Ok, have done the key upgrade, and thought I should share the experience, which all went pretty well.

First, bought the key (two parts: shank & transmitter) from my local dealer -- they even had them in stock -- cost me $220;

Then, got the key cut by friendly nearby locksmith -- $10

Finally, followed Mazda Monkey's handy DIY instructions link here. It all worked a treat and was done in about 10mins.

Now there's no confusion about that lump in my pocket :p :D

 

Nice job Timbo , but $220 is a lot for a key :D

Can your butt dyno tell the difference with the mod

cheers
michael

 

Need pics timbo....with Jennifer Hawkins holding the key, if you can manage that

 

Sorry! :o

Here ya go. Jennifer just dropped in, and was keen to oblige

 

nice one timbo.

 

$220? Hopefully that was not full retail price?

 

did it come with the remote on it?

 

So I guess yes?

 

did the dealer program it to the car ?

 

No, I did it all. The RRP for the key and transmitter is around $270 from memory, and the dealer will charge you another $30 to do what I did in less than 10 mins

 

Not happy, Jen.....

 

I just got my '05 retractable key today. Went to a locksmitha nd got it cut. I got home and started to program. Programming the key portion to start the vehicle took all of 10 seconds. however, I am having some trouble programming the transmitter. Is there a trick to this? I am following the flow chart straight out of the workshop manual verbatum. Thanks for the help guys/gals.

 

I'm dumb. When I read 'door switch', I was pressing the lock/unlock button. Once I actually pressed the 'door switch' along the side I was good to go.

 

I'm a country boy so "please explain", who is Jennifer Hawkins (she has nice fingers)? I know she didn't win Australian Idol cos I heard that girl's name on the radio yesterday.
jack

 

What was the build date on your RX-8? I keep hearing that the retractable key doesn't work on the 2004 model. Mine 8 is a March 04 build and want the retractable key.

 

My build date is December 2003 and the '05 Key works perfectly with my '04

 

Mine is a July '03 build, and it works perfectly!

 

Jack

Stop that! Just because Mrs Jack is standing behind you, there's no need to act so innocent!

May I suggest a quick Google?

Anyway, how have you been? Long time no hear -- we were getting worried you'd become more attached to your sheep than the 8! :D

Yes, she does have nice fingers; unfortunately, 'Mez, she was having a wardrobe malfunction at the time of the photo, but I managed to keep the camera focussed on the key :D

 

Sounds like you solved the problem!

 

timbo, you can't kid a kidder. I clicked on the thumbnail. It is blatantly apparent that the photographer who took that shot was focused upon something other than the key.... :D . And, if the shot was taken in the circumstances you describe, I'd be somewhat disturbed if the snapper's attention wasn't focused elsewhere :p .

Gomez.

 

Such is the allure of the lines of the rx8 that even a beautiful woman in a g-string could not avert my attention...... NOT!