Is your 2009 Acura TL key fob giving you trouble? A stuck key fob can be frustrating, whether it’s buttons that won’t press, a key blade that’s jammed, or just general unresponsiveness. While professional help is always an option, many Acura owners are turning to DIY solutions to save time and money. If you’re experiencing issues with your 2009 Acura TL key fob, you might be surprised to learn about a unique upgrade path using parts from another Honda vehicle.
This guide will walk you through a fascinating modification: adapting a key fob from a 2009 Acura TL for use with other Honda models, like the Fit. While this might seem unrelated to a “stuck” key fob initially, understanding the inner workings and components of your key fob opens doors to both repair and customization. If your original key fob is indeed stuck or failing, this DIY approach could be a viable solution, especially if you’re comfortable with a bit of hands-on work.
Disclaimer: Modifying your car’s key fob involves risk. This guide is for informational purposes only. Neither keyfobprog.com nor the author are responsible for any damage resulting from following these instructions. Proceed at your own risk.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
Before we dive in, gather these tools and parts:
- Phillips screwdrivers (various sizes, including small)
- Drill (optional, for immobilizer chip removal)
- Acura TL key/transmitter assembly (Part number: 35111-SEP-306 for Memory 1 fob)
- Optional: RDX faceplate (Part number: 35118-STK-A01) to remove the trunk button
Let’s get started by disassembling your current Honda key.
Disassembling Your Honda Key Fob
First, you’ll need to open up your existing Honda key fob. Locate the small Phillips head screw on the back of your key.
Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove this screw and carefully detach the back cover. Inside, you’ll see the key’s internal components.
The crucial part we need is the immobilizer chip. This is usually a small, often white or transparent component, sometimes covered by a thin plastic piece. In the Honda Fit key shown, it’s indicated by the red arrow.
Carefully remove any plastic covering and gently pry out the immobilizer chip. It might be held in place with a bit of adhesive, so be patient and avoid damaging the chip, as it’s encased in a fragile glass shell.
Set the immobilizer chip aside in a safe place. We’ll need to insert this into the Acura TL key fob later.
Preparing the Acura TL Key Fob
Now, let’s work on the Acura TL key fob. Locate the screw at the bottom of the TL key fob.
Remove this screw using your Phillips screwdriver. This will allow you to separate the remote transmitter portion from the key blade section.
Next, carefully pry off the top of the front cover of the TL fob. It’s held by clips and some adhesive tape.
You’ll see three screws inside. Before removing them, take note of the position of the spring. This is important for reassembly.
Remove the three screws. They might be tight due to threadlocker, so apply firm but careful pressure to avoid stripping them. Once removed, you can take out the metal piece holding the key blade and the spring.
Flip the Acura TL key blade over. You’ll find a small plastic flap where the TL’s immobilizer chip is located.
Open this flap and remove the Acura TL immobilizer chip. It might be glued in place. The original guide suggests drilling a small hole from underneath to push the chip out.
Now, take the immobilizer chip you removed from your original Honda key and try to place it into the slot in the Acura TL key. You might notice that the slot is not quite large enough.
Using a drill or a small file, carefully enlarge the end of the slot. You only need to make it large enough for your Honda immobilizer chip to fit snugly without sticking out. Once it fits, use a bit of super glue or similar adhesive to secure the immobilizer chip in the hole, preventing it from rattling around.
Reassembling and Programming the Acura TL Key Fob
Now, carefully reassemble the Acura TL key fob, ensuring the spring is in the correct position. Once reassembled, you’ll need to program the remote functions.
Important! Disable Memory Feature First: Before programming, disable the memory feature on the Acura TL fob by holding down the lock and unlock buttons simultaneously until the LED on the fob blinks twice.
Programming Remote Transmitter (Key Fob):
Follow these steps precisely, maintaining the time intervals:
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Within 1-4 seconds, press the lock button on the transmitter.
- Within 1-4 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
- Within 1-4 seconds, turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Within 1-4 seconds, press the lock button on the transmitter.
- Within 1-4 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
- Within 1-4 seconds, turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Within 1-4 seconds, press the lock button on the transmitter.
- Within 1-4 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
- Within 1-4 seconds, turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Within 1-4 seconds, press the lock button on the transmitter.
- Listen for the door locks to actuate (sound of locking/unlocking) within 1-4 seconds. Press the lock button again to confirm programming.
- Within 10 seconds, program any other key fobs you have by pressing the lock button on each. Listen for door lock actuation after each.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the key.
- Test all programmed transmitters for proper operation.
Key Blade Cutting:
Finally, you’ll need to get the Acura TL key blade cut to match your Honda’s ignition. Take the new key fob and the barcode tag that came with your original Honda keys to a local Honda or Acura dealership. They can cut the key blade to match your car.
Optional RDX Faceplate for a Cleaner Look
If you prefer a cleaner look and want to remove the trunk button on the Acura TL key fob (which might not function on your Honda Fit), you can use an optional RDX faceplate.
The Acura TL transmitter is held together by four tabs.
Carefully disassemble the transmitter and cut off the trunk button.
Reassemble the transmitter and replace the Acura TL faceplate with the RDX faceplate for a trunk-button-free key fob.
Cost Considerations
Keep in mind the potential costs:
- Acura TL Fob: ~$43
- Key Cutting: ~$45
Total cost can be around $100 or slightly more with taxes. Prices may vary.
By following these steps, you can potentially resolve a “stuck” or malfunctioning key fob situation by upgrading to a more stylish Acura TL key fob for your Honda. This DIY modification is a great example of how understanding key fob technology can lead to both practical solutions and exciting customizations. Visit keyfobprog.com for more key fob solutions and guides!
