Is your 1998 Honda Accord Key Fob not working? Before you rush to replace it, you might be able to reprogram it yourself! This guide will walk you through the process of reprogramming your 1998 Honda Accord key fob, potentially saving you time and money. Follow these simple steps to get your keyless entry working again.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Before you begin, make sure you have all the key fobs for your vehicle on hand, as you’ll need to program them all in the same session. Ensure all doors and the trunk are securely closed. You’ll only need one remote to initiate programming mode, but all remotes must be programmed during this single session. Remember, each step must be completed within 5 seconds of the previous one.
- Get Inside: Sit in the driver’s seat of your 1998 Honda Accord and close all doors and the trunk tightly.
- Ignition ON & Lock Button Press: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (position “II” on the ignition bezel) so that the dashboard lights illuminate. Within 5 seconds of turning the key to “ON”, press the “Lock” button on your remote for approximately one second, and then release it.
- Ignition OFF: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position (position “I” on the ignition bezel). The dashboard lights should turn off.
- Repeat Steps 2 & 3: Repeat steps 2 and 3 three more times, for a total of four times. Each step must be completed within 5 seconds of the last.
- Enter Programming Mode: On the fourth turn of the key to the “ON” position, press the “Lock” button on one of your remotes. If you’ve successfully entered programming mode, you will hear the door locks cycle (a “clunk” sound). Note that the locks may not actually lock or unlock at this point, but you should hear the cycling noise. Do not turn the key off after this step.
- Program Each Remote: Within 5 seconds of entering programming mode, and within 5 seconds of programming each subsequent remote, press the “Lock” button on each remote you wish to program. Press the button for about a second and release. Each time you press a remote button, you should hear the door locks cycle again. You can program up to three remotes in this session. This entire step needs to be completed within 10 seconds.
- Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key completely to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition. Exit your Honda Accord and close the door.
Testing Your Key Fobs
Now, test each of your programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly. Try the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons. If your key fob has a trunk/hatch release button, remember that you may need to press and hold this button for a few seconds for the trunk or hatch to open.
Troubleshooting and Further Assistance
If your key fobs still do not work after following these steps, consider these possibilities:
- Battery Issues: The batteries in your key fob might be dead or weak. Try replacing the batteries in your key fob and repeat the programming procedure.
- Remote Malfunction: If reprogramming and battery replacement don’t work, the key fob itself might be faulty.
- Seek Professional Help: If you continue to experience issues, it may be necessary to consult a professional automotive locksmith or your local Honda dealer for further diagnosis and assistance.
You can also explore online marketplaces like eBay for replacement remotes for your 1998 Honda Accord. When purchasing a replacement, ensure it is specified for a 1998 Honda Accord and check if there are differences between trim levels (like EX, DX, etc.) as mentioned for compatibility. Purchasing a used genuine Honda key fob online can be a more cost-effective solution compared to buying a new one from a dealership.
