2010 Civic: Security and Spare Keys

Hi;

I traded in my 20 year old Civic yesterday for a new 2010 Civic.

One of the advantages of the 20 year old Civic was that theft was not
so much an issue. That was good as locking myself out of the car is
once or twice a year. I got around that by hiding a key in a
magnetized case underneath the car. I don't feel so great about that
option with a new car. I would to solicit polite suggestions for how
I can plan for this situation. I have a roadside assistance plan,
but I am looking to cut down on the cost and inconvenience of that.

Is it possible to get copies of the valet key made through normal
channels?

Thanks much in advance for the info and polite suggestions

Steve

 

If all we're talking about is for unlocking the doors, then you can have the
metal copied pretty cheap. Even get it with a flat head (as opposed to the
big plastic cover) so you can stuff it in your wallet.

If you want the key to start the car, then you're stuck with one of the
expensive keys that can only be made by the dealer and locksmiths that have
extra gear. Local hardware store would probably not be one of those.

 

That actually sounds like good news because my problem is only locking
myself out. If a cheap spare can't start the car it isn't much of a
risk to hide the spare underneath the car.

Do hardware store copies NOT start the engine by design or is it a
matter of their copying machines simply not being good enough? In
other words, can I rely on the cheapo copy being bad enough to NOT be
able to start the car?

Steve

 

You have to have a key with the "chip" to start the car. A $2 Home Depot
key has no chip, so it will unlock the door mechanically, but won't answer
the challenge from the car computer when you try to start the engine with
it.

 

If you only lock the car with the remote you will never be locked out, the
remote requires you have the key in your hand.

 

It won't start the car cause it is missing the RF chip that's embedded in
the head to signal the ECU that it's OK to start. No chip, the ECU assumes
it's a hotwiring attempt and won't start.

 

Excellent point.

Until yesterday I was driving a 20 year old Civic. I have reading the
full owners manual on my to-do list. In the meantime you guys have
given me some great information. Thanks!

 

Not a problem if you keep the valet key in the vehicle.

 

Keys with a chip can be bought on the internet for less than your
dealer charges. Here's one:
www.remotesandkeys.com

 

Except that if a crook finds out about it, you've just given him free
access to your car's interior and engine compartment.

It's a matter of the OEM key having a computer chip inside of it, and
the hardware store key /not/ having one.

Not "bad", just missing a critical component. That critical component is
part of your car's security system.

 

I eliminate that little problem by carrying two keys: the valet key is on my
house-key ring, and the "chip" key with all the buttons is on a key fob, and
that is also in my pocket. The latter key is the one used in the car's
ignition switch. God forbid I should accidentally leave it in the ignition
(or on the seat), and the doors lock with me on the outside... I still have
a key in my pocket to open the door. I don't understand why this is so
difficult for so many people.

 

Heh... Even on my ancient autos, I leave the ignition key under the
seat and carry the door key on my key ring (which has about fifteen
other keys on it as well).

Simplification of process is not an accepted practice by the mooing
masses these days...

JT

 

Don't blame the mooing masses. Blame the activists and the
government workers they target.

 

Yeah, but it's the mooing masses that permit it to go on and on and on
and...

JT

(U gits wot U voted fer)

 

When unelected (and all-powerful) bureaucrats mandate immobilizers on all
new cars, automakers would be suicidal to defy them.

 

read: "insurance industry lobbyists"

well, it's not like consumers don't benefit. even if they get charged a
few hundred for keys over the life of the vehicle - it's a good deal
more convenient to not have the car stolen. unlocking the car while
you're walking up to it as opposed to having to fumble for small holes
in the dark is a good thing too.

 

You are aware that the valet key is also a "chip" key which will start the
car? It just doesn't have the remote door opener buttons on it & is cut
such that it won't unlock the glove box or trunk.

After all, what use would it be to the valet if it couldn't start the car?

 

no,he's referring to the "car czar" and other unelected gov't orgs that are
not under the purview of Congress. Lobbyists merely advance positions to
CONGRESS,who either enacts them or rejects them.

having had my beloved Integra GS-R stolen,stripped and torched,despite my
anti-theft mods and efforts,I like immobilizer keys.
However,it should not cost $100 to get a new key made for your vehicle.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
localnet
dot com

 

Maybe so, but there's a difference between making such a thing an optional
convenience, or a mandated imposition.

 

Regulations are usually the purview of the bureaucrats, not Congress. So
lobbyists may work on either the bureaucrats or Congress, depending.

Of course, that depends on how the original enabling bill was written...