Acura Key Specialist
Same-Day Service

Yes, for most Acura models from 2007 onward. All-keys-lost programming requires us to pull the security PIN directly from the vehicle's ECU using OBD-II tools. We carry XTOOL and Autel programmers that handle this on-site for MDX, TLX, RDX, ILX, RLX, and TL without towing. Pre-2007 models like the early TL may require EEPROM access, which we assess case by case.

It depends on the year and model. Acuras built before 1996 used plain metal keys with no chip. From 1996 through roughly 2008, most models used transponder chip keys, sometimes with a separate remote fob. Starting with the 2009 TL, Acura began rolling out smart proximity keys with push-button start, which became standard across the lineup through the 2010s. If your Acura has a push button where the ignition key slot used to be, you have a smart key system.

The OEM smart key fob for a current Acura MDX retails at wholesale for over $176 before any labor or programming fees. Dealer total-out-the-door pricing for smart key service typically runs $400 or more, and that often requires towing if you have no working key. Our pricing covers the key blank, cutting, and programming in one on-site visit. See the table above for exact pricing by key type.

Intermittent fob recognition is a documented issue on the 4th-generation TL. The car may fail to sense the fob at random intervals, requiring you to lock and unlock the doors or step away and return before it responds. In some cases a battery disconnect code appears in the system that a dealer or locksmith can reset. In this case the fob itself may be failing or need reprogramming.

This is a known design issue on 2009 to 2014 TL Technology Package and TSX models. The key slot accepts the fob for push-to-start operation but the internal latch mechanism can jam, trapping the fob. Recovering it usually requires needle-nose pliers and care not to damage the fob shell. If the small internal tab inside the slot is also stuck, the vehicle may refuse to start even after the fob is freed. We can assist with fob recovery and system reset on a mobile service call.

In most cases, no. Battery replacement on Acura fobs does not wipe the programming. The transponder and proximity pairing data stay intact. In this case, if the fob was completely dead for an extended period or the battery was shorted during the swap, a reprogram may occasionally be needed. Standard CR2032 batteries are used across most Acura fob models and are widely available.

Older Acura models with keyless entry, particularly the 2009 TSX and related platforms, have a documented replay attack vulnerability where static RF codes can be captured and replayed to unlock the vehicle. This is different from the rolling-code Rolling Pwn issue that affects newer Hondas. The good news is that the immobilizer system is separate from the keyless entry RF signal, so even if someone captures your unlock code and opens the door, they cannot drive the vehicle without a valid programmed key inside. Storing your fob in a Faraday pouch eliminates the replay capture window.