Switchblade key for 04 8?
 

I just bought a switchblade key for my 04 rx-8. I bought a precut one on ebay for $37 dollars because I read on someone else's thread that you needed to buy a new blade to make it work anyways. So I figured I would buy a used one because I would have to replace the blade on the key fob anyways. However, when I looked at the cut blade, it looked like it was the same type of key as my original, and sure enough it slid into the ignition. So now I have this switchblade key and I'm wondering if I should go buy a new blade or if I should just go buy an uncut switchblade unit, accept my loses, and get it cut and programed for my car.

Any have any advice?

Anyone done this before?

Where the hell do I get a new blade anyways?

Thanks!

Does the remote have to be from a RX8? I have an extra one form a 2006 MPV that we used to own at work and woudl like to use it if I can.

Buy a new uncut key and replace the one attached to the remote. The cut key should not (and hopefully doesn't) match your original key.
Getting the key cut costs next to nothing at your local locksmith. Programming instructions for the remote and the new key are in the DIY forum.

You can get the uncut key at mazdaparts.com or Rosenthal or even at your Mazda dealer.

I don't think it has to be from an RX-8. I think it can be from any model 05 and up. But the issue is getting a new blade, if that is even possible.

Can I get just the blade anywhere?

I don't think so... as far as I know, only this is what you can buy. Never heard of anyone replacing just the blade and keep the rest of the key portion. But you can certainly try :)
What I'm not sure about is what contains the coded part of the key which has to be programmed into the car. Is it something in the blade or the rest? If it's in the blade itself, then a generic blade will not work.

Hmm, I guess if I can actually use the blade on the uncut keys, I should just go buy one of those. They're going for 60 something on ebay. Should I be able to use an 05 blade for my 04?

You sure can.

Wow, I can't believe I just wasted 37 bucks, but oh well. I'm going to go rip apart that old thread.

So what I gather from this, is that you can purchase a 2005 Key Fob- Have it cut and programed to a 2004 RX8?

yep, that's what I did...

So I purchased one today on eBay uncut ($75). Get it cut at a hardware store or whatever and just follow the programing directions on the DIY forum.

I believe that only works if you have 2 keys, I only had one so I went to the dealer.

Yup. You need 2 keys to program it. If the original cut key matches your key (i.e. will unlock the doors and turn - not just slide in - the ignition) you don't need a new blank.
I had all the original keys - 2 regular and 1 valet. Everything reprogrammed fine.

Two steps. One to program the keyless remote, one to program the key.

One would hope that this is not the case ;)