2009 Honda Ridgeline Key Replacement

The 2009–2014 Ridgeline uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Honda Ridgeline key guide.

2009 Honda Ridgeline: key facts

Key type: Remote-head key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: ID46 (PCF7936/7961, Hitag 2)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

MLBHLIK-1T remote-head keys. First generation ended with 2014 — there were no 2015 or 2016 model years.

What kind of key does a 2009 Honda Ridgeline use?

The 2009 Ridgeline uses a remote-head key. That means the metal blade, the transponder chip and the remote buttons are all built into one piece. It is not a push-to-start truck, so there is no key fob to carry in a pocket. You put a real key into the ignition and turn it.

Inside the plastic head sits an ID46 transponder chip (the PCF7936/7961 Hitag 2 family). When you turn the key, the truck reads the chip and decides whether to let the engine run. If the chip is missing or was never programmed to your truck, the engine will not stay started, even if the blade turns the ignition perfectly. Our reference for this chip family is transpondery.com, and the Honda part number for the remote-head key is MLBHLIK-1T.

The truck also has a mechanical backup key, which is the cut metal part that works the locks and ignition. We cut the blade to match your locks and then program the electronics separately, so both halves have to be done correctly.

Spare key or all keys lost: how is the job different?

For this truck, both situations are possible, and neither one requires a trip to the dealer. Programming is done through the OBD port, and no NASTF/SDRM secure-data access is required for this year.

Making a duplicate is the simpler job. It does require an original key to be present, so we can work from a key you already have. If you still own one working key, make the spare now. It is the easier and usually more economical route compared with waiting until the last key disappears.

If all keys are lost, we can still make a new one. The work takes a few more steps, because we start with the truck rather than a key. Our van comes to you, so the truck does not have to be towed. If you would rather come to us, our storefront is at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the year, model and what you have in hand: one key, a broken key, or none.
We confirm the truck by VIN and check that you are the owner before any key is made.
We cut the blade to fit your door and ignition locks.
We program the ID46 transponder and the remote to the truck through the OBD port.
You test the key in the ignition, the door locks and the remote buttons before we finish.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the price of a 2009 Ridgeline key?

We do not quote numbers in an article, because the real cost depends on your situation. These are the things that move it:

Spare or all keys lost. Cloning from an existing key is usually lighter work than starting from nothing.
Where the work happens. A mobile visit involves travel to you, while bringing the truck to the Westwood storefront removes that part.
Condition of the ignition. On high-mileage trucks, worn wafers in the ignition lock can mean extra work before a new key will turn smoothly.
How many keys you want. Programming two keys in one visit is usually more economical than coming back later for a second.
Shell or remote repair only. If your key still starts the truck but the case is cracked or the buttons are worn, you may not need a whole new key.
Time of day. Calls late at night or on holidays can change what a visit costs.

Common problems we see with these keys

The data on this truck points to a short list of repeat problems:

Worn ignition lock wafers on high-mileage trucks, where the key feels loose or sticks.
Cracked remote-head shells and worn buttons from years on a key ring.
Remote battery failure, which can be mistaken for a dead key. The transponder chip does not depend on that battery for starting, so a dead remote does not mean the truck will not start.
Hardware-store copies without a transponder chip. They may cut cleanly and still not start the truck.

One honest note, and why call us

The chip data for this year is verified, but we still confirm by VIN before we cut or program anything. It is a routine check that takes seconds and keeps us from making a key for the wrong truck.

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987. You get one company, with a storefront and our own mobile vans, rather than a dispatcher who sends the call to a subcontractor. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work. California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith you call for theirs.

To see other years, visit the Honda Ridgeline overview or the wider Honda key guide. For anything else, our main page lists our services, or you can use the contact page to reach us.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2009 Honda Ridgeline have a push-to-start key?

No. It uses a remote-head key that goes into the ignition and turns. The transponder chip is inside the head of the key.

Can you make a 2009 Ridgeline key if I lost every key?

Yes. All-keys-lost is possible for this truck, and programming is done through the OBD port. We confirm by VIN first, and our van can come to where the truck is parked.

Will a hardware-store copy start my Ridgeline?

No. A copy without a transponder chip will not start the truck. The chip has to be the right type (ID46) and programmed to your truck.

Do I need the original key to make a copy?

For a duplicate, yes, an original key needs to be present. If you have no key at all, that is an all-keys-lost job, which we can also do.

Is my key not working because the remote battery died?

Possibly, if only the lock and unlock buttons have stopped. A weak remote battery affects the buttons, not the chip that lets the engine start. If the truck itself will not start, worn ignition wafers or an unprogrammed chip are more likely causes.

Do I have to go to a Honda dealer?

No. This year's programming is done through the OBD port and does not need NASTF/SDRM secure access, so we can handle it ourselves. Call (213) 577-1366 and we will explain the next step.

We cover all these cities

Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.