How to Reset the Anti-Theft System on a Honda Accord

Carrie H
Feb 15, 2021

Red 2021 Honda Accord From Front-Driver Side

The Honda Accord has a longstanding reputation for quality and value. As technology has improved, new features have been added, some of which you may want to reset from time to time.

The anti-theft system is designed to keep your car from being stolen, but it can cause some inconvenience if you inadvertently set it off.

How to reset the anti-theft system on the Honda Accord?  

Insert the key into the driver’s side door lock. Turn it to unlock, then back to lock. Repeat the process. Turn it to unlock again. The system should now be disabled. You’ll need to start the car and leave it running for at least 10 minutes to reset the system.   

The anti-theft system helps keep your car safe, but it is important to know how to disable it. We will look at the history of the Accord. You’ll learn how to disarm the anti-theft system and which situations can accidentally trigger it.

Overview of the Honda Accord

The Accord came to the United States in 1976. In 1982, it became the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be built in the U.S. The early Accords were a budget-conscious exercise in practicality.

Today’s Accord offers excellent safety and practicality as well as luxury.

The Accord is now in its tenth generation. Today’s model is only offered as a sedan, but the Accord has had other configurations over the years. In the 1990s, it was also sold as a station wagon and a coupe.

The 2020 Accord offers a conventional drivetrain and a hybrid option. It has four trim packages. The LX is well-equipped for a base model. The Sport model provides some sporty visual upgrades. The Ex and Ex-L offer more luxury and convenience features.

The Touring model is fully loaded with everything you could want in a sedan. Adaptive suspension dampers improve handling, and ventilated seats provide comfort. Technology features include parking sensors and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

How to Reset the Anti-Theft System on the Honda Accord

The simplest way to reset the anti-theft system is to press the alarm on your key fob. If a single press doesn’t do it, press it five times. Then hit the lock button. Wait a few minutes and see if it is off.

If you are inside the car, put your key in the ignition. Turn it to the “accessory on” position, which will be a slight right turn. Leave it in place for 10 minutes. This should reset the alarm and allow you to start the car.

If you are outside your car and the key fob didn’t reset the alarm, put your key into the door lock.

Turn it to unlock, then lock. Repeat the process. Turn it back to unlock. You must start the car and let it run for 10 minutes after disabling the alarm.

Common Alarm Triggers

Modern car alarms use vibration sensors. When something hits the car, the alarm goes off. Many have a two-stage system. A light impact will cause the alarm to chirp in warning, and a heavy impact will trigger the alarm.

Animals or someone simply walking too close to the vehicle can easily set off a sensitive alarm.

Pressure from someone attempting to break a window or force a door open will set it off as well.

There are also sensors that detect when a door, hood or trunk is being opened while the alarm is triggered. This is to prevent someone from forcing entry into your vehicle. It can also be triggered by the owner attempting to enter the car while the alarm is enabled.

A dead battery can also cause the alarm to arm. If this is the case, the car won’t start, and the anti-theft light on the dash will be on. After you charge or replace the battery, you’ll need to reset the alarm system.

The last common trigger is a damaged key fob or dead battery in the fob. This may cause the alarm to trigger or not function properly. If this is the case, you will not be able to reset the alarm using the key fob.

Considering the Honda Accord?

If you are considering the purchase of a Honda Accord, you should take a look at Vehicle History. You can learn the history of the vehicle by performing a VIN search. You’ll also find a full list of specs and expert reviews. You can see what other owners say about the vehicle as well.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mike on July 21, 2022
Key stuck in driver side door
I have a 2004 Honda Accord and my key had gotten stuck when I was trying open so I jumped in thru the trunk and unlocked it and now the alarm won't stop, how can stop it because lights are going off and on I took the horn chip out but now just stuck driving with the flashing lights plus my key is still in the door
accountCircle William Cheatwood on December 11, 2023
Light not working on my 05 Honda Accord LX coupe
Why wont my security light on my dash illuninate the required time its supposed to? Its supposed to do this process and blink about 5 times to let you know its been deactivated i believe you supposed to do this every time you replace the battery
accountCircle Ken McWilliams on September 1, 2022
The anti theft system is horrible
Nobody wants to steal Honda Accords. So why did they include an anti theft system? All it does is make me spend hours trying to get my car to start. Theadvice here regarding disabling the system only works on occasion.
accountCircle Daniel on September 3, 2021
Did have got stole also key did because jealousy I know I can caa honda give Vin but I took ignition out was buying new ignition and door key or anyone interested ill sale as is 2500 converter get close that I need a truck or old log truck
Desperate to either get it running for wife or trade I got a bout 36 acre of hardwood I am going to cut move sale and start building camping area for youths and 4h
accountCircle John on November 4, 2023
Locking system
Got out of my Honda car but didn’t take keys out of ignition, the car locked itself and I couldn’t get in it
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