Key (or lack thereof) problem

[TypeS 4 Tea]

On the weekend I was supposed to visit my ‘97 Type S for the first time in many years. The person I rent garage space from has 32 cars himself and along with my Type S, a few other cars also. However, upon arriving at his house, he was unable to find the key for my car. OK, no bother I figure, it’s just misplaced, but after 48h it has still not been found and I am starting to worry.

My car only came with one key and a single fob for the Clifford G4 alarm system. During the two weeks I was able to drive it I wasn’t able to get a spare key, because there was some doubt about whether or not it directly included a factory immobiliser on the key. My previous JDM Honda, a ‘97 CRX DelSol came with but a simple key from the factory and my ‘98 UK VTi had a retrofitted Alarm/Remote Locking system added by a Honda partner, when it was being prepared for sale in the UK market. So anecdotally at least, it seems Japanese models didn’t come with such additional security as standard?

As such, my first question is whether or not a ‘97 JDM Prelude would even have a factory immobiliser, perhaps this was an option? The second question is just how screwed am I if the key is actually lost? I can sort the Clifford G4 system, so no problems there. But my thoughts are if the car did have an immobilster there is no real solution where I could replace the key. I guess in such a scenario, I would need a new Lock/Key set from a donor vehicle? Presumably with the ECU from said car, otherwise the key won’t be recognised? Assuming I am right, would that have to come from another Type S specifically?

Fingers crossed the key turns up, the guy who lost it isn’t usually unreliable and is quite flustered by the whole situation. But just trying to prepare myself in case the worst transpires. I did say the universe is against me having a Prelude already, right?

[vanzep]

I think you might be right about needing keys, lock barrels and ecu
type s ecu on ebay and seller is obviously breaking his type s - so worth giving him a shout and getting plan B in place.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275978583814 ... R7bRy5u6Yg

hopefully your guy will find the original key and all will be well - if not then at least you have a fall back

[TypeS 4 Tea]

Dropping a few hundred on parts is a little premature, although I do understand it won't be easy to find a Type S being broken. I also have to contend with customs fees (40%) and high shipping costs too, which post-Brexit adds a huge mark up to anything from the UK.

But thanks for the link, I'll contact the seller and see if he even has the full set of keys for that one. Should be two main keys, the 'service' key and the special red master one, right? If that were the case, I suppose it's not the worst investment since I would like to have the right keys and everything OEM.

Big question is, how can I be sure it's the right ECU for my car, are all Type S models using the same one? Given we've no key for mine, I'm not even sure how I could currently get the part # of my existing one. Although I suppose with a little careful work with an old coat hanger, I could probably open the door. It's not like these are hard to break into, worst case a passenger window is usually less expensive to replace than getting a professional to open the car. I am pretty good with a brick .

[wurlycorner]

As such, my first question is whether or not a ‘97 JDM Prelude would even have a factory immobiliser

OEM service manual suggests yes (standard fit across all 5th gens, not model specific).
Pages 23-195 - 23-202.

You should be able to buy the correct replacement key from Honda, using the VIN (see the "Note" section on page 23-198)

[TypeS 4 Tea]

Just to come back on this, we eventually found the key, turns out it was in the ignition of the car, which took a 300km round trip to confirm.

[toadster]

Toadster

[wurlycorner]

Just to come back on this, we eventually found the key, turns out it was in the ignition of the car, which took a 300km round trip to confirm.

(I'm laughing with you, not at you)

Glad the story has a successful outcome!

[toadster]

Just to come back on this, we eventually found the key, turns out it was in the ignition of the car, which took a 300km round trip to confirm.

(I'm laughing with you, not at you)

Glad the story has a successful outcome!

Me too
Cheers
Toadster