5 Causes of Honda Pilot "Keyless Start System Problem" Error Message

Causes and fixes when a Honda Pilot has a "Keyless Start System Problem" error message.
OBDII code Code B12C5
Possible Causes
Start Button
Key FOB Battery
Bad Relay
Blown Fuse
Wiring
Bad PCU

[@TW748]

This is really helpful. I just had the MOST connector recall done and now I have this message. Dealer claims it’s a $600 repair!! I bet they broke the switch when they pulled the dash.

[@colincfour-zp9ul]

This is a warranty repair issue look up Service Bulletin 20-117, for 2016-17 pilots and 2017 ridgeline. American Honda is extending the warranty for the keyless start system on these vehicles to 9 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first

[@rosssenin8172]

i do have an issue with honda HRV 2018, alarm randomly goes off by itself, and trigger for that is not the door switches but like in Ridgline IG1 circuit. the same problem?

[@glock-hm3ro]

Thanks for the tip; our 2016 Pilot just started this crap...I really appreciate the info on the Service bulletin. Take care

[@theman7563]

Thanks for the tip! You saved me big time!

[@1640e22]

Yes, just got the issue. Brought it to my H dealer and they took care of it under extended warranty. Love my ‘16 PILOT but cringe at the potential issues not that cars “don’t last as long as they used to...”

[@Munedawg]

Thank you for this.

[@andrjsh]

I followed the instructions in the manual & also checked the fuses. In the end, I just clicked on my seatbelt and it immediately turned over.

[@ROBM1093]

I have this problem the first time I changed the batteries in the key fob I have two of them problem immediately resolved. Happened again maybe four months later I replace both batteries with better quality batteries problem resolved for a few weeks then I got the code again. Thinking I've been buying crummy batteries lately I bought new batteries problem resolved for 4 days and the code was back up on the dashboard. I turn the vehicle off removed the battery why did a few seconds put the same battery back in and pushed down into the side on it very hard to make sure the battery was making proper contact and put the remote back together the light was immediately off. I'm thinking the battery is not making proper contact or perhaps even the wrong size second thought something is wrong with the key fob internally. Please leave feedback

[@Munedawg]

This issue is probably still under warranty; they *extended the warranty* on it. Honda Service Bulletin 20-117.

[@nllandry]

The fob itself doesn’t lock/unlock doors, start engine or opens trunk. Which of these solutions is most likely if the battery is replaced, and have to press the start button w key fob?

[@ggfb20]

I have a 2025 Pilot Black Edition and the remote start/stop does not function via the Honda Link application. It does work via the key fob without issue though. Honda Link support and the dealer cannot seem to figure out the issue. A relative of mine has the same issue with the same vehicle.

[@samirshah5411]

Very useful, I’m done with this Pilot, trading it in for another Tesla.

[@laurapoynter2970]

Hi, I have this light coming on keyless start system problem on my 2017 Honda civic. . I was rinsing off my car this morning. My window was slightly open. The inside driver door ,my seat, steering wheel was really wet. My inside of my car. Now this light is coming on. I try drying everything. What can I do to fix this? Please help

[@chriswagoner7623]

What about for a Honda civic ex hatchback 2018??

[@aaronjo331]

nice video.....weird it had trouble starting but started...then the next time I tried to start it...same problem but will absolutely not start now.

[@brendabickerstaff1008]

Is this covered under the warranty? They told me I have a ten yr warranty . Plus I have a 4 yr warranty

[@michaelhoward670]

Good info

[@mandahgarcia8831]

But which fuse should be checked though

[@omarspence7404]

Honda stream has the key not detected but it starts and everything but the signal won't come off the dashboard, how to fix? Battery terminal disconnected is a temp fix.

[@zawanz209]

Thanks

[@Mishizzzle]

Where's the Amazon link? Ty

[@transtar54]

I entered my pilot 2022, the alarm estarted honking and the car didnt want star , i disconected the battery and the problem was solved

[@mattmursch8701]

Done with pilots. Hello highlander.

[@cumulus1234]

Highlander has problems

[@DarknessFlame305]

Can this also cause issues to where your walk away lock wont work?

[@ericbranin9647]

I fave that problem also.

[@1slwfk7]

My hatch got wet and it keeps opening when I start the car then I get this error

[@calvinblunt1752]

What about the breaks

[@brendabickerstaff1008]

It not he key fob battery. The truck will not start or even tried to start! It’s a 2017 had a new battery 3 yrs ago

[@brendabickerstaff1008]

Does this model have more than one battery under the hood?

[@nzinghao7413]

My keyless start system error msg only comes on when I use the remote start feature on my pilot touring

[@MrRoyalgarcia]

This is happening when I started the remote start too. I hope that's what it is.