Key Issues x10000
 

This is absolutely insane. I really don't know what to do because everywhere I have read it says I need 2 keys and the stealership wants $700 to fix this.

Basically, I have been using my Valet key to turn my car on, as the original key knob starting mechanism disappeared on me while I was up north and had my car sitting in Florida... With this being said, I have been using the valet key to simply start my car and putting it back on my holder. This is currently the only way to start my car. Somehow, I don't know if the key slipped off my remote CC key and is now missing, so I can no longer turn my vehicle on.

I took my car out, came home, and I am now missing them so being that the car is my driveway, logically thinking, the valet key has to be at my house since that is the only way to operate my car and it is sitting in my driveway. But I have searched for days and days now and looked in every crevice of my home, my entire yard, and everywhere I can think it would be. No luck at all.

I have work this week and cannot keep relying on rides from friends or Uber to take me but at the same time I don't have that kind of money to shell out for a key. Everywhere I read states I would need 2 keys as the dealer also told me. I have the remote key and it works fine, but I as mentioned I am missing the "push to turn" knob for my vehicle....

My question is, what is the cheapest way to go on about resolving this? Do I really have to get 2 keys made again? Can I order them OEM and bring it somewhere to have it to where my valet key will start my car? Should I simply order the starting knob and if I do can I program these current keys to the new starting switch? Is there anywhere I can get this done @ in the Tampa area of Florida to where I wont have to go through a dealership?

Will keep you guys posted if I find the valet key as that seems to be the only viable option, but so far I have had zero luck. I SWEAR, this car is cursed.

You need two keys to program a new key on your own, or two fobs to program a new fob.

If you have no keys I think the dealer might be your only option. I think they can look up your vin to get the pattern for the key. What are they selling you for $700? It seems like that would be around the price for two keys and a second key fob to give you two complete sets. I would tell them you only want a single key. A single key is just over $80 + labor for cutting and programming.

To get a second set you can buy the OEM key blank for about $35 on ebay. For a second fob you can get them cheaper online too, around $170 new or you can get a used one for under $100. You can take them to the dealer to get programmed or try to find an auto locksmith that has the equipment to do it for less.

That plastic knob shouldn't be too expensive. The problem I see here is the fact that modern cars all have ignition interlock that prevents the car from being started unless you have a programmed chip. I don't know if the chip is present in both the remote and the key or just the key.

Like Oats said, the key itself should cost you $120 max all said and done, with cutting and programming. Get a blank from the dealer, ask for the key code or something with the VIN(that's a bit of a guess here; I know Hondas work this way), and have them cut and program it. You can check with the local locksmith with the ability to program car keys to see if they can do it for a better price.

The OEM key has a transponder chip and I think the fob has a different proximity type chip.

If you do end up buying a key blank from Amazon/ebay make sure it is an actual Mazda part. They are around $35. There are other non Mazda blanks for $10 and up that do not have a transponder chip. They just have a hollow area where the chip should be. I bought one of these and ended up cutting the chip out of the used key that came with the used fob I purchased on the forums. It was not easy to do and I should have just bought the Mazda one. I still haven't had the 2nd key and fob programmed since the dealer in my town closed.

You need an original master key in order to program another master key. If you do not have a master key then you will have to buy at least one new master key and have the new key code reprogrammed to the ecu. This is the only way and it must be done at the dealer. Shouldn't cost $700 but expect to pay close to $300 for one key and the hour or so of labor they will charge for the programming.

I'm assuming you have the AKE system, if you press in the ignition (you probably wont be able to turn it since there isn't really anything to hold but you should be able to press it in) does the KEY light on the dash glow green. If so the remote is still working to run the car and you will just need the cover (or work up another way to turn the ignition).
The AKE system has two parts, the emergency key with blade and the credit card remote, either/or can be used to start the car and both need to be programmed. You need 2 of one type so you can program additional ones yourself, I.e. two credit card to program a 3rd or 2 emergency blade keys to program a 3rd one of those, you can't use 2 credit cards to program a blade key or vice-versa.

The missing part you need so you can turn the ignition with the credit card key is: NF51-66-141A02 should run you about $20 give or take.

I would call a locksmith. My Maxima got immbolized and one of the keys failed. Most locksmiths have the tool to program the keys to the car. He came to us it was like 150 to fix my existing key and cut a new one. Maybe a locksmith can help your situation, it would be a lot cheaper if ones does it over a dealer. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

Ok bumping this up.

So when i purchased my 8 the PO only had the Auxiliary key from the AKE key fob. I have gone through the car and there are no other keys to be found. I want the have the oe type credit style key as well as the switch blade type as a backup. Can I purchase these online and have them cut and they taken to the dealer to program or is there another option? And when buying these online is there a specific code or frequency I need to look for? Have searched but no results have yielded any info other than this thread.

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure the switch blade key is not compatible with the AKE system, if you want spare keys you will need to order complete AKE keys/cards.

Thanks for confirming Jake.
So it seems as though I'll be in the market for a couple of transponders. Did these cars also come with a regular valet key or just the Aux keys?

Jake you helped a lot, thanks a ton. You saved me from visiting locksmith near.

Ebay. It's not just the key, you need the chip, etc. So best bet is finding an uncut original Mazda key there