TEW Rotors

My wife's car was stolen with my work bag in it. In the bag was a key to my car. We got her car back, but my bag and my key ('05, switchblade style) weren't there. So, the thieves know where I live and I don't want to risk having them come back with the key to my 8 and be able to just drive off with it.

I did a search, but didn't find anything about replacing the locks. I gather that replacing and reprogramming an existing set of keys would cost about $250-$300.

So, my question is: What would it cost me to replace the two switchblade keys, the valet key, all the locks, the ignition switch, and have the new keys programmed? I'm going to see if I can get insurance to cover this, but I need to know how much it'll cost.

Thanks for any info.

puch96

call the dealership and ask them.

Ike

I would guess you're looking at over $1000, maybe even 2k. If it makes you feel any better I think it's very rare that a thief would return to the scene of one of their past crimes.

limepro

when my wifes car was broken into her purse was in her car(yeah i have told her many times this is retarded) but anyway it had her spare key they didnt steal her car but we went to the dealership it was like 60 bucks to reprogram so they cant open the door with the remote that was on there and they cant start the car with the key because of a chip thats in the key. this was a GMC but hopefully mazda has some sort of measures like this too

Aseras

dealership can delete the key and keyfob with a WDS.. it can still open locks. if you are replacing the locks on the doors and trunk, it's gonna get expensive.

BunnyGirl

You don't need to replace out the locks and ignition. Your key has a chip in it. That is what operates the locks and the ignition. It also has a sensor thingy in the fob that goes along with that chip. That is how they work. All you need is reprogramming of your existing keys/fobs and the locks already there.

This is what my mom was told by the Mazda dealer where they got her Tribute. She had a working set of keys, then a fob but no key. She took it in to get it fixed and they gave her a key with no fob. Next week she is finally supposed to get both done (the people where my stepdad bought it for her are retarded!!!). Everything just gets programmed together. The keys are all cut the same. It's a matter of the chip now.

Napboy

i don't know if the chip is used with the locks, but we're sure that it works with the ignition.

so, if you have two existing keys, you can buy another one to reprogram all three. there's a thread that explains the process. however, they still might be able to open the doors with the old key since it's already cut to match.

Aseras

the key will still unlock the doors. if they are worried about theft ( maybe just items in the car or truck ) it's best to change the locks and ignition. although they won;t be able to start the car, they could still unlock the steering column and cause some havok.

i know it will unlock the lock. I have a plain metal key "blank" I had cut that has no chip it's just a normal key they I keep hidden on my car in case I lock my keys in it.

BunnyGirl

That's strange. My mom's Tribute has the same type of lock/ignition system with the chip key. We couldn't open the Tribute with the key they gave us because the chip wasn't programmed to the vehicle.

I suppose the dealership is probably dumb on this account as well, since they manage to mess everything else up all the time. I just know they said they didn't have to cut any keys as it all worked off the chip.


I have the smart card so with mine it doesn't matter. It's all based off transmitters and has a completely different system in the car for it. Mine is all a matter of programming. The locks either openwith the transmitter or by reading the chip in the key when I stick it in the lock.

daisuke

most cars these days have the system, my parents had a passat with the system, my sister dropped the legit key and the chip fell out and they couldn't start the car, they found the chip later, lucky because the new key cost about 80 bucks. But to the point, the passat came with a plastic emergency key as well which could unlock the doors but couldn't start the car.

Most cars allow you to open the door with a key that fits the slot and don't read the chip when they do it, makes A LOT of sense if your battery ever dies. so yeah, you should be able to keep the car from getting stolen, just make sure you keep valuables out of the car when at home for at least 6 months. but if your insurance will cover it just replace the locks I say...

StealthFox

wow wtf so if i were to get a copy of my switchblade key, and tried to open my car via the regular key, it wuldnt work b/c the car wouldnt recognize the "chip" in the key fob?!?

hemanrulez

So you've been here since 04 and still havent learnt keys need to be programmed to work

toxin440

i am now expeireicing something similar - my 8 was broken into and my briefcase stolen (at 8am right before work!) and my briefcase im 99% sure had my valet key in it.

my MAIN concern is having the keys/car reprogrammed so they cant drive the car off like they own it. which would cost about $100 dollars to get my keys re done.

Note: one dealership i called was retarded and said "you dont have anything to worry about the valet key doenst start the car anways" MORON!

To get the locks/tumblers and ignition re-done it would cost $1000 dollars (500 for labor and 500 for parts) that would guarentee 100% protection. I would love to do this but I think what im going to have to do since I cant afford it is just keep all valuables locked in in the glove box (radar detector/ipod) and just plug in each everytime I go somewhere. I'm going to get my keys reprogrammed and will just have to hope that they dont come back. Once i get my keys/locks reprogrammed theoretically the worst they could do would be to get inside my car but not be able to start it and since there would be nothing they could take of value laying around.... *sigh*

captain mercury

hahah, what does he think valet DRIVERS do? push your car to a spot for you?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I think either the dude have never been to a parking lot, or he didnt even finish his Junior high school.

If my dealership gives me this kind of ****, I will tell him "dude, go look up the word valet on webster.com before you work again"

But yea .... reprogram the thing for now, and change the locks whenever you have a chance. Just to be sure.

WhiteDealershipRice

Reprogram for now, and get the locks replaced as soon as you can afford it (or if the insurrance will cover it.)
Even if they can't start it it is a lot easier to push the car out to the street to a waiting flatbed if you can unlock the steering column. (that's the way most upper end car thefts occur nowadays anyways)

Having the key already will definately attract the thiefs to consider stealing your car.
Remember thiefs are looking for an easy buck, and anything that looks easy WILLL atract them... Having the key is definately easier than having to force the locks.

BunnyGirl

Well, I had my car towed two weeks ago for a flat tire. My steering column wouldn't unlock until the car was actually running. I couldn't turn the wheel or anything. The tow truck driver needed to turn the wheel to help angle it when putting it on the truck. We tried turning the accessories on and then to the on position but the wheel wouldn't do more than just wiggle a little. The wheels didn't actually turn. I have an 06 so I don't know if this makes a difference or not. I can't say that I ever noticed this on any other vehicles since this isn't something I would routinely do.

Aseras

I guess none of you have heard of lock "bumping"? keys are already obsolete.. http://www.toool.nl/index-eng.php

http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/24/t...secure-part-i/