I suppose i'm in a fairly unique situation, I bought my car from a mazda dealer in town and as an 06 Gt, it is equipped with the advanced keyless start/entry system. Now here's my dilemma, the car was repossessed before the dealership bought it from an auction and they didn't receive any key, much less the smart key, and they want to charge me nearly $400 for a new "card" and programming. However, i found an advanced key on ebay for much cheaper and i was wondering whether or not it can be programmed with the same method as for other key fobs. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

did not know the rx8 came with a remote start, but in the case you're referring to just a remote/key(switchblade) with unlock/lock for the doors, panic, and trunk buttons. I had a similar issue where I only got 1 key for the car.

I bought a switchblade key on ebay( LINK HERE), did the remote programming myself with this DIY thread , but had to get the dealer to cut me a new key/program the chip inside it(cost $95). So I still had to pay about $150 total to get everything done.

 

well it's not really a remote start, it's like a push button ignition except u turn instead of push lol

 

He is talking about the Key that is shapped like a credit card i belive. and i think if you wanted to switch to the flip key, you can. $400 for a new credit card looking key isn't all that bad. i know on the Toyota Avlon they run about $600.. so $400 is not all that bad.

 

yea the "credit card" key. But all i really need to know is if u can program it to the car in a similar fashion as the "flip" key's remote. Guess i'll find out the hard way lol, it's already been shipped out.

 

I've looked around for this info too. I have not found anything (yet) saying you can program it yourself. I do know that they can be programmed by the dealer - they will charge though, because the car has to be plugged into their computer analyser CanBus thingy.

Please keep us informed on how it goes.

 

ps. SHAME ON THE MAZDA DEALER for having the utter contempt to sell you a car that is incomplete; and then not making it right.

I can understand if you bought your car off a used car lot, but hey it's a Dealer. I am astounded that in these bad economic times, that their customer service is so poor.

If it was me, I would certainly never go back; and I'd tell my friends.

 

well, i've tried a couple times already and no luck as of yet... we'll see tho.

 

I had a similar situation. I bought mine with one key. It failed under the 36K warranty. I had 32K on the car. They replaced it under warranty. It is broke again at 39K and they want to charge $400. If I need a new key every 7K miles I might as well invest in an aftermarket alarm, starter system.

On a funny note, when they fixed the last key I forgot my phone in my car, I opened the door and set off the Alarm. They couldn't turn it off because the credit card key was not working. A crowd of saleman, customers, and eventually the GM was staring at the tech. Eventually they drove the car back to the garage and disconnected the Battery.

What and "advanced" key!

 

the flip key cool n all wasnt worth 150 to me and since i got 2 keys but only 1 fob i bought an ebay fob for $18 prgrammed it myself