Losing a key or needing a spare is a common hassle for car owners. If you drive a 2008 Honda Fit and find yourself in this situation, you might be wondering about getting a new key fob programmed. Dealership costs can be high, but the good news is that programming a key fob for your 2008 Honda Fit can often be done at home, saving you both time and money. This guide will walk you through the steps to program a new key fob for your 2008 Honda Fit, allowing you to get back on the road with minimal fuss.
Before you begin, ensure you have a compatible key fob for your 2008 Honda Fit. You can typically purchase these online or from a dealership. This guide is specifically for programming the remote functions – the lock, unlock, and panic buttons – of your key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 2008 Honda Fit Key Fob
Follow these instructions carefully to program your 2008 Honda Fit key fob. It’s crucial to adhere to the time limits between steps for successful programming.
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Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (II). This is the position right before you would crank the engine to start.
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Within 1 to 4 seconds, press the LOCK button on your key fob.
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Within 1 to 4 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Do not remove the key, just turn it back to the OFF position.
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Repeat steps 1-3 three more times. That means you will be turning the ignition ON, pressing LOCK, and turning it OFF a total of four times. Each step must be completed within the 1 to 4 second timeframe.
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After the fourth cycle, turn the ignition switch to the ON position (II) one last time.
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Within 1 to 4 seconds, press the LOCK button on the key fob.
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Listen for the sound of the door locks cycling. This is your confirmation that the system has entered programming mode. If you hear the locks, proceed to the next step immediately.
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Within 10 seconds of hearing the door locks, press the LOCK button again on the key fob you are currently programming. If you have additional key fobs to program, press the LOCK button on each of them within this 10-second window. You should hear the door locks cycle after pressing the lock button on each key fob, confirming successful programming for each.
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Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the key.
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Test all programmed key fobs to ensure the remote lock, unlock, and panic buttons are functioning correctly.
Alt: 2008 Honda Fit key fob with lock, unlock, and panic buttons, illustrating the type of remote being programmed in this DIY guide.
Important Considerations
- Timing is Key: The 1 to 4 second intervals between steps are critical for the programming sequence to work. Be precise and don’t rush.
- Disable Memory Feature (Possibly): The original post mentions disabling a memory feature by holding lock and unlock buttons until the LED blinks twice. While not explicitly stated for the 2008 Fit, if you encounter issues, you might try this step before beginning the programming sequence.
- Immobilizer Chip: This programming sequence typically programs the remote functions only (locking/unlocking doors remotely). The 2008 Honda Fit also has an immobilizer chip in the key, which is a security feature that prevents the car from starting without the correct key. This DIY procedure generally does not program the immobilizer chip. Immobilizer programming often requires specialized equipment and is usually done by a locksmith or dealership. If your new key is cut to match your ignition but the car won’t start, it’s likely due to the immobilizer chip needing programming, which is a separate process.
- Troubleshooting: If the programming sequence doesn’t work on the first try, carefully reread the steps and try again, paying close attention to the timing. Ensure your doors, hood, and hatch are fully closed as indicated in the original notes. If you continue to have trouble, there might be an issue with the key fob itself, or the vehicle’s receiver system.
Programming your 2008 Honda Fit key fob yourself can be a straightforward process. By following these steps carefully, you can potentially save yourself a trip to the dealership and the associated costs. However, remember this guide is for remote function programming. If you need a new key cut or immobilizer programming, you may need to consult with a professional locksmith or Honda dealership.
Note: The image URL used is a placeholder. Replace https://i.imgur.com/example.png with an actual URL of a 2008 Honda Fit key fob image.
