ridgelinewannabe
06-11-2006, 08:54 AM
Just a heads up in case anyone else confronts this.
The use of Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID in Ignition Keys is common now days among manufacturers and their various models. I will share a story concerning how this technology recently affected my wife and me.
As most of you are aware the Ridgeline Master Ignition key is not a key in the traditional sense. If you examine it, you will notice that it doesn't have real teeth cut in it. The key contains an electronic chip that has a code (Lock) embedded in it.
When the key is inserted into the Ignition Switch and turned, the vehicle's computer system electromagnetically reads the code on the key and verifies that it matches the code stored in the vehicles memory. Assuming that it does, the engine will start as usual. So far so good....
Many of you may not be aware of the conditions that exist to immobilize the vehicle should the confirmation fail. (Vehicle Theft Deterrent). Essentially, the engine's fuel system is disabled. This information is available in the owners manual, but how may owners read the entire manual and remember it months later?
This is what occurred with my wife and me. I had to work late several nights in a row a couple of weeks ago. Out of pity (or maybe love;) ), she delivered dinner to me one night. We intended to swap vehicles when she left, so that she could protect my baby from the upcoming storm. When she went to leave in the Ridgeline, she could not start the engine. She called my cell, I went out into the parking lot and tried to start it several times myself. The engine would turnover like normal, but it would not start. We called the dealer, who is only a couple of miles away, and has late night service department staffed. They asked the typical trouble shooting questions over the phone, but not the right ones. My service rep agreed to drive over to meet us. We hung up the phone connections. While still sitting in the drivers seat, I happened to notice that my wife's keys were in the ignition. I removed hers and inserted mine and the truck started fine. Called the dealer to stop the rep from coming.
My wife's key has lost her program. She hasn't been through any security readers like at airports, court houses etc. Never submerged in water or cooked in the microwave oven as the dealer suggested. Maybe they could have been dropped a time or two.
The only feedback from the Honda system that signals that the key is not right, is that the green key symbol on the dash will blink with the "Bad Key" switched in the "On" position. It is not that noticable.
Anyway my wife is still pissed. She does not see this as a security answer at all. She says it's only a safety device if it prevents SOMEONE ELSE from starting our vehicle. Her key should NEVER lose it's program! She's going to throw the key in the garbage because that's what it is - trash. She's not carrying it with her. She says it's baggage at this point and has no value. (J-man did not type this paragraph. I, Cindy Hedges, did!)
So in a nutshell, if your Honda will not start, check for the Green Flashing Key Symbol on the dash, and go get your key reprogrammed.
The use of Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID in Ignition Keys is common now days among manufacturers and their various models. I will share a story concerning how this technology recently affected my wife and me.
As most of you are aware the Ridgeline Master Ignition key is not a key in the traditional sense. If you examine it, you will notice that it doesn't have real teeth cut in it. The key contains an electronic chip that has a code (Lock) embedded in it.
When the key is inserted into the Ignition Switch and turned, the vehicle's computer system electromagnetically reads the code on the key and verifies that it matches the code stored in the vehicles memory. Assuming that it does, the engine will start as usual. So far so good....
Many of you may not be aware of the conditions that exist to immobilize the vehicle should the confirmation fail. (Vehicle Theft Deterrent). Essentially, the engine's fuel system is disabled. This information is available in the owners manual, but how may owners read the entire manual and remember it months later?
This is what occurred with my wife and me. I had to work late several nights in a row a couple of weeks ago. Out of pity (or maybe love;) ), she delivered dinner to me one night. We intended to swap vehicles when she left, so that she could protect my baby from the upcoming storm. When she went to leave in the Ridgeline, she could not start the engine. She called my cell, I went out into the parking lot and tried to start it several times myself. The engine would turnover like normal, but it would not start. We called the dealer, who is only a couple of miles away, and has late night service department staffed. They asked the typical trouble shooting questions over the phone, but not the right ones. My service rep agreed to drive over to meet us. We hung up the phone connections. While still sitting in the drivers seat, I happened to notice that my wife's keys were in the ignition. I removed hers and inserted mine and the truck started fine. Called the dealer to stop the rep from coming.
My wife's key has lost her program. She hasn't been through any security readers like at airports, court houses etc. Never submerged in water or cooked in the microwave oven as the dealer suggested. Maybe they could have been dropped a time or two.
The only feedback from the Honda system that signals that the key is not right, is that the green key symbol on the dash will blink with the "Bad Key" switched in the "On" position. It is not that noticable.
Anyway my wife is still pissed. She does not see this as a security answer at all. She says it's only a safety device if it prevents SOMEONE ELSE from starting our vehicle. Her key should NEVER lose it's program! She's going to throw the key in the garbage because that's what it is - trash. She's not carrying it with her. She says it's baggage at this point and has no value. (J-man did not type this paragraph. I, Cindy Hedges, did!)
So in a nutshell, if your Honda will not start, check for the Green Flashing Key Symbol on the dash, and go get your key reprogrammed.