As a content creator for keyfobprog.com and an automotive repair specialist, I understand the frustration of key fob issues. Programming your 2004 Acura Mdx Key Fob yourself can save you time and money. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process, especially helpful if you’re dealing with mixed touring and non-touring key fobs, a situation where standard instructions often fall short.
Understanding Your 2004 Acura MDX Key Fob: Touring vs. Non-Touring
It’s crucial to identify whether you have a touring or non-touring key fob for your 2004 Acura MDX, particularly if you own a Touring model. The difference isn’t just cosmetic; it affects functionality, especially regarding driver seat memory.
- Touring Key Fobs: These are identifiable by a number “1” or “2” on the back, near the keyring hole. This number corresponds to driver memory settings for the seats in Touring models.
- Non-Touring Key Fobs: These lack the number and often have “OMRON Corporation Japan” in the same location on the back. While they will operate basic functions like locking and unlocking on a Touring MDX, they cannot link to the seat memory positions.
Key Takeaway: If you drive a 2004 Acura MDX Touring, always ensure replacement fobs are the touring type to retain seat memory functionality. Purchasing a non-touring fob for a Touring model will mean losing this convenient feature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your 2004 Acura MDX Key Fob
Many online guides offer instructions for programming Acura key fobs, but these often assume you are programming multiple fobs of the same type simultaneously. In my experience, particularly when programming a mix of touring and non-touring fobs, or even just programming a single fob, these standard methods can be unreliable. The following method worked effectively for programming both a touring and a non-touring key fob for my 2004 Acura MDX Touring, and may be more successful for you.
Important Notes Before You Begin:
- Key Position: In the steps below, “On” refers to the ignition key position II (where the dashboard lights are on), and “Off” refers to position I (accessory position). Positions “0” (key out) or “III” (start) will not work.
- Single Fob Programming: Contrary to some instructions, you may be able to program each fob separately. This method details programming one fob at a time, which proved successful in my case.
- New Fob First: If you are programming a newly purchased, unprogrammed fob along with an existing fob, program the new fob first. After programming the new fob, test your original fob to see if it still works. You might be pleasantly surprised and not need to reprogram the original.
Programming Procedure:
- Insert Key: Place the key into the ignition.
- Turn Key to “On”: Turn the ignition key to the “On” position (position II).
- Press “Lock” on Fob 1: Press the “Lock” button on the first key fob you are programming (Fob 1).
- Turn Key “Off” then “On”: Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position (position I) and then immediately back to the “On” position (position II).
- Press “Lock” on Fob 1 (again): Press the “Lock” button on Fob 1 again.
- Turn Key “Off” then “On” (again): Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position (position I) and then immediately back to the “On” position (position II).
- Press “Lock” on Fob 1 (third time): Press the “Lock” button on Fob 1 for a third time.
- Turn Key “Off” then “On” (fourth time): Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position (position I) and then immediately back to the “On” position (position II).
- Press “Lock” on Fob 1 (fourth time): Press the “Lock” button on Fob 1 for a fourth time. At this point, the car locks should cycle (lock and unlock) to indicate successful programming.
- Turn Key “Off” and Remove: Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position (position I) and remove the key from the ignition.
- Test Fob 1: Test the newly programmed Fob 1 to ensure it is working correctly by locking and unlocking your Acura MDX.
Repeat for Fob 2: To program a second key fob (Fob 2), repeat the entire process above using the second fob. This method allows for individual fob programming, which was key to my success.
Linking Touring Fob to Seat Memory:
For Touring model key fobs, you need to link the fob to the seat memory position after programming the basic remote functions.
- Hold “Lock” and “Unlock”: Press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the touring key fob for approximately 2 seconds.
- Check Indicator: The key fob indicator light will flash once to confirm it is linked to a seat memory position, or twice if it is unlinked.
Additional Tips and Information for Your 2004 Acura MDX Key Fob
- Battery Type: The 2004 Acura MDX key fob uses a CR2025 battery. Keep a spare on hand for quick replacements.
- Official Acura Instructions: Acura provides official key fob programming instructions, which you may find in your owner’s manual or online. However, as noted, these instructions might not be effective in all situations, especially when mixing fob types.
- Experimentation: If these instructions do not work initially, try experimenting. You could try using the “Unlock” button instead of “Lock” during the programming sequence, or consult the official Acura instructions for alternative methods.
Programming your 2004 Acura MDX key fob doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the nuances of touring and non-touring fobs and following these detailed steps, you can likely program your key fobs yourself and regain full remote functionality. Good luck, and happy driving!
