Did this Friday. Ordered a transponder switchblade for an '05 and programmed it to work on my '04.

Party.

 

I remember reading something in an older post from a similar thread (SEARCH: switch-blade) about your question but cannot remember how many keys can be added until all currently functioning keys become immobilized. If you know that the newly cut key is the initial one to be added with your existing keys, you should be okay. I assume a proper dealer would know a defenite answer.

 

I used 2 good "physical" keys to "program" a third without trouble. It takes 2 minutes. If you're worried, drive to the Mazda dealer and do it in their parking lot. That way, help is close at hand without a $100 tow if something goes wrong.

 

The physical key is not programmed. Each one has a unique RFID. The "programming" process adds that ID to a list contained in the car. If I understand it correctly, you have say 5 keys, each one has to be inserted in the described manner. when a new one is added. Old(er) ones are then bumped off the list and all 5 will then work, up to a max (I think) of 8.

Programming the "fob remote" is with the oft mentioned procedure.

Programming the "credit card remote" is with a different procedure and requires 2 working ones to program a 3rd.

 

Thank you for clarifying that.

 

I recently bought a 2004 and lost the keys. Only the valet key and it won't start the engine, only turns the ****-pit on.

Can someone assist me with a pin if I provide the VIN, so that I can program it?

 

Sick! I have a key that doesn't work. As soon as my tranny is in and car is powered up i will try this. Peace.

 

You may want to take that to the dealer and give them your VIN.

 

If anyone needs a key made in NYC, Star Locksmith has switchblade blanks and will cut and program the key to start the engine and open the doors and trunk etc and the key works on the doors and trunk. Price was $160. Dealership tried to charge me $491 for what i got done in less than 10 minutes. I only had 1 key and they used a machine to program the new key to the car.

Star Locksmith
155 Northern Blvd
Great Neck, NY 11021
917-412-4588

Tell them Juan with the Black RX8 sent you.

 

$160 is way too expensive. I bought the key for about $50 from ebay I believe and then went to my local dealer and they cut it for me for free. Took about 30 seconds. No questions asked.

Then I just had to program it.

 

$160 for a key plus programming is rather fair. ugabuga, remember that if people only have 1 key, then they need a dealer or a properly equipped locksmith to re-code keys for them. The dealer charges something like $250 for the programming alone, and most dealer charge $150+ for the key.

 

"s" -> have to blink 3 times o I have to wait 3 seconds?

 

So, there's no way to get a 2nd key programmed if you only have 1? I just bought an 8 and they only gave me one key and the bare remote without the spare.

 

I recently got a chipped key 'copied' at a local auto parts store $99 - the machine reads the info from your key and puts it on a blank.
It wasn't for an '8, it was a Subaru key, but I'm sure it would work the same way....

Computer sees the same info on the second key, so you still couldn't use it to register new keys, but for all intents and purposes......

 

Yeah, i figured that, they are basically cloning your original. I wish there was a way to do it with just the one original you have and not have to fork over that much dough!

 

There is a way... A member just posted it, just have to search for that new thread. BRB

 

Here it is!


DIY: Programming a new key WHEN YOU ONLY HAVE ONE!! (with FORScan)

 

Here is my problem, my switchblade came apart. I thought it had broke off in the ignition. Because i was broke i just pushed the remote part back on the key to crank it for about two weeks til it came apart. I went to alock specialist he made me a keyand told me to hold the remote a certain way so i could crank the car and bring it back to him and he would program me a key. Well i done what he said the light on the dash all come on but it does not even attempt to crank will not make a sound. Someone told me i might have gotten in theft mode. Can anyone tell me what to do. The lock guy said he would come to my house and fix it but he would have to charge me 250.00 because he is about 100 miles from me . Help

 

BIG thanks to everyone that contributed to this thread!!!! Got my new switchblade/fob key today from eBay ($25), called a local locksmith to ask if they could cut my key and he told me cutting/reprogramming would be $60, I told him I can do the programming part myself and only needed the key cut (thanks to all of you) and he just said ok....well just come on down and we'll do it on the house ($0). Got home, programmed the key and then the fob in about 1.5 minutes.