The 1997 Civic EX was a popular car in its day and is still popular among Honda enthusiasts. Unfortunately, there were a few issues with its electrical system that caused its theft alarm system to sound after disconnecting and then reconnecting the battery cables. Most owners, with their alarm remote controls, could reset their alarms to valet mode without much problem. However, owners who lost their original operating manuals and those who lost their alarm remote control devices were left to reset their alarm system in valet mode manually. If you have had that problem, you can put your alarm system in valet mode manually without a whole lot of hassle.
Feel under the dashboard for the valet override button. This will be a spring-loaded push button. Once you have found it, be prepared to press it and hold it in until your alarm LED stops blinking and turns solid.
Your alarm should chirp once.
Insert the ignition key and turn it as if you were going to start the car but don't start it. Leave the key in the forward position at the point just before the engine cranks. You do not want the car to start or the engine to crank.
Count five seconds while you locate, press and hold in the valet/override button you located under the dash in Step 1. Keep holding it in until the blinking LED light turns solid and your alarm chirps one time. Valet mode is now reset along with the grounded relay on the starter wire that will allow you to start the engine. If you could not locate the valet/override button under the dash within five seconds, turn off the ignition, remove the key and start again from the beginning. You must locate the button, press and hold it in within five seconds of turning the ignition key.
If your valet reset button is not a button but rather an on/off toggle type because you have an aftermarket alarm system installed, turn the ignition key the same way, flip the toggle switch in the opposite direction, and turn the key off. The keyless entry from the alarm will be the only thing working at this point if your car is equipped like that. If so, then follow Step 5.
Find and remove the panel and metal knee cage from under the steering column with your 10mm ratchet and extender. Locate and unplug the brain box for your aftermarket alarm system. Replace the panel. That should reset everything and allow the car to function in valet mode.
