Quick question about Mk1 Jazz ignition key.

[Si Crewe]

Basically, does it have any kind of electrickery inside it?

I understand some models had remote central-locking which oviously does have electronics inside it.

Mine only unlocks by sticking the key into the door and turning it (the key, not the door) and the key looks like a normal  one, with no obvious signs that anything clever lurks within.

The DVLA records, OTOH, say the car IS fitted with a factory alarm/immobiliser, which usually means the key does something clever.

Thing is, my car only came with one key.

Can I get a fully-functional spare key cut at a locksmith or do I need to buy a blank key from Honda, get it "coded" to match the immobiliser and then get a locksmith to physically cut it?

I used to own a Vectra that had an annoying habit of activating the central locking whenever it felt like it, and several times while the keys were still somewhere inside it, so it gives me the heeby-jeebies only having one key.

[sparky Paul]

Your key does have a RFID chip embedded in it that works the immobiliser.

You should be able to get a clone of your existing key cut and programmed, while you wait, at an auto locksmiths, Timpsons, or one of the mobile key cutter vans that appear on boot sales and markets. The other option is a replacement key from an Honda dealer, but it will cost a lot more.

[Jocko]

Yes. The Mk is fitted with an Immobiliser but not an alarm. No one responds to car alarms other than the owner, and it is usually a false alarm and alarms have a parasitic drain on the battery, albeit small. I am quite happy with just an immobiliser.

[olduser1]

I would nip along to Timpsons either High St or local Tesco and enquire, they have been really helpful in the past to anumber of Jazz owners.

[krist0ph3r]

Same problem here - purchased the car with just one working key (which doesn't have central locking). There were a couple of key heads that opened the doors but no slug to deactivate the immobilizer, so couldn't start the car. And there was one key body which had the buttons and a slug, but the slug (strangely enough) didn't deactivate the immobilizer.

Tried Timpsons, and they couldn't make a working key for me. They told me my only remaining option was Honda. Doesn't seem worth paying 100 quid for a duplicate key when the car cost me 500, so I'm going to try to live with one key - unless someone has a better idea.

[olduser1]

Surprised Timpson car key shop unable to help, why not ask you local motor factors who they recommend. Specialist shops best before venturing into dealership land.

[embee]

If you have one working key there are invariably ways to produce another by programming the chip while in the car. Usually there is a process by which you can do it yourself, otherwise there are mobile key makers who can do it for you. A blank key and appropriate chip can usually be got at modest price from auction sites etc., or the key man can provide it for you at much less than a dealer would charge.

[SuperCNJ]

I recently found a mobile car locksmith who made me a second key for my Honda FRV all from the back of his car.  I wasn't sure if he was any good at the time but having used his services now I can definitely recommend him. I think he was based in Herts if I remember correctly but he was happy to travel to me in North London.

If that works for anyone, drop me a PM and I'll put you in touch.

I'm not affiliated with him or anything, just someone I found online who turned out to be a decent car locksmith and charged me far less than the dealers.

HTHs