Immobilizer when freezing needs battery disconnect for 30 seconds to start?

Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HONDA CRV
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Hi, the vehicle listed above is an EX model. The Immobilizer loses chip and key fob recognition when it is freezing cold repeatedly. I reset by unplugging the negative battery cable for 30 seconds and it starts working as normal. Any suggestions I replaced immobilizer ignition ring ignition switch and starter relay already works great except that, dealer have checked module and wiring for short they got vehicle for a month already.
Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 9:09 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, the cold can cause the electronics to go out. I have seen the MICU go out which is a part of the fuse panel. Here are the wiring diagrams for the immobilizer system so you can see how the system works. There is an outside chance the dash cluster is bad as well, but I am leaning toward the MICU. Here is how to replace the unit so you can see what needs to be done. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, January 29th, 2023 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Good info. I am sourcing Micu How much Shop time will it take to swap and reprogram Key fob.
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 AT 6:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sorry it really does not give specific times for this particular repair, but I can guess about 2 hours @ the shop rates would be a good estimate.
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Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
The Immobilizer loses chip and key fob recognition when it is Hot and Cold weather. Runs perfect after 20 sec. Battery disconnect reconnect. Thus far dealer had it 3 months changed ignition pick up coil, Relay, Starter switch, Micu, and ECM connections were traced and Neutral safety switch for good Ju Ju but no luck.
Thanks for all your Assistance this is a Learning Curve here.
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
Did the dealer run a CAN scan? This is the step I would take at this point; you can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Here is one for about $99.00 if you need it:

https://amzn.to/3ZixY4v
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Thursday, May 18th, 2023 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
They Scanned it No codes; IGot a Launch 909E and no immobilizer code when not starting or other codes.
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Sunday, May 21st, 2023 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Does it act the same with both keys? If the module is okay, I am leaning toward the MICU going bad. This will not show any codes when it goes out.
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 11:12 AM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Yes, both keys work great. Honda Dealer spent Many hours also got advanced assist from Honda tech Immobilizer unit puts out no errors just losses Key recognition more frequently now. Works perfect after battery cycle.
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, a bad MICU will cause this, can you ask the dealer if they have considered that as the problem?
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 10:24 AM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
They replaced the MICU I got used from working vehicle same problem also replaced ECM from Honda same problem after programing to VIN.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Is the Launch 909E a CAN scanner?
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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 5:00 PM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I actually got the 919E newer version both can do - CAN.
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Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 8:10 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I noticed we haven't been in touch for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? We are interested in knowing.

Let us know,

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
No Progress, I am in NYC Tri state area if you know a Honda immobilizer specialist.
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Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I'm sorry, I'm near Pittsburgh, so I'm not familiar with any shops in your area. I wish I could help.

Joe
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Monday, May 29th, 2023 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hey JACOBANDNICKOLAS,

Thank you, guys, for your help so far. What are the possibilities if you are interested in fixing this CRV? I replaced the Alternator since. It works fine with a wireless cutoff switch so I don't have to pop the hood every time it is happing everyday now. I traced it to the Backup fuse as a drain and it feeds the Immobilizer radio alarm door locks etc.
I think you are 3-4 Hours from Newburgh NY. So let me know how much you will charge to diagnose it. If I bring it to you.
Thanks
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Thursday, December 14th, 2023 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Unfortunately, we are required to keep things online only. I wish I could be of more help, but I like my job. LOL, I hope you understand.

Joe
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Thursday, December 14th, 2023 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
DOGNY
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
That's fine thanks.
Can you please send me some TSB's on Immobilizer and parasitic Drain from Backup fuse drains the new battery in 2 days parked. 2007 Honda CRV EX, when you get a chance. Thanks
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Friday, December 15th, 2023 AT 5:59 AM

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