08 Civic won't start - flashing green key _ Immobilizer problem?

[Mixalot27]

I went for an hour walk in Fish Creek tonight. Returned to my car to find it wouldn't start. When I turn the key I get a rapid clicking sound and a flashing green key icon. Looking at the owners manual it appears this is an issue with the immobilizer not recognizing my key. I tried 3 different keys with same result. I disconnected the battery and cleaned up the connections but still no luck. I ended up leaving my car and taking a taxi home. First time this car has left me stranded.

Any ideas what the problem is or things I can try to fix it? Otherwise I guess I will be having it towed to Honda.

[italianstylez]

Had a similar issue in older Honda used master key,
cycled locks and ignition several times with the key and it ended up working

[snowcat]

Are you sure it's not a battery problem?

[sidewaysD]

Id check the battery first to be honest.

[Mixalot27]

I had the car towed to Honda. They reset the immobilizer and reprogramed my key. Ended up costing around $80.

Unfortunately they were unable to tell me what caused the problem and said there may be underlying issues. They did say that the battery tested low and I may want to replace it. However I think it might just be low because I fooled around trying to get it started for over 2 hours.

It doesn't give me much confidence in my car. I was planning on doing a 2 month solo backcountry hiking trip of the great divide. However I would be going to some very remote places where if my car won't start I could literally die.

[khanan]

It's for sure the battery, that or you need a new alternator.

How many kms does it have?

[Skidro]

Did your dash lights flicker while it was clicking?

[Ymerej472008]

Originally posted by sidewaysD
Id check the battery first to be honest.

Exact same issue on my 2008 Civic Si when installing my foglights...battery died, had it tested and replaced battery..started first go.

[Mixalot27]

Sounds like I should replace the battery then. It is the original battery from 2008. It has always started first try before. Can't recall if the dash lights flickered when trying to start other than the flashing green key. Interior lights, headlights, radio, power windows all were working normally. The car has 81000km.

[firebane]

Originally posted by Mixalot27
Sounds like I should replace the battery then. It is the original battery from 2008. It has always started first try before. Can't recall if the dash lights flickered when trying to start other than the flashing green key. Interior lights, headlights, radio, power windows all were working normally. The car has 81000km.

Take your battery in to be tested and check the load on it. A battery may charge up just enough to allow it to start but never gain a full charge.

[idriveabox]

Its your battery. My 09 accord made it to about 80k on the oem and left me stranded. They aren't built to last much longer than that.