jakejm79

So my RX8 (07 GT) only came with one AKE card key, from what I have read only way to get a 2nd AKE card key programmed (when you only have one is the dealer). Since I only really wanted an inexpensive backup I ordered a switchblade key. I have and OBDII dongle and FORscan setup on my PC. I am able to get into PATS programming so I figured I could program the key myself and then follow the DIY for the remote portion. I just received the switchblade key, I haven't gotten it cut so haven't tried programming the transponder chip, but I figured I'd at least take a shot at getting the remote done.

Anyway I can't seem to get into programming mode, I follow the DIY on here (door open, on-lock 3 times, door open button 3 times, but never get cycle of the door locks to signify I am programming mode.
I am using they blade key out of the card remote (I left the rest of the remote in the house to avoid confusing the system).

So my question is can I mix and match the two types of keys, i.e. is the AKE system backwardly compatible with the regular transponder key and remote system? If this possible then I shall keep trying, maybe after getting the switchblade blank cut and after programming that with FORscan. If not then I guess I'll have to suck it up and get a 2nd AKE card key and take a trip to the dealer.

I have searched, but all problems with programming the remotes seem to be down to the wrong remote and on cars without AKE. Or that FORscan doesn't support AKE (hence the reason why I went with the switchblade for my backup).

Oats

A non-AKE remote will not work with an AKE system.

I don't know if the transponders in the keys are the same or not.

arakawa

I looked into this a while ago, one of my AKE cards stopped working and the stealership wanted something like $600 to get me a new one.

You can only use other remotes if the FCC ID is the same, something to do with the specific frequency and protocol. Looks like cards from Mazda 5s and CX-9s of the same era will work, but a rough used one costs around $100 on ebay.

I don't know if the transponder in the key blade is compatible, but my old 3's blade itself was completely different. I wish I could completely replace that system with something more common...

Motakai

Its going to be a total pain in the *** to do on your own. (I'm seriously recommending a dealership because it's easy to botch the process and have to start all over again) I've tried this with another car and it only got me 8h of lost time and a semi-functional dongle and no working key. it May cost you an arm and a leg but with this car I'd be going to a "stealership" (mind you the reason why it costs so much is because you have to get specific training and equipment to do it right and the FOB card and blade also cost a fair bit for Mazda OEM)

jakejm79

Thank you for the insight, if the remote portion of the switch blade key isn't useable with the AKE system I will probably forgo trying to use that has a backup (no point in cutting and wasting a perfectly good switchblade key). I did just order a new case for the remote, it comes with the emergency blade key so I will get that cut and try programming it through PATS (the DIY for the AKE system only includes instructions for the remote part not the separate key part, so I am hoping that is programmed just like normal transponder keys). At least that will give me a spare emergency key incase the card key goes missing and then I will keep an eye out for a cheap AKE used card key, get the dealer to program that and stick the spare emergency key in it and have to complete sets of keys, but with a spare emergency key there is no rush.
Its a shame they aren't cross compatible (or at least the remotes) would make for a cheap way to get a spare key, though once I have 2 keys I can take care of more myself.

furansu

Anyone ever try to make a newer Mazda AKE work with the RX8? My 2016 MX-5 came with this more traditional fob for the AKE.



I don't mind trying to re-program my spare ND key to test, though I don't presently have any of my Smart Card fobs, just one of the keys from inside one (thanks whomever had my 8 before me), so I'm not sure I would even be able to program a second key/fob.

UnknownJinX

I prefer the card anyway, and I have a little key pocket for it to carry it around.

As for whether your ND spare key will work, I am leaning towards no. Pretty sure different keys have different kinds of radio frequency. If the ND system happens to have the same frequency as the RX-8(which I doubt), then yeah, it will work, but otherwise, it won't.

I think you need at least one working remote to get your car into programming mode yourself, or you will have to go to a dealer/locksmith.

jakejm79

To self/DIY program AKE card keys you need one programmed emergency (or transponder) key blade and at least 2 programmed remote cards.

furansu

I never understood how anyone loses a key/key fob to their car, boggles my mind, yet it seems terribly common for the 2nd-hand RX-8's.

Any one have the details on their card that I could compare against my ND key?

Bugger. I only have the blade part of the car, no actual card.

UnknownJinX

Pretty normal for any used cars. When I bought my Accord, it only came with 1 remote key. Same for my RX-8, except the previous owner called me a couple of days later and said he just found the other one, which I now use as a backup key.

Anyway, the FCC ID for an RX-8 4-button card key is BGBX1T458SKE11A01. The FCC ID for a 2017 Miata key is WAZSKE13D01. Found some info here.

https://fccid.io/BGBX1T458SKE11A01

https://fccid.io/WAZSKE13D01

furansu

Still not sure how to program the AKE without other existing ones. There is a sticky for key programming when you only have one, but I think that just covers the key/immobilizer, not AKE/SmartKey.

jakejm79

You can't, without 2 working card keys you can't program more by yourself, dealer only.

arakawa

I have both cards, but one of them stopped working. The remote trunk release still works, but I can't lock, unlock or start the car, the fob is no longer recognized.


That's one problem with all current cars, if you only have 2 keys you don't have a backup really...

jakejm79

Agreed 2 keys is now more the de-facto minimum, at least with two you can program extras yourself (a lot of other cars its dealer only even if you have multiple working keys).

And like arakawa says I think (at least with the AKE card keys) I don't know how many are actually lost vs. stop working and then get tossed.

jakejm79

So car was at the dealership to get new keys programmed, they had to get a new blade key insert for the AKE card key (Home Depot screwed up the cutting of my blank). Anyway I had ordered 3 used card keys off ebay with the FCC ID of BGBX1T458SKE11A01 my research had led me to believe that was the correct FCC ID, they were a lot of 2x 4 button remotes and 1x 3 button remote. I currently have a 3 button remote, foolishly I just gave the dealership the one 4 button remote with a working battery (the car was there for other issues), anyway fast forward and they claim the 4 button remote isn't the right one for the car and can't be programmed.

I looked on my remote for the FCC ID and I didn't find anything (was it on a sticker or actually embossed into the case) there is nothing I can see on it at all. Can anyone confirm the correct FCC ID (or any other determining factor) that should be on a 2007 GT with the AKE system?

jakejm79

Well to answer my own question, seems like I did have the right card keys, the one working key I received back was the new to me 4 button remote, the one they apparently couldn't program was the original 3 button remote that I got with the car.
I'm wondering if it was more the case of the tech seeing the 3 button remote and knowing that doesn't normally go to the RX8 and not even bothering to try to program it rather than attempting and failing, unless you can't mix and match 3 button and 4 button cards.

Oats

From what I remember reading there are 3 AKE keys with that FCC ID. A 3 button, a 4 button with trunk, and a 4 button with a hatch. They have different part numbers. They probably saw the key wasn't for an RX-8 and didn't try to program it.

The FCC ID and info is printed on the back of the keys at the bottom but it wears off quickly. It isn't readable on either of my card keys.

jakejm79

Thanks Oats, that is what I was thinking, I will be making a call tomorrow to the dealership and try to get them to program the other key for free, since I already paid for programming.