How to Troubleshoot the Immobilizer System
General Check before Troubleshooting
Before troubleshooting the immobilizer system, check the following general items and solve any if applicable:
  • The battery is low; charge the battery fully, then troubleshoot the immobilizer system.
  • The ignition key is not a genuine Honda part; use the Honda-approved key blank, register the key, then troubleshoot the immobilizer system.
  • A key ring, or keys, or a key case is used; remove the key from it, and troubleshoot the immobilizer system with a key only.
  • An aftermarket electrical part is attached; remove it, then troubleshoot the immobilizer system.
Symptom Troubleshooting by the Immobilizer Indicator Lighting Pattern
The pattern of the immobilizer indicator can help troubleshoot the condition of the immobilizer system. Following are descriptions of the four possible patterns:

Normal operation

If the immobilizer code is identified, the immobilizer indicator comes on for 2 seconds, then goes off after turning the ignition switch ON (II).
The immobilizer indicator does not come on when the ignition switch is turned OFF.

Immobilizer code is not identified

If the immobilizer code is not identified, the immobilizer indicator comes on for 2 seconds, then blinks after turning the ignition switch ON (II).
The immobilizer indicator blinks ten times, then goes off when the ignition switch is turned OFF.

Immobilizer indicator does not come on

If the immobilizer indicator does not come on after turning the ignition switch ON (II), an open or short in the F-CAN lines between the ECM and the gauge control module. Watch the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). If the MIL stays on, go to the PGM-FI system troubleshooting.

Immobilizer indicator does not go off

If the immobilizer indicator does not go off after turning the ignition switch ON (II), do the gauge control module (tach) self-diagnostic function. If the indicator drive circuit is OK, do the SYSTEM CHECK with the HDS. Before troubleshooting the immobilizer system, check the following general points and solve any if applicable.
Symptom Troubleshooting Using Malfunctioning Circuit Functions
If a malfunction occurs in the immobilizer circuit, use the table to cross-reference the malfunctioning function to the line(s) that should be checked:
System Check
NOTE: The HDS can be used to check the state of the immobilizer key registration, the ECM registration, and the communication between the ignition key and the immobilizer-keyless control unit by doing a SYSTEM CHECK.
  1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector, then turn the ignition switch ON (II).
    NOTE: If the HDS does not communicate with the vehicle, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.
  1. Select ‘‘IMMOBILIZER'' from the ‘‘SYSTEM SELECTION MENU'', then enter the ‘‘IMMOBILIZER SETUP''.
  1. Do the ‘‘SYSTEM CHECK'' with the HDS. If there is a system check number, do the troubleshooting for the indicated item.
  1. Do the symptom troubleshooting.