Question 1

My key broke off in the ignition. Can you get it out?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is more common on older sports cars than people expect. The S2000 ignition cylinder sits in a fairly tight position on the steering column, and keys that have been used for years develop wear that makes them bind slightly on extraction. When a worn or bent key finally snaps, the broken piece can sit deep in the cylinder.

Extraction is a separate skill from cutting a key, and doing it wrong damages the cylinder itself, which turns a simple job into a full cylinder replacement. I extract the broken piece first, then decode what is left of the original key or decode the cylinder directly, and cut a new key from that. On a 2001 S2000 with a mechanical key, there is nothing to reprogram afterward. Once the new key is cut correctly, it works.

Question 2

What kind of key does a 2001 Honda S2000 actually use?

Accepted Answer

It is a plain metal key. No remote, no fob, no buttons, no battery. The 2001 S2000 came with a mechanical key that operates the door locks and ignition cylinder directly. Replacement is a matter of cutting the blade accurately to the car. That is the whole job.

Question 3

My S2000 is not turning over. Could it be the key?

Accepted Answer

On a 2001 S2000 with a mechanical key, the key itself is either cut correctly and turns the cylinder or it is not. There is no remote signal, no battery to die, no detection warning on the dash tied to the key. If the key turns freely but the car will not start, that is an ignition switch, electrical, or mechanical issue rather than a key problem. If the key is suddenly hard to turn or not turning at all, the most common causes are a worn key, a worn cylinder, or the steering column lock engaging. Try turning the steering wheel slightly while applying gentle pressure to the key. If the blade is visibly worn down or the cuts look rounded off, a freshly cut key from code can make a noticeable difference.

Question 4

I bought an S2000 with only one key. Should I get a spare made now or wait until I need one?

Accepted Answer

Get the spare made now, while you still have a working key to duplicate or decode from. The S2000 is a collectible car and the owner community is pretty vocal about this: losing your only key means decoding a lock or cylinder on site, which adds time and complexity to the job. It is not an emergency situation, but it costs more and takes longer than a simple duplicate made from an existing key. One spare in a safe place at home is cheap insurance on a car like this. I can come to you in Bressi Ranch or anywhere in Carlsbad and cut a second key on site in a short visit.

Question 5

Can any key shop cut an S2000 key, or does it need to be someone familiar with the car?

Accepted Answer

Most key shops can cut it, but there are a few things that matter. The key blank profile has to be correct for the S2000, and the cuts need to be accurate to the lock. The ignition on these cars can be unforgiving with a sloppy cut because the cylinder is tight by design and does not have a lot of tolerance for off-spec work. S2000 owners on forums regularly mention getting keys cut at hardware stores that feel slightly wrong or that wear the ignition faster than expected. A locksmith who can cut from code or properly decode the original is the cleaner option, especially on a car you want to protect.

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