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American Best Locksmith
Call us 877-340-3344
European / Premium · Mobile automotive locksmith

Acura key replacement & programming — at your location.

Lost your Acura key, locked out, or need a programmed spare without a dealer trip? We come to your driveway, parking lot, or office across Philadelphia, South Jersey, Wilmington DE, and Houston and cut and program your replacement key on-site — no tow truck, no dealer appointment, typically half the dealer price. Acura is Honda's luxury arm — MDX, RDX, TLX, plus the Integra (back since 2023) and the limited-run NSX. Same Honda chip family with premium fob shells. Family-owned, on the road since 2007.

Call 877-340-3344 Get a quote →
Freshly programmed Acura smart key held in front of the Acura steering wheel airbag with the Acura emblem visible Recent job · Acura
Acura smart key programmed on-site — Honda Smart Entry platform, fob paired to the vehicle's ECU, all functions tested. Same dealer-grade equipment, ~half the dealer price.
Licensed & insured
Multi-state — PA, NJ, DE, TX
Same-day mobile
Avg ~25 min in-footprint
Acura specialists
Dealer-grade equipment in every truck
300+ reviews
Family-owned since 2007
Dealer vs. mobile locksmith

Acura key — dealer vs. us.

We do the same programming as the Acura dealer, with the same dealer-grade equipment, on-site instead of at the service drive.

Acura dealer
Us — mobile locksmith
Where it happens
DealerTheir service bay (often after a tow)
UsYour driveway, parking lot, or fleet yard
When it happens
DealerNext available appointment (1–7 days)
UsSame day — typically within hours
Tow truck needed?
DealerOften, if you can't drive the car in
UsNever — we come to the car
Total cost
DealerDealer key + tow + service-bay labor
Us~30–50% less, all-in
Service guarantee
If we can't make a key, you don't pay. If we can't successfully cut and program a working key, you owe us nothing — no service call fee, no dispatch fee, no parts. Period.
Acura services

Acura services we handle on-site.

Six core Acura jobs — driveway, parking lot, fleet yard. No tow.

1
Lost key replacement
All-keys-lost on your Acura, on-site. 30–60 min typical.
2
Spare key programming
Working key + VIN, 20–30 min, ~half the dealer price.
3
Smart key / proximity fob
Push-to-start, KEYLESS GO, Comfort Access — every Acura generation we cover.
4
Broken key extraction
Snapped in ignition or door lock — extracted on-site, fresh key cut.
5
Ignition cylinder repair
Worn or seized cylinder rebuilt or swapped, keyed to your existing Acura key.
6
Lockout / emergency entry
Keys locked in your Acura? Open without damage, plus cut a new one if needed.
Key technology

Acura key & immobilizer technology.

Most generic locksmiths can't program Acura — different brands run different immobilizer architectures and require platform-specific equipment. Acura's system has evolved across multiple generations, and each one changes what's possible. Find your model below.

Acura's chip-platform history is the same Honda family — that's why aftermarket support is excellent across all four eras. The pre-1996 era was mechanical-only with no immobilizer. Megamos ID13 (1996–2002, fixed code) is the simplest — cloned on a handheld in minutes; older RL, TL, CL, Integra of this era. Honda HO01 (2002–2006, Honda-specific high-security) requires Honda-specific cutter and OBD programmer — covers RSX, TSX, TL, MDX 1st gen of this era. Philips ID46 / PCF7936 (2007–2012) introduced wider OBD-port programming via Honda scan tool — most TL, TSX, RL, MDX, RDX, ZDX 1st gen of this generation. Honda G chip / Philips ID47 (2013–present) is the highest-security Honda transponder, requiring an immobilizer-module clear-and-relearn for all-keys-lost. The Honda Smart Entry proximity platform (2009+ on Acura, earlier than Honda mainstream) layers push-to-start on top of the underlying chip. Every era requires a VIN-derived PIN we extract in-truck. Two outliers: the NSX (2017–2022) uses a unique smart-key system reflecting its supercar positioning — call ahead with VIN before dispatch. The new ZDX EV (2024+) is GM-built on the Ultium platform, so programming is GM-style, not Honda. The Acura Smart Entry on 2017+ models carries the known Honda relay-attack vulnerability — we recommend a Faraday pouch on every replacement.

Standard Cut Key (Pre-Chip Era)

Mechanical Key, No Immobilizer
Pre-1996
Locksmith support ✅ Yes
All keys lost ✅ Yes
  • Pre-immobilizer Acura — mechanical key cut to your code, no transponder
  • Original Legend, Vigor, Integra of this era
  • Cut-only — matched to your VIN-derived key code
  • 15–25 min on-site, simplest era of Acura key work
Common chassis: Legend (1986–1995)Vigor (1992–1994)Integra (pre-1996)NSX 1st gen (1990–1995, no immo)
Customer takeaway: Older Acura owners — fully serviceable. Spare keys cut to your VIN code, no programming needed. Quickest era of Acura key work.

Megamos ID13 (Fixed-Code Transponder)

First-Gen Acura Immobilizer
~1996–2002
Locksmith support ✅ Yes
All keys lost ✅ Yes
  • Honda / Acura first transponder generation — Megamos ID13 fixed-code chip
  • Mechanical key blade + transponder head; no rolling encryption
  • Cloned on a handheld programmer in minutes — simplest immobilizer era
  • Older RL, TL, CL, Integra of this era
Common chassis: RL (1996–2002 1st gen)TL (1996–2003 2nd gen)CL (1997–2003)Integra (1996–2001 3rd gen)
Customer takeaway: Megamos ID13 era — fully serviceable on-site. Spare keys, all-keys-lost, transponder cloning all routine. No PIN extraction required for cloning.

Honda HO01 (High-Security Transponder)

Second-Gen Acura Immobilizer
~2002–2006
Locksmith support ✅ Yes
All keys lost ✅ Yes
  • Honda HO01 — Honda-specific high-security transponder
  • Requires Honda-specific cutter and OBD programmer (not handheld cloning)
  • VIN-derived PIN extraction needed — we handle in-truck
  • RSX, TSX, TL, MDX 1st gen of this era
Common chassis: RSX (2002–2006)TSX (2004–2008 1st gen)TL (2004–2008 3rd gen)MDX (2003–2006 1st gen)RL (2005–2006 2nd gen)
Customer takeaway: Honda HO01 era — fully serviceable on-site including all-keys-lost. PIN extracted from VIN in-truck; no dealer trip needed.

Philips ID46 (PCF7936)

Third-Gen Acura Immobilizer + Early Smart Entry
~2007–2012
Locksmith support ✅ Yes
All keys lost ✅ Yes
  • Philips ID46 / PCF7936 encrypted transponder
  • Honda Smart Entry proximity layer introduced (2009+ on Acura)
  • OBD-port programming via Honda scan tool
  • VIN-derived PIN required
Common chassis: TL (2009–2014 4th gen)TSX (2009–2014 2nd gen)RL (2007–2012)MDX (2007–2013 2nd gen)RDX (2007–2012 1st gen)ZDX (2010–2013 1st gen)ILX (2013)
Customer takeaway: Philips ID46 + early Smart Entry era — fully serviceable on-site including all-keys-lost via OBD. Most common older-Acura platform on the road today.

Honda G Chip + Smart Entry (Current)

Highest-Security Acura Transponder + Proximity
~2013–Present
Locksmith support ✅ Yes
All keys lost ✅ Yes
  • Honda G chip / Philips ID47 — current Honda / Acura transponder family
  • Honda Smart Entry proximity platform layered on top
  • Advanced encryption; immobilizer-module clear-and-relearn for all-keys-lost
  • Relay-attack vulnerability on 2017+ Smart Entry — Faraday pouch advised
  • MDX, RDX, TLX, ILX, Integra (current) of this era
Common chassis: MDX (2014+ 3rd & 4th gen)RDX (2013+ 2nd & 3rd gen)TLX (2015+ 1st & 2nd gen)ILX (2014–2022)Integra (2023+ 5th gen)
Customer takeaway: Current G chip + Smart Entry era — fully serviceable on-site. Immo-module relearn adds 10–15 min on AKL vs older years but still done in your driveway. Faraday-pouch advice included.

NSX 2nd Gen / ZDX EV (Outliers)

Bespoke Smart Key / GM Ultium
NSX 2017–2022 · ZDX 2024–Present
Locksmith support ✅ Yes
All keys lost ✅ Yes
  • NSX 2nd gen: bespoke Acura smart-key reflecting supercar positioning
  • ZDX EV: GM-built on Ultium platform — programming is GM-style, not Honda
  • Both require VIN-confirmed dispatch — different equipment / blanks
  • Outliers from the main Acura/Honda platform lineage
Common chassis: NSX (2017–2022 2nd gen)ZDX (2024+ EV)
Customer takeaway: NSX and ZDX are platform outliers — call ahead with VIN so we bring the right blank and the right programmer. Both within our equipment coverage.

At-a-glance coverage summary

System Years Locksmith Support All Keys Lost
Standard Cut Key (Pre-Chip Era) Pre-1996 ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Megamos ID13 (Fixed-Code Transponder) ~1996–2002 ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Honda HO01 (High-Security Transponder) ~2002–2006 ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Philips ID46 (PCF7936) ~2007–2012 ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Honda G Chip + Smart Entry (Current) ~2013–Present ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
NSX 2nd Gen / ZDX EV (Outliers) NSX 2017–2022 · ZDX 2024–Present ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Acura model pricing

What it costs for your specific Acura.

Year-banded pricing for our most-requested Acura models. All-in on-site — blank, cutting, programming, dispatch. Final price confirmed on the phone with your VIN before we leave the shop.

MDX 4 year ranges
Year2003–2006 (1st gen)
Key systemHonda HO01 high-security
Price range$180–$270
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported
Year2007–2013 (2nd gen)
Key systemPhilips ID46 + Smart Entry
Price range$220–$340
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported
Year2014–2020 (3rd gen)
Key systemG chip + Smart Entry
Price range$260–$400
On-site25–40 min
NoteAKL supported; Type S 2021+ same
Year2022+ (4th gen)
Key systemSmart Entry (G chip current)
Price range$300–$460
On-site30–45 min
NoteMDX / Type S / A-Spec same key
RDX 3 year ranges
Year2007–2012 (1st gen)
Key systemPhilips ID46 + Smart Entry (late)
Price range$200–$320
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported
Year2013–2018 (2nd gen)
Key systemG chip + Smart Entry
Price range$240–$380
On-site25–40 min
NoteAKL supported
Year2019+ (3rd gen)
Key systemSmart Entry (current G chip)
Price range$280–$440
On-site30–45 min
NoteA-Spec / PMC same key
TLX / TL (Sedans) 5 year ranges
YearTL 1996–2003 (2nd gen)
Key systemMegamos ID13 transponder
Price range$150–$220
On-site15–25 min
NoteAKL supported
YearTL 2004–2008 (3rd gen)
Key systemHonda HO01 high-security
Price range$180–$260
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported
YearTL 2009–2014 (4th gen)
Key systemPhilips ID46 + Smart Entry
Price range$220–$340
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported
YearTLX 2015–2020 (1st gen)
Key systemG chip + Smart Entry
Price range$260–$400
On-site25–40 min
NoteAKL supported; Type S 2021+ same
YearTLX 2021+ (2nd gen)
Key systemSmart Entry (current G chip)
Price range$280–$440
On-site30–45 min
NoteType S / A-Spec same key
Integra / ILX / RSX 4 year ranges
YearIntegra 1996–2001 (3rd gen)
Key systemMegamos ID13 transponder
Price range$140–$200
On-site15–25 min
NoteAKL supported; enthusiast favorite
YearRSX 2002–2006
Key systemHonda HO01 high-security
Price range$170–$250
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported; Type-S same
YearILX 2013–2022
Key systemPhilips ID46 / G chip + Smart Entry
Price range$220–$360
On-site25–40 min
NoteAKL supported
YearIntegra 2023+ (5th gen)
Key systemSmart Entry (current G chip)
Price range$260–$420
On-site30–45 min
NoteType S same key; Civic-platform
NSX / ZDX (Outliers) 4 year ranges
YearNSX 1990–2005 (1st gen)
Key systemMechanical (no immo)
Price range$180–$280
On-site20–30 min
NoteCut to code; collector market
YearNSX 2017–2022 (2nd gen)
Key systemBespoke Acura Smart Key
Price rangeCall for price
On-siteCall ahead
NoteVIN-confirmed dispatch required
YearZDX 2010–2013 (1st gen)
Key systemPhilips ID46 + Smart Entry
Price range$240–$380
On-site25–40 min
NoteAKL supported
YearZDX 2024+ (2nd gen EV)
Key systemGM Ultium Smart Key
Price range$300–$460
On-site30–45 min
NoteGM-built; confirm with VIN
Legacy (TSX, RL, CL, Legend, Vigor) 5 year ranges
YearLegend 1986–1995
Key systemMechanical (no immo)
Price range$140–$220
On-site15–25 min
NoteCut to code; collector
YearVigor 1992–1994
Key systemMechanical (no immo)
Price range$140–$220
On-site15–25 min
NoteCut to code
YearRL 1996–2012 (KA9 / KB1 / KB2)
Key systemMegamos / HO01 / ID46 era-dependent
Price range$180–$340
On-site20–30 min
NoteConfirm year with VIN
YearTSX 2004–2014
Key systemHO01 / ID46 era-dependent
Price range$180–$320
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported
YearCL 1997–2003
Key systemMegamos / HO01 era-dependent
Price range$160–$260
On-site20–30 min
NoteAKL supported

Don't see your exact model or year? Call us with your VIN — we cover every Acura model on the road, and a 30-second VIN check confirms the chip type and price before dispatch.

Hybrid & EV — read this first

If you drive a Acura hybrid or EV.

Acura's hybrid + EV lineup is narrow: the MDX Sport Hybrid (2017–2020), RLX Sport Hybrid (2014–2020), NSX 2nd gen (2017–2022, hybrid V6), and the new ZDX EV (2024+). The hybrid Acuras use the standard Honda Smart Entry platform — programming is identical to gas variants. The thing that catches hybrid owners off-guard is that a marginal 12V auxiliary battery (separate from the high-voltage hybrid pack) causes 'intermittent fob' symptoms that look exactly like a key problem. We test the 12V FIRST on every hybrid Acura call before quoting key work — usually a $40 fix at most parts stores. The NSX 2nd gen hybrid uses bespoke programming — call ahead with VIN. The ZDX EV is the outlier — it's GM-built on the Ultium platform, so programming is GM-style, not Honda. Same coverage as our Chevy / GMC EV work.

Common problems

Common Acura key problems & what we do about them.

Before you assume you need a new key, here's what usually goes wrong with Acura keys — and how we diagnose before charging.

Why is my Acura Smart Entry not detected?

Most common (in this order): dead CR2032 fob battery — a $3 fix we do in 60 seconds; weak 12V vehicle battery; fob desync after a 12V service; or a failing antenna ring around the push-start button. We diagnose first — a new key won't fix any of these except the last. Acura fobs in particular eat batteries fast in cold weather; check that before assuming the key has failed.

I lost both Acura keys — can a locksmith really do all-keys-lost on-site?

Yes. All-keys-lost on Acura 1998 to current is routine for us. We pull the immobilizer PIN from your VIN, connect to the OBD2 port, generate the key file, cut to your VIN, program to the ECU. 2013+ G-chip cars require an immobilizer-module relearn (adds 10–15 min vs older years) but still done in your driveway. 30–60 min typical. Bring proof of ownership and VIN — we don't dispatch on AKL without it.

MDX / RDX intermittent push-to-start — is it the key or the car?

Almost always one of three things: dead CR2032 in the fob, marginal 12V battery (cold weather), or fob desync after a battery service. We test all three before quoting key work. Acura Smart Entry on 2017+ models carries the known Honda relay-attack vulnerability — Faraday-pouch advice included on every replacement.

My Acura fob shell cracked or buttons stopped — fix or replace?

If the case cracked or buttons stopped responding, we often swap the internal board into a fresh shell ($60–$140 depending on model) rather than reprogramming a whole new key. If the chip itself is shorted, then it's a full replacement. We diagnose first — board swaps are quicker and cheaper when they work.

Acura process

From your call to a working Acura key.

Five steps. Flat-quote on the phone, no upsells when we arrive.

1
Call & quote
Tell us year, model, and VIN. We confirm the immobilizer generation and quote a flat all-in price on the phone.
2
Dispatch
Tech rolls with the right Acura-generation blank and equipment, plus your VIN-specific key file pre-loaded.
3
ID & cut
Verify proof of ownership, cut the blade to your VIN code. Quick.
4
Program
Pair the new key to your Acura's immobilizer; test start, locks, panic, trunk.
5
Drive away
Drive away with a working Acura key, written invoice, warranty.
Service area

Acura mobile locksmith — across our footprint.

We service Acura owners across our four metros. Same-day mobile dispatch during service hours, dealer-grade equipment in every truck.

Philadelphia, PA
Acura keys across Center City, Northeast Philly, the Main Line, and surrounding PA suburbs.
South Jersey
Acura keys across Cherry Hill, Camden, Voorhees, Marlton — same-day from our Camden HQ.
Wilmington, DE
Acura mobile service across Wilmington, Newark DE, and northern Delaware. Local DE line, dispatched from Philly hub.
Houston, TX
Acura keys across Houston metro — Inner Loop, Energy Corridor, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands.
FAQ

Common Acura questions.

Can you replace an Acura MDX smart key?

Yes — MDX is the most common Acura call. Honda Smart Entry with proximity, programmed on-site in 30–60 minutes. Same approach across MDX base, A-Spec, Type S, and the PMC Edition trims.

What about the new Acura Integra (the Civic-based hatchback)?

Integra (reintroduced 2023) uses the standard Honda / Acura Smart Entry platform — programming is similar to Civic with Acura-branded fobs. Integra Type S (2024+) uses the same key as base Integra; the performance bits are mechanical, not the immobilizer.

Do you still do NSX (2017–2022) keys?

Yes — second-gen NSX used a unique smart-key system reflecting its supercar status. Limited production volume (~2,900 cars made total) but fully supported by our equipment. Call ahead with VIN to confirm coverage on your specific year — we want to make sure we have the right blank in stock before dispatching.

Are Acura fobs interchangeable with Honda fobs?

The underlying programming architecture is shared (same Honda chip family — Megamos, HO01, ID46, G chip), but the physical fobs are different (Acura branding, premium materials, distinct button layouts). We carry Acura-specific fobs in inventory — no swapping a Civic fob into an MDX.

What about the new ZDX EV (Acura's first dedicated electric)?

ZDX (2024+) is a unique case — Acura's first EV is actually GM-built on the Ultium platform (sibling to the Honda Prologue and the Chevy Blazer EV). Programming is GM-style, not Honda. We confirm with VIN before dispatch. Same coverage as our Chevy / GMC EV work — within our standard equipment set.

Do you handle the legacy Acura TSX, TL, RL, RSX — increasingly older?

Yes. TSX (2004–2014), TL (1996–2014), RL (1996–2012, KB1/KB2 chassis), RSX (2002–2006, Type-S enthusiast favorite), CL (1997–2003), Vigor (1992–1994), Legend (1986–1995) — all within our standard Honda-platform coverage. These are increasingly enthusiast / collector vehicles; we have the right chip-era programming.

Need a Acura key today?

A real licensed locksmith answers — not a call center. Tell us year, model, and VIN; we quote you flat on the phone and roll same-day.

Call 877-340-3344 Get a quote →
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Other asian brands we service.

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