How much to fix 2003 Honda accord ex ignition cylinder?

Answer 1

There is a design issue with Hondas approximately 2003 and up. These have what is called the 4-track key... a thick key grooved from the tip toward the head of the key, on all 4 edges.

This key is very durable against BREAKAGE, but the lock takes a horrible beating.

We repaired one of these on Monday, one last week.... pretty much one or two a week.

Each of the ten wafer components inside each of the locks have a small "hook" nub, that rides the blade of the key. These little hooks wear down, and when they no longer engage the key properly, the components cause the lock to jam up. GENERALLY, it is the components in position slots 2, 3 and 4 that get jammed the most, as they are the ones that the key encounters first. Slot 1 is left empty by manufacturer.

Simply replacing the wafers, as outlined in Honda Technical Bulletin does NOT adequately address the wear and tear to the cylinder body that these components move within.

My recommendation, providing a new lock is not indicated; is to leave slots 2.3 and 4 vacant, and REPLACE all remaining component wafers.

Furthermore, the key should be examined for rounding of the trackes cut into the key. Key surface should be FLAT, not rounded over like a crowned 2 lane road. The cut tracks must be a sharp 90 degree to the faces of key, not rounded or tapered.

A locksmith can cut fresh keys and program, or cut fresh keys less chips, and transplant the chips from old key into new. REMOTE HEAD KEYS are not very expensive compared to Toyota, Chrysler, Lexus and Nissan, so frugality will only wipe out the newly repaired locks. REPLACE KEYS IF INDICATED.

We look forward to one of the US Lock manufacturers to produce a BETTER lock that can be used as a CURE rather than a REPAIR for a poor design.

We have such cures for the Ford Focus and many other cars that have a poor OEM lock design. For now, we can get it all back to showroom new operation

Jeff

City Lock