Why Does My Honda Pilot Say Keyless Start System Problem?

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Diagnosing a keyless start system error to get you back on the road

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Causes

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Fixes

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Replacing the Stop/Start System

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Recalls

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Tips

You love the fact that you can start your Honda Pilot without using the key. But if you started your car one day and saw “Keyless Start System Problem” on your dash, you’re not alone—this is a known issue in many Honda vehicles. Fortunately, most of the time it only takes a few minutes to find the right fix and get this message to go away. For a list of keyless start system problems and how to correct them, keep reading.

Things You Should Know

Change the battery in your key fob or use your spare key fob to get the keyless start system problem to go away.
If temperatures are below freezing, warm up your engine for 30 seconds before driving.
Turn on the stop/start system if it’s been turned off accidentally.

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Section 1 of 4:

Causes of Keyless Start System Problems

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1
Your key fob batteries are dead. When your key fob is dead, your keyless start system can’t recognize your key. One of the most common reasons why you’re seeing this error is because you need to swap the batteries in your key fob.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If your key fob batteries have been replaced recently, check your key fob for damage. If you dropped your key fob recently, it may have a faulty switch inside that you need to get replaced.
- Try using your spare key fob to see if the error goes away. If it does, it’s likely your key fob that’s the problem, not the car.
The keyless start system is fairly temperature sensitive, especially when it drops below freezing. If it was a cold night last night and you’re starting your car first thing in the morning, the chilly temps may be messing with your vehicle.^{[2]XResearch source}
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Your engine’s start/stop system is what makes the engine idle when you come to a stop while driving.^{[3]XResearch source} However, if the start/stop system is turned off, it won’t be able to detect your key fob to start again.
The error on your dash may also be alerting you that something in the car itself is wrong. A blown fuse or a switch that’s no longer connecting can prevent the car from starting, leading to an error message.^{[4]XResearch source}

Section 2 of 4:

Fixing a Keyless Start System Problem

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1
Change your key fob batteries. The first thing to try when you get this error message is switching out your batteries. You can find key fob batteries online that fit most standard key fobs, but check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re buying the right size.^{[5]XResearch source}
- For a Honda Pilot, buy CR2032 batteries.
- To replace your key fob battery, remove the physical key from the fob, then pop open the 2 pieces. Take the battery out and replace it, then put the whole thing back together.
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Warm up your car. During the winter, your car might need a bit more time to warm up before the error goes away. Turn your car on and let it idle for about 30 seconds before you start driving.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Drive slowly for the first 5 to 15 minutes during cold weather to avoid stressing out your engine.
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Turn on the engine start/stop system. The start/stop system is easy to turn on and off, so there’s a chance you may have hit it accidentally. In your center console, look for a button with an “A” in a circle that says “OFF.” Push this button to turn the system back on. If it was off, the same “A” in a circle symbol will pop back up on your dash, indicating that it’s turned on now.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If the start/stop system was already on, the “A” symbol will disappear from your dash. That means that it’s likely a different issue, and you can turn the system back on by pressing the button again.
- In some cases, the start/stop system may be faulty. We'll explain how to replace it in the next method.
If you have some mechanical knowledge already, you can take matters into your own hands. Replace the fuse inside of the fuse box (which is usually underneath or inside of the glove box), or replace the ignition switch. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself at home, take your car to a registered mechanic instead.^{[8]XResearch source}
5
Claim a warranty for other issues. Honda knows that the keyless start system has some issues, so you may be able to claim a warranty even if your car is past its warranty date. Make an appointment with a Honda dealer to describe the issue you’ve been having. They will be able to diagnose your car and fix the problem.
- If you are not eligible for a warranty and need to replace the keyless start system in your car, it will likely cost around $1,000.

Section 3 of 4:

Replacing the Stop/Start System

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1
Take off the passenger side dashboard panel. In December of 2020, Honda issued instructions for replacing a stop/start system, since it often causes issues with the keyless start system. To replace it yourself, remove the dashboard panel on the passenger side by undoing the clips.^{[9]XResearch source}
- This panel is fairly thin and can break easily, especially during cold weather. Handle it carefully, and set it aside so it won’t get stepped on or moved.
Carefully unclip the small center panel right above your radio. Once that’s off, disconnect the connector that was sitting behind the center panel.^{[10]XResearch source}
Use 1 hand to pull the driver’s side dashboard panel back, but don’t pop it off. Look for the humidity/in-car temperature sensor that’s connected to the back of the panel, then carefully disconnect it.^{[11]XResearch source}
Use a Phillip’s head screwdriver to disconnect the 3 screws in the center of the dashboard, then take off the trim. Disconnect all of the harness connectors, or clips, that were behind the trim.^{[12]XResearch source}
The start/stop switch is a black cylinder that’s about 4 in (10 cm) long. Pull it out of the center of the dashboard to remove it.^{[13]XResearch source}
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Install the new start/stop switch assembly and the dashboard panel. Slowly push the start/stop switch into the circular hole that you pulled the old one out of. Then, reconnect the harness clips and put the center trim back on. Finally, reconnect the temperature sensor to the driver’s side dashboard and put the 2 dashboard pieces back into place.^{[14]XResearch source}
- You can purchase a new start/stop switch assembly at a Honda dealership.

Section 4 of 4:

Did Honda recall the keyless start system?

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No, Honda has not recalled the keyless start system. However, they know that many customers are having issues with it, so they may extend your warranty to cover a replacement. They have also done several software updates to try and fix the issue.^{[15]XResearch source}
- The keyless start system doesn’t require any regular maintenance, but talk to your dealer to see if your car requires a software update.