keys

[666]

When I bought my N reg mx6 it only came with one key and it was in poor condition, after getting a copy cut I discovered that the Mazda security immobilisor worked perfectly and the engine cut out almost straight away with the copy. The original key has a chip in it.

I have just come back from my local dealer, the parts department was closed all day today and tomorrow but I managed to find someone who told me that a replacement key with chip would cost £25 (not too bad) but as I only had one key they would need the car all day to programme the new key to match the immobilisor, they need to find the immobilisor code and fax it to Japan, then wait for a password to programme the new key to ! The whole process would take 1.5 hours and the total bill with vat would be £108 !!!!!!

I told them politely no thanks and went to my local ACME locksmith, they told me that they have a man who can cut and programme a new key to match my existing one, it would take 5 mins and cost £25 in total and he can do it anytime tomorrow.

Guess which option I'm going with ??

[G-Force]

Do the later MX's have a transponder imobilliser then ?

If so i thought you would need the master key to program your system to accept new keys. Im sceptical about a copy - In theory you if you made an "exact copy" then no problem as the system wouldnt know the difference - but my understanding was keys come with a set code and cant be reprogrammed hence you program the system to accept a new code - let us know how you get on though.

G

[Blue 6]

Mines a p reg (96) and it came with 3 keys two with a chip in
(one was a replacement) and a service key all mazda parts the service key will open the doors, and start the car for a few seconds before the immobiliser cuts in or should that be out.
I'll check the cost of the replacement key from the main dealer and let you know ( i have the paperwork at home). I'm sure it was nowhere near £108 !!!

[G-Force]

I "think" the reason "666" was quoted so much is that he doesnt have the master key - For some cars ( Ford Escort for example ) this results in a new ECU being required which is alot more nearer 1K !!.

[666]

The Mazda guy did say that if I had two keys with the transponder in them then it would be a 10 minute job to code a third, I replied if I had two keys with the transponder in them I wouldn't need a third !!!!!!

[666]

Well it worked and it only took 5 minutes just like the man said.
They cloned a new key blank to match my existing and then cut the blank to match and it worked perfectly for just £25.

[G-Force]

Nice one - Im glad it worked out - Im still puzzeled that you can reprogram transponders ( which are normally preset when made ) but hey if it works, it works.

G

Hi 666,

can you tell me where you got your key cut ?

Thanks

[666]

Hi Starion,

I got my key cut at Acme Locks & Keys, Locksmith, 53 St. Stephens Road, Canterbury, Kent tel 01227 785551.
You could phone them and ask if they know of anyone local to you, if you get really stuck send me a private message and if you post your key you me I'll get it cut and post it back.

When I tried holding my transponder against the new uncoded key it didn't work for me either.

Have you tried opening the plastic cover on the key and taking the white transponder out and putting it in your new key ?

Good luck and let us know.

666

Thanks very much.

Think I will try with a scalpel today and see if I can take the transponder out, did you try that ?

Otherwise, guess I will be giving your guy a call.

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers

Hi there again,

I called my local locksmith and they said that they can clone a key will take a couple of days.

I also took the old key apart and the transponder comes out really easily, so think this will be the short term fix.

Annoying thing is the car went into Mazda to get re-programmed but the code took so long to come back that it just never got finished.

The rush with this is that the car is due to go to the bodyshop as the bonnect opened (as if by magic) on the M4 on Thursday night. They must be strong cars as the damage is not that severe other than to the bonnet and windscreen.

Thanks for your help. If only Mazda could do this instead of the full re-programme.

Cheers