PROCEDURE: Code your NEW key yourself
 

Got the Colour Coded key from Mazda as a pre-order present

Went to the dealer to Code it. I saw them done on the spot...

HEY ... In fact... YOU DON"T NEED TO GO THERE! YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF!

Procedure to code key:

Require:
2 coded keys (not your service/valet key please)
1 Uncoded key (Your new key)
Your 8
Yourself with a working hand
Have you service/valet key ready. In case you F up

Steps:

1 - Put your 1st coded key. Turn on to standby mode/pre-ignition mode but not starting the engine. Wait for 4 seconds.

2 - Put your 2nd coded key. Turn on to standby mode/pre-ignition mode and wait for 4 seconds.

3 - Put your uncoded key in. Turn on to standby mode/pre-ignition mode and wait for 4 seconds.

4 - Test all the keys.

Should work. If you have F up the keys, use the service/valet key to drive up to the dealer. :)

Enjoy

P.S. Don't know what I am talking about still, the following thread may help

Um, "service" key? What the heck is that? I got two "master" keys (black head) and one "valet" key (grey head). How do you ID a service key? Or is that just an Australian thing, perhaps?

Great info tho, thanks!!! Now I may just have to go get that cool JDM key with case... :D

If that's all it takes, there is no way I'm giving my dealer the $38 for 2 minutes worth of work. :eek:

takahashi: Have you tried this and were you successful? Has anyone else tried this on a US-Spec 8?

?!? Whoa..

1) What's a Service Key (I'm guessing the Valet key with the grey head)
2) What's standby mode?
3) Have you successfully performed this procedure?
4) Can any old key place cut the key?

Pretty please..

I don't know the answers to the other 3 questions, but no, you can't just get a key cut anywhere. The keys have some kind of RFID chip in them that identifies them to the car. A key without that simply won't work.

Walmart.....
 

You have to buy the chipped key blanks from the dealer, but they usually can't cut them.....

Walmart is actually the BEST place to have the pattern cut - they use a foolproof 'cartridge' system. Ask them for a ($2) copy for your original, they use a set of identifying key-holes to find the right blank and the correct cartridge to cut it - then tell them you want to pay for the cut and blank, but to use YOUR new blank.

They sometimes squeal that they're not allowed/ no guarantee/ it won't work for chipped keys, etc. but it works GREAT, and fits like the factory stock. Worst case is you have to go to a different WallyMart to get it done!

S

I picked up the key, went down to a locksmith and got it cut - then went back and got them to code it. They didn't charge me anything and I watched ... seemed to be as Takahashi says.

I can't answer the 4th one... I don't know how to order a key - has to be through Mazda Australia I guess

For the other questions:

RX - Nut

1. It is the grey Valet for you. (1 - normal key; 2 - colour coded key; 3- Service (Valet) key)

2. Standby mode (Pre-Ignitiion mode???), turn the key just before ignition (so the aircon will be on and can opearate the windows.)

3. I saw the dealer did it for myself... so I think it works. :D

Sorry about the confusion before

And yes my10ae... it is a rip of to charge you for that.

So I guess I just need to get my new key cut and then I'll try to code the keys myself. If coding doesn't work, the valet key will work to get my butt down to the dealer?

I guess it won't de code your car - only de code your key...
But it should not - should be save -

By the look of the "MENU" of my RX8 mechanic at the dearship. There is no explanation to what to do if you F that up - I guess they will just try again and send them to Mazda Central if they need to - good luck - just follow the procedure it will be fine

Or maybe do it in the dealership parking lot, after you've got the key cut?

I deal with Mazda's on a daily basis, and I deal with cutting keys at least once a week. The Mazda immobilzer system is not an easy thing. Last week I had an MPV that took an hour and a half to program 2 keys because it didnt want to accept the keys.

Some RX-8s may be as easy as putting them in and turning the power on for a few seconds and repeating, BUT it depends on how many keys you are programming. Two things will happen if you screw up the Immobilzer System.

1. The vehicles computers will reset and you will be calling a tow truck to pick up your car and bring it to a dealership to have it reprogramed....out of your pocket.

2. The car will not start for a few hours and you will get stuck waiting on it.


I understand the frustration that the dealerships cause and yes it may seem like a rip off, but I know we personally use the Mazda WDS computer when we reprogram keys. RX8 keys cost $30 bucks a key and should take no longer that 1 hour to program. Yes, sometimes you can just stick the keys in and flip power on, but sometimes you cant. Before you do anything...CALL YOUR DEALERSHIP AND CHECK!!!!!! Just a recommendation.

That's useful info... thanks for chiming in!

And, welcome to the Forum. How are RX-8s selling in YOUR neck of the woods?

I would say average....right now being the slow season we have more supply than demand, but it will change.

Don't understand why you have to insert two keys before codeing the third?

I bought my car in Las Vegas but live in Los Angeles. My dealer gave me two keys (no valet key - will be calling dealer). When I took delivery, the second key was not coded, and their service department was closed and I had to return to LA.

I planned to code the second key on my next visit to Las Vegas. Can I code the second key with your method, with only two keys? If so, I will park just outside of Santa Monica Mazda and try re-coding.

BTW when I asked my dealer, Courtesy Mazda of Las Vegas, about coding my key in Santa Monica, they said it would cost $100, but they would code mine free of charge since it was their oversight. Hmmm were they bullshitting me?

Dang Snyder, thanks for taking the air outta the balloon!

Naw, good info.. thanks for the warning.

Rodmiester,

What you might be able to do, and keyword is MIGHT (I have to emphasize that strongly) is this....

Since it was an oversight from the dealership in Las Vegas, call them and them if they can arrange a payment with the dealership in Santa Monica. Basically, have them arrange a Purchase Order with the dealership for whatever it costs them to reprogram the key. I have dealt with circumstances like that myself where someone has purchased a car at another dealership and had parts ordered as apart of a New Car Deal. Instead of the customer driving 3 hours to the dealership where they purchased the vehicle they sent my dealership the parts with a purchase order and we did it. So, my thought is this....if the dealership in Las Vegas said they would do it for free, then they should be able to take care of something like that. It would save you time, gas, and long drive. Then again, I know how you RX-8 people are, whenever you get a chance to drive you do <grin>. Just an option that might save you some time.

Of course doing it in the dealership is safer but I don't think they should charge for it.

Period

The vehicle should come with 3 programed keys from the start. Thats what comes with the car. Any additional keys, are extra. You have to buy the key and it takes time to reprogram them. Ive talked to my techs about the whole " do it yourself thing " and they all laugh and say, " Its not that simple " We charge $105 dollars for reprograming a key (that includes the key). If it takes a 1/2 hour to do it because the WDS decides it wants to work, then thats all we charge, but if it doesnt and it takes 3 hours, then we charge $105 regardless.

Welcome to the new world of the Immobilzer system. You can thank Ford for it, its thier system. Ford dabbled thier fingers in that car. Its not 100% Mazda. Ford owns Mazda of America -- MPV is the Windstar, the 3 is the Focus/Escort, the Tribute is the Escape.

What you can do is this. I did this last week with an MPV. If you need a spare key in case you lock your keys in the car, you can go to Walmart and have them cut you a regular key to use in JUST THE DOORS! The immobilzer is just in the ignition.

It boils down to, we need to make a living to. 9 times out of 10 we put all of an hour into reprogramings. We also do Mazda Full Circle Inspections at no charge.

Weird, I asked my dealer and they dont know if they can do the programming. Is this something all Mazda dealers should be able to do?

They should have a photocopy of the RX 8 menu

Any dealership that sells RX-8s should be able to reprogram the keys.

The Mazda WDS system is something that the 6's, 3's, MPV's, and Tributes need to perfrom " Freeze Frame " date when doing warranty work (mainly with EGR systems, Cats, etc). All Mazda dealerships should have the WDS, but they might not have the updates.

The Mazda Dealer website, whic has access to all of the bulletins, tech tips, recalls, warranty information, training classes, and Mazda Customer Index - you can find out from there and if not there through the hotline.

I cant stress enough that the dealership you go through does have all this. If your dealership is primarily a Hyundai or Kia dealer and Mazda is just a " sideline " car. There is a chance they are behind on the updates and such. My dealership was one of the frist dealerships to get 8's because we are a primary Mazda dealer and have the highest amount of sales. But a small dealership in the middle of Kansas might have just gotten their first 8 last week, because they arent a big seller.

So, yes they should have the cabilbilties to reprogram the keys, but there may be a reason why they are unsure (ie updates for the WDS). I say schedule an appointment and see how it goes.

Us dealerships are still playing catch up with the -8's. Its a learning curve. I know thats now what you guys want to hear, but its the truth. We are trained on the cars, but we dont " understand " the car. Ask any Mazda Service Writer or Mazda Certified Techincian and he can tell you that 96-01 626 4 cylinder automatics are prone to transmission failure and we know that the RX7 (esp 3rd Gen's) are prone to excessive flooding, broken door handles, and turbo oil leaks. So, Im not surprised if a dealership doesnt know if they can reprogram a key, they probably havent done one. They will though, trust me.

So, just call and set up an appointment and play it from there. If they cant do it, then find another dealership who can.

PS - I dont mean to sound like Im preaching lol Im just trying to give you some insight into our world with the car when it comes to maintance and the 8's

How about cutting the key, does it require special cutting, or can we take it to Walmart (hehe) as suggested?

Jus making sure.. dont want my engine to explode cuz I cut the key wrong.. heehee

Thanks.....
 

Mr. Takahashi, it is official - you da MAN!

Bought the chipped key from Mazda, took it to WallyMart to get it cut, then put the keys in, 1/2/3 DONE!

It needs both keys to recognize the code from the third one.

It didn't like it the first time round, the 'key in the car' warning light was flashing fast, but the second time I did it, I just turned on till the flashing stopped then tried the next key, and then the new one, and bingo! Started with the new key!

Thanks again Taki!

S

Re: Thanks.....
 

and with "The Creator of Stealth-Pounds of torque"'s (yes, that's his official title) approval, this thread becomes a sticky :D

just yankin' yer chain Ray ;)

Oh Thank you I am blushed :D
I have edited the first thread to make it easier for people to read

lol it looks like Taki has disproved me <bows head> And there is nothing special about the key itself, just the top of the key.

This has actually been covered before in the Autralian forum... I don't think anyone has complained about problems.

I quote from this thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...t&pagenumber=3
I think the 2 hours bit was a joke, btw

Re: Walmart.....
 

I tried this at a Home Depot a while back for my GF's Tribute and the guy didn't cut it. He was afraid to ruin the key and have to pay me for it. I told him I wouldn't hold him accountable and would even sign something to that effect. I even asked him to take a walk while I cut it but he wasn't having any of that either.

If you never get down to 1 "valid" key the dealer does not have to use the WDS to program them. Just follow the post from "sco".

This is straight from the book...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Procedure


Have an additional key (key 3) ready for registration.

Using key 1, turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

Verify that the security light illuminates for approx. 3 s and then goes out.

Using key 1, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position within approx. 4 s after the security light goes out.

Remove key 1

Repeat Steps 2-5 using key 2.

Repeat Steps 2-5 using key 3.

If additional keys need to be registered, repeat Steps 1-7 in the same manner as key 3.

Sounds liek a Courtesy Mazda thing to do.

Courtesy owns all 3 Mazda dealers out here in Vegas. Which one did you get yours from?

1. Courtesy Mazda, West Sahara
2. Courtesy Mazda, Auto Mall (Henderson)
3. People's Mazda, NW (still Courtesy owned)

Straight from what book?

Can confirm that Takahashi's method works. I did this about 6 weeks ago when I got my special key from Mazda. Can't take the credit though. Richwu gave me the info at the first Sydney RX8 drive day.

Where did you cut your key at? I'm hoping my local Walmart can do it.

UH the Valet key will only get you 10 minutes worth of driving so you ought to be close to the dealer when you do this.

Jhouse... is that right? :eek: why is that do you think?

that color coded key looks sweet, any idea where to get one?

Go to your local dealer ... I had my key as a present from Mazda Australia but I guess you can order from them

Alternative is to buy it from Japanparts.com. I wonder if they need your VIN number to order as mine was sent to me already cut.

I've driven for over 10 minutes with the valet key, about three or four times. Once I'm guessing it was about 25 minutes, another time around 20 minutes. The other one or two times I'm not sure about -- I suppose it is possible it was less than 10, but I really doubt it.

I thought that the only difference between the valet and the regular key is that the valet will only (a) start the engine; or (b) lock/unlock the doors (i.e. it won't work on the trunk, the passthrough, or the glove compartment).

Jhouse,
What are you talkin' about here? I've drive with my valet key for 30 minutes quite frequently.

regards,
rx8cited

The rx8 service manual.

BTW the only difference in the valet key and the others is...it won't open the glove box.;)

Oh.. cool.. now that's official!

Does it warn you that you could render your vehicle useless if you mess up?

If you follow the instructions it is almost impossible to "mess up".

If you don't gain access to the system it will not look for "new" codes.

If your car doesn't start you can fly me to Hawaii and I'll bring the WDS abd set you right up.:)

I hope everyone here gets at least 3 keys.

If you ever get down to 1 valid key money will be exchanged.

and you won't be gettin it.

I cant seem to find those keys anywhere :( oh well

What keys?

Valet key? Should ask your dealer

The code key from the site? Try this (no 091-010-005)

New remote....
 

I have another one for you....

Bought a new remote opener and found the way to code it from the dealers manual -

(The door switch is the little rubber one on the jamb of the rear door, which controls the interior lights.)

Key in,
Ignition On/Off, 3 times,
Push door switch, 3times,
- Car will lock, then unlock-
Push 'Lock' on first remote, 2 times,
~ ~ ~ second ~ , 2 times,
~ ~ ~ third (new) , 2 times,

Now all 3 are accepted by the car.

S

Re: New remote....
 

Sheath - put it in another thread mate!
Sure it is a sticky! Where to get another remote? Dealer?

my10ae says the J-Spec key doesnt work with US cars.. can anyone confirm??

I just ordered mine a week ago.. noooooooooo

It is hard to imagine that yours would not work...

No change back now... you just have to cut it and code it - then you might be surprised.

Mine is from Mazda Australia and I hardly imagine that it is made in Australia :D

takahashi:

I was hard to swallow that the key I just spent big $$ doesn't work with my 8. The dealer said they tried twice to program the key and it would not work. If I'm feeling lucky, I might try your method.. but if it doesn't work then I'm out another $60 to reprogram my keys again. I'm already into this little venture $120.

RX-Nut if your willing to try Takahasi's method, let me know how you make out....