Losing your car keys is always a hassle, and when it’s the sophisticated key fob for your Honda Odyssey, the problem can feel even bigger. Like many Honda Odyssey owners, I recently experienced the sinking feeling of a lost key fob. What started as a vacation mishap quickly turned into a quest to understand the ins and outs of Honda Odyssey Replacement Key Fobs. My research revealed that replacing these modern keys isn’t as simple as getting a duplicate cut at your local hardware store, and it can come with a hefty price tag from dealerships.
It’s crucial to realize that replacing a Honda Odyssey key fob involves more than just the remote itself. You also need to consider the physical key insert. This key isn’t just a backup; it’s essential for locking the glove compartment and gaining entry if the electronic functions of your remote ever fail.
Getting a replacement involves acquiring the keyless entry remote, a new key insert, and then handling both programming and key cutting to match your specific Honda Odyssey. If your Odyssey has the Driver 1 and Driver 2 memory settings, these also need to be properly programmed to the new fob to maintain personalized vehicle settings.
Dealerships often require proof of ownership before they will proceed with the replacement process. Be prepared to provide your vehicle registration, driver’s license, and possibly your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The exact requirements can vary between dealerships, so it’s best to confirm beforehand.
Genuine vs. Aftermarket Honda Odyssey Keyless Entry Remotes
When searching for a replacement, you’ll encounter both genuine Honda and aftermarket keyless entry remotes. To identify the correct remote for your Honda Odyssey, you have a couple of options. You can disassemble your existing key fob (if you have a spare) and locate the part number inside. Alternatively, a Honda dealership can identify the correct part using your VIN.
Ensuring you have the right part is critical. By removing the key insert from your existing remote, you can typically find the part number printed in small text. This number is your key to finding a compatible replacement.
For the 2018-2024 Honda Odyssey models, several part numbers exist for the keyless entry remote. Research suggests these remotes are functionally similar in terms of buttons, with the primary difference being the Driver 1 and Driver 2 programming. The part numbers 72147-THR-A21 and 72147-THR-A31 are designated for Driver 1 and Driver 2 respectively and are designed for Odyssey trims with proximity sensor functionality, enabling features like door unlocking when you approach the vehicle. Part number 72147-THR-A11 is a blank remote without pre-set driver profiles.
| Honda Part # | Remote Notes |
|---|---|
| 72147-THR-A11 | Blank |
| 72147-THR-A21 | Driver 1 |
| 72147-THR-A31 | Driver 2 |
The corresponding key insert part number for these models is 35118-T2A-A50.
Purchasing OEM parts from online Honda parts retailers or used OEM remotes from sites like eBay can offer cost savings. While aftermarket remotes for the 5th generation Honda Odyssey (2018-2024) are available, they carry a risk. Compatibility and programming success with aftermarket options are not guaranteed.
Honda Odyssey Key Fob Programming and Key Cutting
Programming a Honda Odyssey key fob is not a DIY task for most owners. Despite online claims of self-programming through specific sequences of actions, these methods are generally ineffective for newer Honda Odyssey models (like the 5th generation). Key programming typically requires specialized equipment that is not readily available to the public and is often expensive.
While some locksmiths offer key cutting and programming services, choosing a reputable and experienced locksmith is crucial. For guaranteed compatibility and proper programming, especially for features like Driver 1 and Driver 2 profiles, a Honda dealership is often the most reliable option. To save on costs, consider purchasing a used OEM remote and then having it programmed and the key cut at the dealership. Dealerships generally will program genuine Honda remotes, even if used, provided they are the correct part for your vehicle.
The Importance of Genuine Honda Key Inserts for Cutting
The key insert, while seemingly simple, is a critical component. You can purchase key inserts from Honda dealerships or online. While online options may appear cheaper, purchasing a genuine Honda key insert directly from the dealership is often recommended.
A key reason to avoid aftermarket key inserts is material quality. Genuine Honda keys are typically made of brass, a softer metal, while aftermarket keys may use harder metals like steel. Key cutting machines are designed for softer metals, and attempting to cut harder aftermarket keys can damage the machinery.
My personal experience highlights this issue. After purchasing a key online advertised as genuine, a dealership attempted to cut it but encountered problems due to the material’s hardness, concluding it was an aftermarket key. I then purchased a genuine Honda key insert from the dealership for around $20, which they cut without issue. Anecdotally, another dealership I visited earlier had a key cutting machine out of service, possibly due to damage from cutting aftermarket keys.
Cost Considerations for Honda Odyssey Key Fob Replacement
The cost of replacing a Honda Odyssey key fob can vary significantly. Quotes from Honda dealerships in Southern California revealed a wide price range. Therefore, it’s highly advisable to contact multiple dealerships in your area to compare pricing.
In early 2024, quotes ranged from $282 to $390 for a complete replacement, including the remote, key, programming, and cutting. One dealership quoted $181 for the remote and key, $91 for programming, and $10 for key cutting, totaling $282. Another quoted $130 for parts but a much higher $260 for programming and cutting, reaching $390 total.
These price variations highlight the importance of shopping around. Dealerships typically estimate 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire process of programming and key cutting, which contributes to the labor costs.
Recommendation for Honda Odyssey Key Fob Replacement
For replacing a lost Honda Odyssey key fob, my recommendation is to purchase a genuine Honda keyless entry remote online and buy the key insert directly from your local Honda dealership. When you visit the dealership for key programming and cutting, obtain the key insert at the same time. Contact multiple local dealerships to get the best price for the programming and key cutting services, as well as the key insert itself.
This approach can potentially save you money compared to purchasing everything directly from a single dealership. While locksmith services might seem cheaper initially (around $100 for parts, programming, and cutting), using genuine Honda parts and dealership programming ensures compatibility and reliability. In my experience, I obtained a genuine Honda replacement key fob and key, programmed and cut at a Honda dealership, for approximately $120 by being resourceful and shopping around. This ensured all Driver 1 settings were correctly programmed and everything functioned flawlessly.
