Everyone keeps mentioning "coding" the keys. I don't believe anything is done to the keys, rather the procedure sets the car to recognize the keys. Each key is probably encoded with a unique number that the car is set to recognize as a "legal ID" that will allow the car to operate. That would be why you need two different keys to program a third. The car's electronics needs to see the two "Legal ID" numbers, each of which should be unique and already recognized) before it will register the third NEW Legal ID Number as a valid ID. The system in the car will also have a maximum number of ID numbers that it can store at one time and it may not be able to write over previously stored numbers if there is a lifetime maximum that is reached. If the new 2005 model keys meet the same standards as was used for the 2004 model keys for the embedded numbers and otherwise work exactly the same then they should work on the 2004 cars. It appears that they do, as "8 is Enough" gambled and found out, thank you.
I'm new around here but here is my 2 cents,
darkling

What happened if i only have one black key?
Do i have to get an additional key before programming the remote?

You need two PROGRAMMED keys in order to self-program another key or remote. My understanding is that the valet key can be used as one of the two keys. The dealer can program another single key or remote for a sizeable fee.

[soooo frustrated]
 

ok, apparently i'm one of the idiots trying to do this!! the new flip key words fine, but the remote won't!! here's what i'm doing, step by step, PLEASE, anyone, correct me or help me figure out what the hell is going on (my dealer wants $100 to do it!). oh, and i have 3 keys (two old and one new (flip key)) but i only have 2 remotes (i have 3 - two old and one new (flip key) but only one of the old one works, so that leaves me with 1 functional remote and my new one).

1. open door (and LEAVE open)
2. insert original key into ignition
3. turn from lock to on, then back to lock
4. turn from lock to on, then back to lock
5. turn from lock to on, then back to lock (ths is done quickly, not waiting in between)
6. leave the key in, at the lock position
7. press the door button 3 times (i think i read this was supposed to actually lock the doors ... it doesn't on mine ... ??)
8. test the door actuator (does this mean use the unlock/lock switch on my actual door??)
9. press any button twice on the remote i WANT to program (the flip key in this case)
10. test the door actuator again
11. press any button twice on my original remote.

... this is my understanding of the process. i've read mixed answers on whether or not i need 2 functional remotes + the new remote, or if i can do it with must the 1 functional remote i have.

WHAT AM I MISSING??!!!!

See the attached instructions for programming the remote. Note that you are pressing the wrong button in your #7. It should be the switch on the door post as seen in one of the attached images.

Go48 - i appreciate your help. that IS the button i'm pushing in step #7 - the rubber button on the rear door, right near the metal catch for the front door. after i push it 3 times, i hit the door unlock/lock switch (on the door next to the window controls), then i push a button twice on my new transmitter, bla bla ... it just won't work.

any more insight will save me a lot of money, but maybe i just need to go to the dealer ... :scratchhe

The instructions I posted were for the '04 model year, before the flip key came along. I assume these instructions will work for the flip key, but I have not verified that. Also, it is my understanding that you need TWO working remotes in order to program another remote, but I could be wrong. It's been a couple of years since I delved into this procedure.

All I can say is, keep trying. Read the pencil changes I made to one of the instructions. That change made the instructions clearer for me.

I don't think you need step #8. The doors should lock and unlock after pushing the door switch 3x. After they lock/unlock, program the remotes by pressing the lock button 2x.

We have a 2004 that I programmed a switchblade key/remote for.

Also, make sure the batteries are ok in the remotes.

I also just receives my blank and had it cut at lowes, it seems like it didnt take and may have be minorly miscut. So I took it to Ace hardware and they tryed to fix it. I have tried the D.I.Y. steps many times but its not taking. When I put the new key in the lock light flashes fast. Anybody have any suggestions before I hunt down a new key blank. Last time I got it on ebay from someone in th UK.
Thanks

Bought a switchblade key on eBay for my '04 RX8. I had all my original keys (2 full, and 1 valet)
Had the dealer cut it (they did it free of charge), then used the method in the original post to program the RFID code. Did it once, and it didn't take (security light flashes fast). Came back two hours later and tried the method again, and it worked.
Kick ass!

Hi there,
I ve tried to program the key and it was unsuccesful.

I ve used my 2 originals and then the new cutted key but the security icon blinks.

What am i doing wrong?

man worked like a charm...took all of a min and happy as happy can be :lol:

Im getting crazy, WHERE is the Push door switch? Please send me a picture of it, i get crazy descriptions of it, some say its a pin , some say you have to open the door to see it, some say its a button, omg where is that "push door switch"

I Asked A Question, How Many Years Will It Take To Get An Answer At This Forum????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????

You type funny....


S

Why? and is that really the main issue here?

Im getting crazy, WHERE is the Push door switch? Please send me a picture of it, i get crazy descriptions of it, some say its a pin , some say you have to open the door to see it, some say its a button, omg where is that "push door switch"

It's just the little rubber covered plunger switch that turns the light on when the door is open -
open door/push all buttons on door jamb/stop when lights go on/off.....


S

thanks

just bought my 04 RX-8 and it only came with one master key with remote. I would love to get my hands on the 05 flip key(it's just look way nicer), but to program it, i would need another programed key first (am i right)? So, i went down to the mazda dealership and this is what they told me: $28 for a blank key (no remote) and $90 to program it. :banghead::banghead::banghead:. That's crazy:Eyecrazy:. So, what should i do now??
Is there any better way of doing this?

That is strange... you can have a go for key 1 and key 2 as the same key. If it works, it is ok. If not, then you go to Mazda to get it programed.

With only 1 programmed key you're stuck paying the dealer to program another one. I think I spent about that to get a valet key so I could program my flip key.

I haven't heard of these available anywhere before, but I found a place selling the key part of the flip key/remote for $19 shipped:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16641
It's the key blade and the spring loaded flip part. Mine is in rough shape, (botched key cut, had to replace the blade by hand.)
Ebay also has just the key blades for $7. I think I may go the ebay route, as it's not that tough to push the retaining pin out.

Can a Mazda dealer program my flip key even though its not the same visteon number?
Do they program by computer? Or the way everyone else done in this forum.

The centre dealership. In my case will be Mazda Australia, will have a machine to duplicate keys since there has to be back up for lost keys.

Having said that where are my keys :dunno:

No im not talking about the key itself, I managed to code my key, but I couldnt program the remote ( the flip key remote ). And I believe the reason is that the visteon numbers dont match. But I want to know, if any Mazda dealer could program my remote despite that the numbers dont match.