all new cars are coded with a pin or computer code anif you need a new it
has to be coded in order for it to work in the car. so yes it is true they
have to code the key

Ian:

It's true.
And if you bought the car from Honda dealer, you would receive 2 keys :
master key (black one) and vallet key (gray one). If not, you must ask for
the gray one, during your manufacturer warranty of 3yrs/36,000 miles. After
the expiration of this warranty, they will charge you for this key.

Dont forget to ask for the key code as well and keep this code in the safe
place, just i ncase you lost your key, call Honda, verify your ownership of
your vehicle and give them the code, they would make you another key (it is
not free, however, you have your key back). If you dont have the code, and
you lost your key, you have to tow  your car to the dealer .... cost more $.

TA

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Read this TSB from tegger.com
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/crv/x99-901e.pdf

It will shed some light on SOME of the complications of immobilizer
systems. It may be a different (North American?) system, but you'll spot
the differences.

'Curly'