The short answer is: Use a dead key fob or call for roadside assistance. While there are illegal and dangerous ways to hotwire a Honda Accord, the safest options are using a non-working key fob or contacting help.
Losing your key fob or having it stop working when you need to drive can be enormously frustrating. But don’t panic if you find yourself unable to start your Honda Accord without a key. This comprehensive guide explains several legitimate methods to get your engine running so you can be on your way.
Honda Key Fob Basics
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Nearly all modern Honda Accord models utilize keyless entry and push-button start systems. This means that physically inserting an ignition key to start the vehicle is no longer necessary.
Instead, drivers use a wireless key fob – a small, remote control-like device for locking/unlocking doors and starting the engine.
When powered on and within range, the key fob communicates with sensors in the car doors and ignition button via radio signals.
Pressing the fob’s lock/unlock buttons locks and unlocks the doors accordingly. Once inside, with the fob present, the driver can press the start/stop button to power the car on and off.
What If Your Key Fob Doesn’t Work?
Key fob batteries usually last 1-4 years before needing replacement. If you find yours no longer able to start or unlock your Honda, the cause is most likely a depleted battery.
🤔 Frequently Asked Question: How do I replace the battery in my Honda Accord’s key fob remote?
Fortunately, replacing the small coin battery inside is an easy, inexpensive fix. Here is the typical process:
- Remove the emergency key hidden inside the fob casing. Look for a small button or switch on the back/side and slide it out.
- Carefully pry apart the two fob halves. Insert the emergency key or a similarly slim object into the gap, or use a tiny screwdriver. Take care not to break the fragile plastic.
- Remove the old circular watch-style battery inside and replace it with a fresh CR2032 battery, available at electronics/drug stores for a few dollars. Make sure the positive side faces up.
- Press the fob casing back together firmly until it snaps/clicks, and ensure no gaps remain. Test operation.
Replacing the battery yourself costs a fraction of the $50-70+ a locksmith may charge. It also only takes about 10-15 minutes vs waiting hours for help.
With fresh power, your Accord’s key fob will once again remotely lock/unlock and start your car without issue. But what if replacing the battery isn’t an option right now, and you desperately need to drive?
Using a Dead Honda Key Fob to Start Your Car
Here is an alternative legitimate method for starting your Accord without a functioning key if the fob battery dies. It takes advantage of the built-in emergency physical key hidden inside.
The small backup key serves as a manual last resort to unlock and start a vehicle whose key fob stops operating properly.
🗝️ Find and Remove Emergency Key From Fob
As mentioned above, Honda Accord key fobs contain a small push-out key that looks like a traditional door key. Here’s how to retrieve it:
- Examine your fob and locate a button, switch, or latch usually identified with a small graphic of a key. Common locations are the sides, edges, or back.
- Press this button or slide the switch to eject and unlock the backup key compartment. The key should partially poke out and allow you to slide it fully out with your fingers. Be careful not to lose it.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully accessed your all-important emergency key capable of starting your car even with a dead fob. Now, let’s put it to work.
Unlock and Enter the Vehicle
Having your emergency key available does no good if you can’t access the driver’s seat. So the first step is manually unlocking and opening your Honda’s door:
- Physically insert the fob’s emergency key into the door’s exterior keyhole, just like in older non-electric lock cars.
- Turn the key to rotate the manual lock and unlock your door.
You may need to wiggle the key and door handle a bit – it’s been a while since they’ve seen action! With the door now open, hop inside your Honda Accord just like normal.
🗝️ Start Ignition Using Dead Fob
Sitting in the driver’s seat, your Honda Accord dashboard looks typical enough – except for that pesky missing ignition slot!
Not to worry – even with a dead fob, you can still start the engine. Here’s how:
- Ensure your key fob is inside the car with you. It doesn’t need to work – it just needs to be physically present so the car can sense it nearby.
- Press your foot firmly on the brake pedal as you normally would when starting.
- Place the dead key fob directly up against the start/stop ignition button. The button is usually located left of the steering wheel on the dashboard or center console.
- With the fob touching the button continuously, press the button once firmly to power on the ignition and start the engine!
And voila! Your Honda Accord should successfully detect the dead fob and allow the car to start, thanks to the magical power of capacitive touch and proximity sensors! 🪄✨
As long as you have your original fob inside and can physically touch it to the ignition button, the “passive start” system functions just like new.
Now, you can safely drive your car to the nearest store and replace the fob battery once and for all. No more getting stranded without a working key again!
Hotwiring a Honda is Risky and Illegal
With the simple yet effective dead fob technique above, forcibly hotwiring a Honda Accord in order to start it should be completely unnecessary.
🚨 But a warning for the tempted: Bypassing the ignition to hotwire a car without keys is extremely dangerous and illegal.
Doing so could land you heavy fines plus jail time for auto theft, not to mention potentially irreparably damaging your vehicle. Instead, use the helpful roadside assistance resources below.
Better Solutions: Call For Help or Upgrade Coverage
Rather than risk legal penalties or harm by attempting to start it illegally, safer solutions for a Honda with non-functioning keys include:
📞 Roadside Assistance
If you lack the tools, skills, or emergency fob to start your dormant Accord, calling an auto club or roadside service should be your first move.
Reputable providers like AAA and many insurance companies offer affordable towing and on-site key replacement options.
This dispatches a trained technician with the equipment and expertise to safely start your car or tow it to a facility to resolve the issue.
Roadside assistance plans start around $50 per year and can easily pay for themselves after just one or two tows. They also include extras like jump starts, lockout service, tire changes, and fuel delivery.
It beats paying several hundred out of pocket for a single tow!
📝 Add Towing & Labor Coverage
If you don’t already have roadside assistance from your car insurance provider or auto club membership, consider adding it or supplemental aftermarket car towing and labor coverage.
Many insurers offer this as an affordable rider for just a few extra bucks a month. It serves like an “AAA-style” service providing access to:
- Free towing up to a set mileage limit – typically 15-100 miles.
- No out-of-pocket fees for a locksmith to come unlock your car and replace key fobs.
- Reimbursement for rental cars, hotels, meals if stranded away from home.
- Possible coverage for battery jump starts, flat tire changes, gas delivery, and more.
This cheap insurance perk can save you hundreds of dollars when emergency issues inevitably crop up with your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Start A Push-Button Honda With Just The Physical Key?
No, unfortunately the physical backup key that comes with Honda’s keyless entry fobs cannot directly start the ignition on its own. It can only unlock/lock doors. You need a functional key fob to push-button start modern Hondas.
What If My Honda Accord Doesn’t Detect The Dead Key Fob Near The Button?
If placing your dead fob against the start button fails to start the car, try holding it even closer. Move it around against different areas of the button as you press it to allow different angles for the sensor recognition. If that still fails, your battery is likely fully dead or the fob broken, so roadside service is needed.
How Do I Program A New Key Fob Or Replace Lost Honda Keys?
You cannot copy Honda’s digital key fobs yourself – they must be dealer-programmed. To get a replacement smart key made, either visit a Honda service center or call a mobile locksmith. They can provide an unprogrammed fob, cut & program your chip key, or make you a new transponder key so you have working keys again.
Can Honda Accord Keys Be Unlocked Without The Key Fob?
The only way to unlock a Honda Accord without using the key fob itself is via the backup emergency key that comes tucked inside the fob. If you can retrieve this hidden metal key, you can insert it in the door lock and turn it manually like older-style car keys did to open the door when the battery in the fob is dead.
What Should I Do If My Honda Push-To-Start Key Fob Is Completely Lost?
If you’ve managed to fully lose or accidentally destroy your Accord’s one and only smart key, you’ll need to call a Honda service center right away. There, your VIN can be used to order replacement key fobs and have them properly programmed/cut to work with your car’s engine immobilizer security system before you can drive the vehicle again. Expect to pay $200+.
In Closing
I hope this guide has helped explain the legitimate methods available for starting your Honda Accord when you find yourself without a properly functioning key fob.
The next time you experience issues with the battery dying, fob malfunctioning, or losing keys – don’t panic. Armed with the tips above, you can safely get your car running again in no time without having to risk legal trouble or engine problems that hotwiring can bring.
Also Read:
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- Why Is My Honda Accord Usb Not Working?
- Diagnosing And Fixing Honda Accord Engine Ticking Noises
- What Causes Honda Accord Wheel Bearing Noise And How To Fix It?
