Acura Key Programming
Find your Acura model below and tap it for the exact programming instructions — broken down by year and key type, with a photo of each key so you can spot yours. On many keys you can program the lock/unlock buttons yourself in minutes; the engine chip and smart keys are a quick key professional visit.
Find your Acura model
Tap your model, then match your key to the photo. Each picture links to that exact key if you need a replacement.
Acura ILX
2013–2015 · Smart Key Pro programming
Acura’s proximity smart key has no at-home sequence. A mobile key professional adds a spare on-site in minutes, or handles an all-keys-lost job — still far below dealer pricing. See the cost note below.
2016–2018 · Smart Key Pro programming
Same push-to-start setup — programmed by a key professional or Acura dealer with a diagnostic tool, whether you’re adding a spare or starting from scratch.
2019–2025 · Smart Key Pro programming
Proximity smart key, key professional or dealer only. Adding a spare is a quick on-site job.
Acura MDX
2007–2013 · Keyless Remote Partly DIY
This remote has a transponder chip inside. The lock/unlock buttons program yourself (steps below), but the chip that starts the engine has to be cut and paired by an automotive key professional.
2007–2013 · Flip Key Partly DIY
The remote buttons program yourself (steps below). The engine chip has to be cut and paired by an automotive key professional — quick and inexpensive.
2014–2020 · Smart Key Pro programming
Acura smart keys have no DIY sequence. A mobile key professional adds a spare on-site in minutes, or handles an all-keys-lost job.
2022–2026+ · Smart Key Pro programming
A key professional or dealer programs it with a diagnostic tool. You still save big buying the OEM-quality key from us.
Acura RDX
2007–2013 · Keyless Remote Partly DIY
This remote has a transponder chip inside. The lock/unlock buttons program yourself (steps below); the engine chip is cut and paired by an automotive key professional.
2007–2013 · Flip Key Partly DIY
Remote buttons program yourself (steps below); the engine chip is cut and paired by an automotive key professional.
2016–2018 · Smart Key Pro programming
Push-to-start smart key — programmed by a key professional or dealer with a diagnostic tool.
2019–2021 · Smart Key Pro programming
Proximity smart key, key professional or dealer only. A spare is a quick on-site job.
Acura RLX
2016–2020 · Smart Key Pro programming
Acura’s proximity smart key — no at-home sequence. A key professional adds a spare in minutes or handles all-keys-lost.
Acura TL
2009–2014 · Flip Key Partly DIY
The remote buttons program yourself (steps below). The engine chip is cut and paired by an automotive key professional.
2009–2014 · Smart Key Pro programming
If yours is the push-to-start smart key, it’s a key professional or dealer job with a diagnostic tool.
Acura TLX
2015–2017 · Smart Key Pro programming
Proximity smart key — programmed by a key professional or Acura dealer. Adding a spare is a quick on-site visit.
Acura TSX
2009–2014 · Flip Key Partly DIY
The remote buttons program yourself (steps below). The engine chip has to be cut and paired by an automotive key professional.
Acura ZDX
2010–2013 · Remote-Head Key Partly DIY
A cut key with the remote built into the head. The remote buttons program yourself (steps below); the engine chip is cut and paired by an automotive key professional.
2010–2013 · Smart Key Pro programming
If yours is the push-to-start smart key, it’s a key professional or dealer job with a diagnostic tool.
The keyless-remote programming steps
Use these to program the lock/unlock buttons on any Acura keyless remote, flip key, or remote-head key. About 5 minutes, no tools — have every remote you want working with you, and keep each step within 5 seconds of the last. (On a chipped key, this programs the buttons only; the engine chip is a separate key professional step.)
- Get in with all doors closed and unlocked, and put the key in the ignition.
- Hold your remote ready, then do this trio three times in a row (each step within 5 seconds of the last):
- Turn the ignition to ON (II) — dash lights on, engine off.
- Press and hold LOCK on the remote for about one second.
- Turn the ignition back to OFF / LOCK (0).
- After the third round, turn the ignition to ON (II) once more.
- Press UNLOCK. The door locks cycle on their own — that’s the car confirming it’s in programming mode.
- Within 5 seconds, press LOCK. The locks cycle again to confirm the remote is programmed.
- Pairing more than one? Press LOCK on each additional remote, one after another, within 5 seconds of each other.
- Turn the ignition to OFF / LOCK (0) and pull the key out to finish.
- If your remote has a trunk button, press and hold it 5–10 seconds to switch that function on.
- Step out, close the doors, and test every button. Done.
▶ Watch it done
Video: B1A - best1automotive on YouTube (independent, not affiliated with us). Your year may differ slightly — the written steps above are for your vehicle.
What about smart keys?
Acura’s push-to-start smart keys don’t have an at-home programming sequence — the manufacturer didn’t build one in. They’re programmed by an automotive key professional or Acura dealer with a diagnostic tool, whether you’re adding a spare or have lost all your keys. A mobile key professional can usually come to you and do it in minutes.
Need your Acura key?
Find your exact match and we’ll ship it fast, ready to program.