So, I have two key fobs, none of them no longer work. Won't unlock doors or open trunk. One of them split in half and I had to use gorilla tape to keep it together. Anyways, I was looking for replacements on Amazon and Ebay and I can get new ones inexpensively, but they all say it has to go to the dealership to be reprogrammed. Do I really need to get the dealer involved, because I know they are going to charge alot. Or is this something anyone can do?

 

I have an S2 with the keyless entry option, so your mileage may vary as they say. I ordered new OE card and key from UAE and Japan (I forget which came from where, but those were the cheapest options to my door), and a local locksmith was able to cut the key and program the card to the car for much much cheaper than a dealer.

 

I was asking about this as well, and was told that you should be able to open the fob and replace the battery.

 

If you have one working remote you can program another one. If you have no working remotes, you need the dealer.
To program keys you need dealer or locksmith.

 

Thank you for the video, I appreciate you.

 

Thanks, I will try it and I hope it works. Otherwise, dealer is the last option.

 

You can replace key fobs without the dealership. First, try replacing the batteries and look for programming instructions.

 

It depends on the type of key.

The switchblade type(w/o Advanced Keyless Entry, no buttons on door handles) needs the tip cut and programmed by a professional(dealer or locksmith). The remote part can be programmed with DIY procedures.

The card type(w/ Advanced Keyless Entry and buttons on door handles) needs to be cut and programmed professionally. I have heard that you can program a 3rd key yourself if you already have 2 working keys, but I don't know the procedures for sure and I think you would still probably need Forscan.

 

Seems no.

 

Update on what?
There were different fobs discussed.

 

I've just finished replacing my key remote and transponder. I made a second key for me and my brothers mazda 3.
I had to buy a transponder programmer to do the job in the end.
I bought the replacement keys, took them and had the key blank cut at a locksmith, ($15.00) to do the job.
Then realized there was transponder in the replacement key fob. So did some looking into it and bought the correct transponder's.
When i got the transponder i got a note telling me that the transponder needs to be programmed, Yes transponders need to be programmed.
The tool turned up, I got to work setting up a account online and updating the tool. The first key took hrs and a few go's at it to get it worked out.
2nd key took min's to finish.
hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the update.

 

Ok, thanks.


 

Forget the dealer. A good locksmith can also do the reprogramming. I was able to get a brand new OEM card (S2 GT) and key cut and coded for something like $150 all in including the keys with a mobile locksmith. Shockingly, it was cheaper to have the parts shipped from Japan and UAE separately than any one source, or domestically.

Additionally, if you're a serial car nerd with modern rolling stock, you probably want a decent shop level scantool. I think they start around $300. Shop level scanners can code keys. Mine is about the cheapest one out there from a reputable brand (Autel), and I'm pretty sure it can handle it. I got it after the locksmith did his thing, and for a different car, so I haven't tried that feature yet, but it's one of the advertised features. If you compare the cost of the scanner to the cost of getting raped at the dealership, it's about break even, only you have a very powerful tool on the back end. If you're in a car club, might even be something to aid in the cause. Mine has done more pulling codes on other people's cars than anything on any of my own.