Car isn't recognizing key. Green key light will show once key has been recognized by the computer and ignition switch. Sometimes the car won't recognize the key for about 20 minutes sometimes it takes a day and also shuts off in the middle of traffic.

The car's computer needs to be programmed to accept the key you're using with the replacement switch. There is a chip in each key, and if the computer doesn't recognize the chip, it will not allow the car to continue to run. As far as I know, only the dealer can reprogram the computer, and it may not be cheap.

Make sure your steering wheel isn't locked. Sometimes a key won't turn until you jiggle the wheel while trying to turn the key.

MAKE SURE YOU USING THE RIGHT KEYS. TRY ANOTHER IGNITION KEY.PLACE KEY IN THE SWITCH. TURN IGNITION SWITCH TO ON POSITION UNTIL IMMOBILIZER WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES FOR 2 TO 3 SECONDS. IF IMMOBILIZER WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES FOR 2 TO 3 SECONDS THEN FLASHES RAPIDLY.KEY CODE NOT RECOGNIZED.REMOVE KEY AND TRY AGAIN. IF ALL FAILS TAKE CAR TO DEALERSHIP THEY HAVE TO USE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TO FIX CAR.PROBLEM COULD BE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH,BCM,FAULT IN THE ECM OR IMMOBILIZER CODE INCORRECT.

sounds like he broke neutral safety switch

MAKE SURE YOU DONT HAVE THE WRONG KEY.TRY ANOTHER KEY.PUT KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH.TURN IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION.WHEN LED FLASHES TWICE THAT INDICATE KEY IS RECOGNIZED.IF KEY CODE NOT RECOGNIZED A MESSAGE ON THE TRIP COMPUTER WILL BE DISPLAYED.TO ENABLE ENGINE TO START WHEN KEY CODE NOT RECOGNIZED.SWITCH THE IGNITION ON.PRESS ANY KEY REMOTE TRANSMITTER BUTTON ONCE START THE ENGINE.IF ALL FAILS. THE KEY SWITCH TRANSPONDER FAILED OR THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER BROKEN, IMMOBILIZER MODULE FAULTY VECHICLE HAS TO BE SCANNED TO LOOK FOR FAULTY IMMOBILIZER MODULE.

"Security" or Key-shaped light flashes on the dashboard ? Your car might be equipped with an immobilizer. (you can find more information about the immobilizer in your owner's manual). The immobilizer allows the engine to run only if the correct key is used. If your car has an immobilizer, you probably see a "Security" or Key-shaped light coming on on the dashboard every time you turn the ignition ON. If this light is flashing when you turn the ignition ON, it could mean that there is some problem with an immobilizer or the system does not recognize the key. If the immobilizer doesn't recognize the key, the engine wold not start at all, or would start and then die in few seconds.
You can try a spare key, if it won't work, your dealer is the place to call. Sometimes, the key is just need to be reprogrammed.
R

I am having the same problem with my 1998 Accord LX. I realized that when I turn the key and the green key light does not come on my accord has no chance of starting. I changed the main relay thinking that was what I needed to do but I was wrong. The car still does not start. Before I changed the main relay there was a chance for the car to start after so long. But now nothing. I am stumped because I read about related issues and I feel it could be the starter, or the interlock relay, or the ignition switch, or it can also be that my car just doesn't recognize my key anymore and I need it reprogrammed. I am stumped. Have you found anything?

That's your immobilizer system light:
The Immobilizer System protects your car from theft. A properly coded master or valet key must be used in the ignition switch for the engine to start.
If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used, the engine’s fuel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), the Immobilizer System indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go out. If the indicator starts to blink, it means the system does not recognize the coding of the key. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert it, and turn the switch to ON (II) again.
The system may not recognize your key’s coding if another immobilizer key or other metal object is near the ignition switch when you insert the key. To make sure the system recognizes the key code:
Do not keep other immobilizer keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key fob, not metal.
Keep other keys away from your vehicle’s key and the ignition switch while trying to start the engine.
Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems could result that may make your car undriveable.
This indicator will also blink several times when you turn the ignition switch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
If the system repeatedly does not recognize the coding of your key, contact your Honda dealer.
If you have lost your key and you cannot start the engine, contact your Honda dealer.
Hope this lets you understand the light, and what should be happening.

HAVE YOUR CAR HOOK UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER TO SEE WHAT CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON.IF YOU ARE HAVING SECURITY PROBLEMS THE DEALERSHIP HAS TO FIX IT.SOME TIMES YOUR IGNITION KEY OR LOCK CYLINDER IS WORN WHERE THE BCM AND PCM DONT RECOGNIZE IT.THINKING ITS A THEFT CAUSING CAR TO SHUT OFF.SEE THE DEALERSHIP HAS TO SEE IF YOUR KEYS IS WORN TO A POINT WHERE THE BCM AND PCM.DONT RECOGNIZE. THE IGNITION KEYS.SO THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE KEYS ALSO IGNITION SWITCH AND BCM.THEN THEY HAVE TO REPROGRAM THE NEW KEYS AND IGNITION AND BCM TO THE PCM SO THE CAR WILL CRANK UP.THIS IS A DEALERSHIP FIX.

Hi aajabbar , this can be tricky if you haven't reset the cbs indicator before
first turn the ignition on so that you have all the ignition lights on and the engine not running, once the service indicator has cleared fom the display, press and hold the tripometer in until the display shows a triangle then the microfilter symbol, release the button then press and hold again untill reset shows, then release and press and hold again untill you have a sequence of lines on display, once this has happened release the button and turn off the ignition, once the ignition is switched on again the sevice indicator should have reset. you may wish to print these instructions and familiarise yourself with them before carrying out a reset. regards Mark.