unit has recognized the code sent by the transponder.

• If a key has been used whose code was not received or recognized by the unit, or which was not approved by Acura,

the indicator light will come on for about 2 seconds, then it will blink continuously.

• If the ignition switch is turned OFF, the indicator will blink for about 5 seconds to signal that the unit has been set cor-

rectly, then the indicator will go off.

IMMOBILIZER INDICATOR LIGHT BLINKING PATTERN:

WRONG KEY

INSERTED

PROPER KEY
INSERTED

IGNITION SWITCH

INDICATOR
LIGHT

OFF

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Problems and Replacement Parts

Problem

Master or valet key has been lost or additional master or valet key is required.

All master and valet keys have been lost.

Learning key has been lost.
Immobilizer receiver does network.
Immobilizer control unit does not work.
PCM does not work.
Ignition switch does not work.
Door key cylinder has been broken.

Parts set

PGM-Tester

required?

YES
YES
YES

NO (YES

)

A x 2, and B

B
C
B
E
D

F (G)

Parts Set:

A: Valet key

B: Immobilizer control unit

Master key
Learning key

C: Immobilizer receiver

D: Ignition switch with immobilizer receiver

Immobilizer control unit
Master key
Learning key

E: PCM

F: Door key cylinder

Master keys for doors open or locked

G: Ignition switch with immobilizer receiver

Immobilizer control unit
Master key
Learning key
Door key cylinders

Trunk key cylinder

NOTE:
• The immobilizer system can store up to five key codes.
• If it is necessary to rewrite the immobilizer control unit to learn a new key, the dealer needs the customer's vehicle, all

its master keys and valet keys, its learning key, and the Honda PGM Tester equipped with an immobilizer program

card. Any key that is not learned during rewriting will no longer start the engine.

• If the customer has lost his key, and cannot start the engine, contact Acura Customer Relations or Roadside Assistance.

Before Testing:

• Due to the action of the immobilizer system, the engine takes slightly more time to start than engines of vehicle

without an immobilizer system.

• When the system is normal, and the proper key is inserted, the indicator light comes on for 2 seconds, then it will go

off.

• If the indicator starts to blink after 2 seconds, or if the engine does not start, repeat the starting procedure.

If the engine still does not start, perform the immobilizer control unit input test and transponder and immobilizer
receiver test.

• If all the input tests and transponder and immobilizer receiver test prove OK, check the PCM (see

section 11

If the PCM is OK, the immobilizer control unit must be faulty; replace the immobilizer control unit, master key and
learning key together, and then rewrite the PCM with the Honda PGM Tester.
If the PCM is faulty, substitute a known-good PCM, and recheck. However, since the known-good PCM has a
different code stored into it, it must be rewritten with the Honda PGM Tester. Otherwise, the engine will not start.

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