Lude Generation

Haven't driven my Prelude for a couple of weeks. When I tried to unlock the car, I realised that the battery has completely drained (possibly freezing weather contributed to this). The locks won't move. And now the best part. After 4 years of owning the car I found out that my key won't open any of my locks (not even the boot). I had a spare key, which got lost while moving house. Now, what are my options?

I've heard that Honda can cut a key based on your VIN number. What are the chances of this key opening my locks if the one I've got doesn't?

Locksmiths? How much would it cost?

Is it possible to open the bonnet from outside?

Breaking the glass is the last option really.

presume youve tried the passenger side also?

if the locks have never been used, could be stiff/gummed up. Spray of WD40 and jiggling might be called for if not already tried.

Otherwise, charging the battery up without opening the bonnet is tricky... from underneath the car you might be able to connect a charger to the gearbox earth and perhaps the main starter wire? that would get you charging at least.

The only other permanent live i can think of is the 4ws at the back of the car but not sure if you have that. Alternator is hard to get to and usually has a cap over the pos terminal

I'm not sure it is a drained battery that's causing it. I could lock and unlock my car with the battery removed.
Does the key not turn at all?

hi from what you are saying if the key wont work any other locks i am thinking being that 5th gens use a coded key maybe a previous owner had to have a fresh coded key / ignition barrel hence why it wont turn any other locks , so if the other locks are original a key cut from the vin should work ok

Just pull out a weather strip from any doors and using stiff wire try to open the car. Cheapest option worth to try.

The key won't turn at all.
I'll ring Honda tomorrow and ask the question.

Ailfenergy wrote:I've heard that Honda can cut a key based on your VIN number. What are the chances of this key opening my locks if the one I've got doesn't?

If your current key is worn or is an after market copy, then the chances of a pukka fresh cut Honda key are quite good, I would say.

I lost the key for my Xantia a while back and ordered a key from Citroen cut based on the key code - worked perfectly.

Here is what Honda said:
It's £47 to cut the key, and £59 to code it.

Do I need my key coding if I only want to unlock the car?

5g, nope - code not needed to unlock, just start.

It is possible to open the bonnet from outside. At least with 4th gen. A local chap had to do that once.
So I'd expect to be the same for 5th gen..