Does My Car Use a Transponder Key?
A complete guide by make and model — compiled by 1 Able Locksmith in Citrus County, FL.
We receive several calls a day from customers here in Citrus County who have lost their car keys and are unsure whether their vehicle uses a transponder key system. It is for those people — and millions more who may need this information — that we have compiled this list.
Manufacturers use a variety of systems when making their automobiles. Your car can use either a regular old-fashioned key, a transponder key, a VATS key (Vehicle Anti-Theft System), Sidewinder keys, FOB remote, Smart Key FOBs, or Proximity keys also known as Prox.
VATS keys were one of the first anti-theft type systems on the market, introduced as early as 1986. You can easily spot a VATS key because the chip is clearly visible in the key blade. This type of system was the forerunner to the transponder key system used today.
The transponder key system is designed to prevent automotive theft by using a computer chip hidden in the plastic head of your key. This chip sends a signal to the vehicle's computer — when the right key is inserted, the vehicle will start. If a key that is not programmed to that vehicle is tried, it will send a signal to the computer and the vehicle will not start.
A Sidewinder key is a type of transponder key. It differs from a normal transponder key in that the cuts are milled. This makes a Sidewinder key harder to duplicate, as the mill machines used to cut such keys are very expensive and not readily available — making replacement costly for the consumer.
Some vehicles listed say 'Dealer key or dealer pin required.' This means you will need to obtain a pin code or the key blank itself from the dealer in order to have the key programmed. We at 1 Able Locksmith will get these from the dealer at our customers' request when needed.
There are also some models that require a master key and the red learning key in order to program a key. Should a red learning key or master key be missing, the entire immobilizer unit must be replaced. Keep that red learning key and master key in a secure spot!
Note: If you do not see your automobile within these categories and need help right away, please feel free to email us at doug@1ablelocksmith.com — or call us at (352) 560-3178.
Select Your Vehicle Make
Acura Transponder Key Guide
The following is an alphabetical list of Acura models with the key type required for each year range. Some model years may overlap — call us with your VIN to confirm which system your vehicle uses.
| Model | Year(s) | Key Type |
|---|---|---|
| CL | 1995–1998 | Standard Key |
| CL | 1998–2003 | Transponder Key |
| ILX | 2013–2022 | FOB |
| ILX | 2019–2022 | Smart Key FOB |
| Integra | 1984–1999 | Standard Key |
| Integra | 2000–2001 | Transponder Key |
| Legend | 1986–1990 | Standard Key |
| MDX | 2001–2006 | Transponder Key |
| MDX | 2007–2013 | High Security/Transponder |
| MDX | 2014–2017 | FOB |
| MDX | 2018–2024 | Smart Key Prox |
| NSX | 1991–1996 | Standard Key |
| NSX | 1997–2005* | Transponder Key |
| NSX | 2017–2018 | FOB |
| RDX | 2007–2012 | High Security/Transponder |
| RDX | 2013–2018 | FOB |
| RDX | 2019–2025 | Smart Key FOB |
| RL | 1996–2009 | Transponder Key |
| RLX | 2014–2015 | FOB/Transponder |
| RLX Tech | 2016–2020 | FOB/Transponder |
| RSX | 2002–2006 | Transponder Key |
| TL | 1995–1998 | Standard Key |
| TL | 1999–2006 | Transponder Key |
| TL | 2007–2014 | High Security/Transponder |
| TLX | 2015–2019 | FOB |
| TSX | 2004–2008 | Transponder Key |
| TSX | 2009–2014 | High Security/Transponder |
| Vigor | 1992–1994 | Standard Key |
| ZDX | 2010–2013 | High Security/Transponder |
* * If there is a star next to the year of a vehicle, you must have both the red learning key and the matching master key — otherwise the immobilizer unit including master key and red learning key must be replaced and reprogrammed.
Key Type Legend
Not Sure What Key Your Car Uses?
Call us with your VIN and we'll identify your key type and give you an upfront quote — no surprises.