[Steve 0080]

I just ordered another key for my 18...does anyone in the N Orlando area have the special connector that I can come by and use/borrow? I may just use alligator clips ....not sure yet!

 

[84547]

I just ordered another key for my 18...does anyone in the N Orlando area have the special connector that I can come by and use/borrow? I may just use alligator clips ....not sure yet!

Just use a paper clip or whatever. No need for anything special.

 

[ndmiller]

Just use a paper clip or whatever. No need for anything special.

Bend and practice with the paperclip in the pins a time or two. Bend 2 paperclips when you drop one halfway you have a spare during the process. Ask me how I know.

 

[Steve 0080]

Bend and practice with the paperclip in the pins a time or two. Bend 2 paperclips when you drop one halfway you have a spare during the process. Ask me how I know.

Are we trying to make connection with the "two green wires"? I have not looked at the plug yet.

 

[DrT]

I know this is an old post, but I am posting an update as I had to program a key fob recently.

I started out and followed Fred's procedure exactly and I couldn't get the new fob programmed. Somewhere on this site, I found a slightly modified set of instructions that worked for me (2018 Non-Tour). Perhaps the procedure is different as a result of one of the software updates. (Just a guess.) In case Fred's instructions don't work for you, this procedure might help.

1. Remove side panel covering battery.
2. Turn all key fobs off
3. Remove shorting connector cover so you can get to it easily (Fred also suggests detaching the connector from the frame to make access easier)
4. Turn on original fob
5. Open left saddlebag
6. Turn on ignition
7. Short out green wires within 15 seconds using Honda shorting tool
8. Turn original fob off
9. Turn new fob being programmed on
10. Wait more than 15 seconds
11. Push left saddlebag open button again - beeping will slightly change to a double beep
12. Disconnect shorting tool and reattach connector cover
13. Turn ignition off
14. Turn all fobs off.
15. Turn each fob on, one at a time to test
16. Reattach side panel cover

 

[jmarshall1956]

I know this is an old post, but I am posting an update as I had to program a key fob recently.

I started out and followed Fred's procedure exactly and I couldn't get the new fob programmed. Somewhere on this site, I found a slightly modified set of instructions that worked for me (2018 Non-Tour). Perhaps the procedure is different as a result of one of the software updates. (Just a guess.) In case Fred's instructions don't work for you, this procedure might help.

1. Remove side panel covering battery.
2. Turn all key fobs off
3. Remove shorting connector cover so you can get to it easily (Fred also suggests detaching the connector from the frame to make access easier)
4. Turn on original fob
5. Open left saddlebag
6. Turn on ignition
7. Short out green wires within 15 seconds using Honda shorting tool
8. Turn original fob off
9. Turn new fob being programmed on
10. Wait more than 15 seconds
11. Push left saddlebag open button again - beeping will slightly change to a double beep
12. Disconnect shorting tool and reattach connector cover
13. Turn ignition off
14. Turn all fobs off.
15. Turn each fob on, one at a time to test
16. Reattach side panel cover

I just ordered another key for my 18...does anyone in the N Orlando area have the special connector that I can come by and use/borrow? I may just use alligator clips ....not sure yet!

As stated, just use a bent paper clip to short the Light Green/Green wires when required and here is a screen shot of the procedure from the Service Manual

 

[Hook#3287]

What does this tag mean?

 

[gkarasik]

View attachment 408907

What does this tag mean?

Is there a number on the other side of the tag? The graphic on the tag is suggesting you slide the tag into the fob so you have the number when you need it to start the motorcycle if the fob battery dies.

 

[AussieChris]

View attachment 408907

What does this tag mean?

Do not throw away that tag.

The number (partially hidden in the photo) is your emergency start code. Store it in your phone etc.

Little known fact - you can scan that QR code (adjacent to the number) using your phone. It will produce the emergency start code which you can copy to the clip board then paste into a note or contact.

 

[Hook#3287]

Yeah, thanks guys

I covered the numbers and I know what their for, just can't get my head around folding it and putting it in the fob. Doesn't really go into any slot or anything there on the fob and why would you keep the number with the fob. Won't do much good if you lose it.

I've got my original fob code hidden in three places on the bike.

That's good info on the QR code.

 

[gkarasik]

Yeah, thanks guys

I covered the numbers and I know what their for, just can't get my head around folding it and putting it in the fob. Doesn't really go into any slot or anything there on the fob and why would you keep the number with the fob. Won't do much good if you lose it.

I've got my original fob code hidden in three places on the bike.

That's good info on the QR code.

The way Honda designed the emergency start procedure is unnecessarily complex; it's frankensteinian, and this is an outgrowth of that.

But it's not there for if you lose the fob--because then you'd also have lost the inside-the-fob emergency key and couldn't open the saddlebag, so the emergency start number wouldn't do you any good--it's there if the fob doesn't work, maybe because of a dead battery. It's a way to make sure that if you have a dead fob, you are sure to have the number with you too. To get it in the fob, you have to open the fob, put the tag in, then close the fob over the tag. I'm not saying it's a good idea--the whole system is stupid, and there are much better ways to keep the emergency start number, plus you should always have access to a spare emergency key--I'm saying that's what the graphics mean: It's a goofy Honda suggestion that you keep the tag inside the fob. That's the question you asked.

 

[mrmagloo]

I read somewhere that the tag, beyond documenting the emergency code, is also intended to be a shield to protect the FOB from scratches in some manner when attaching a key ring to the top slot. Totally ridiculous.

 

[AussieChris]

Aw, some engineer spent weeks designing that tag and how to fold it.

 

[murf]

I read somewhere that the tag, beyond documenting the emergency code, is also intended to be a shield to protect the FOB from scratches in some manner when attaching a key ring to the top slot. Totally ridiculous.

I have yet to read any Honda documentation associated with the new wings that states the tag" is also intended to be a shield to protect the FOB from scratches in some manner when attaching a key ring to the top slot."

 

[mrmagloo]

I have yet to read any Honda documentation associated with the new wings that states the tag" is also intended to be a shield to protect the FOB from scratches in some manner when attaching a key ring to the top slot."

I'm not going to waste my time to look it up for you, but LOOK at the tag. There is an illustration on it that actually shows you how to do it. You fold it along the dotted line, stick the crotch of the fold through the slot first, then pull it back so that the crotch of the fold is sitting right over the slot and the leg is to the top. They even show the key ring being split then inserted over the crotch of the fold.

Yes, I get it that this is so far out there its unimaginable they wasted an engineers salary to come up with something so retarded, but that's the fact. You can't make this crap up!

 

[gkarasik]

I read somewhere that the tag, beyond documenting the emergency code, is also intended to be a shield to protect the FOB from scratches in some manner when attaching a key ring to the top slot.

If it's on the internet, it must be true.

 

[Hook#3287]

I've read all the instructions available here and in the OEM service manual.

Instructions state to turn all fobs (SMART key) off.

If they blink 3 times when turned on and 3 times when turned off, how does one know which it is?

With a registered SMART key, you'll know because the bike will start, but how do you know with a new one?

I'll pull the battery, but am I missing some thing? Is there a way to tell if a new (unregistered) SMART key is on or off?

 

[gkarasik]

I've read all the instructions available here and in the OEM service manual.

Instructions state to turn all fobs (SMART key) off.

If they blink 3 times when turned on and 3 times when turned off, how does one know which it is?

With a registered SMART key, you'll know because the bike will start, but how do you know with a new one?

I'll pull the battery, but am I missing some thing? Is there a way to tell if a new (unregistered) SMART key is on or off?

When on, it's three short blinks; when off, it's a single, long blink. BTW, turning the fob off doesn't turn it all the way off; it stops the transmitting function.

 

[Hook#3287]

When on, it's three short blinks; when off, it's a single, long blink. BTW, turning the fob off doesn't turn it all the way off; it stops the transmitting function.

Ahh, now I see. Thanks. I wasn't holding the button down long enough.

 

[mrmagloo]

If it's on the internet, it must be true.

Gary, do yourself a favor smart guy, and take out your tag and LOOK at it. The illustration is pretty clear. If you're still having trouble, have your wife or grandkids explain it to you. It's not that difficult.