Barcoolm

Hey I got my 2004 RX8 loaded, but there was no key fob or remote. so I oredered one on ebay. So which method "really" works to program it?? The instructions I found here on the site have you keeping the key in the steering lock before the door switch, but the instructions the company on ebay sent me have you removing the key before hitting the switch. No method has worked today for me......which one is the right one!!!!!!!!! Thanks in advance

Go48

Welllllll, there are 2, lengthy and informative DIY threads in this section of the forum dealing with this issue. Detailed instructions for programming the "FOB" will be found in the threads. However, I think one or two (don't remember which) working remotes are required in order to program your "FOB". Probably will need to have the dealer ($$$) program it for you.

moyica

Here's the link https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...hlight=keyless
and yes you have to have two working fobs, or its off to the dealer you go. Good luck.

J2R

So I just wanted to post my DIY experience in case anyone else needs the information. I purchased a 2005 Switch Blade from eBay for about $80 (after shipping) for my 2004 8. I took it to the Mazda dealership to have it cut.

The only problem I ran into was that Mazda wasn't able to match my current key because of the machine on site wasn't able to hold the switchblade and match it to my old key. So they went to the data base and pulled my cut by VIN #. When they cut my switchblade they cut the valet cut. So I returned it to them and they said that for whatever reason the master cut and the valet cut were the same on the database. It started the car, but wouldn't open the trunk or the glove box. I came to a dead end with the dealership. Oi, they cut it for free by the way...

From what I noticed at the time, was that the only difference between the valet and the master cut was the ends. So I went down the street to a hardware store and had the end sanded down to match the master cut. It turned out well and it became a master cut. (Thank god, since another blank is like $35)

FYI, Mazda wanted $80 to program the key. I couldn't help but ask why such a high price and they claim it is because some people loose all of their keys or do not have two master keys to use to program the new one. If you think about the trouble they have to go through without having any keys to use to program a new one, I guess that could explain the $80.

I used the link below to program the new switchblade, worked like a charm. Just to let you know, that you do not need other "fobs" to program. I just used two master cut keys to do mine.

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...chmentid=32891

Also thanks for all the info; I couldn't have done this without it.

supergoat

Just tried the method in the above post. I coded my 05 switchblade FOB to my 04 with ONE master key in about 20sec.

Worked like a charm first try.

J2R

I just wanted to add this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...spagenameZWDVW

This is the guy I bought it from. I still have mine and it still works great. Now for the second master key thing, to be honest not positive. Only because I had two keys. Worst case, try it. See what happens and if it works come back and tell us.

However if you have a valet key that should work in it's place. The only difference between a valet key and a master key is the ends. The valet should have two < > on the end. Compared to the master being I I on the end. The < > (tips) are what cause the key from being turned to open the trunk and glove box. Meaning if you really wanted to, you could take your valet key to a hardware shop and sand the ends off and make it a master key.

Now don't hold me responsible, however I went thru this when I had my blank switchblade cut. When I took it to Mazda, Mazda for whatever reason could only cut me a valet cut. So I took it to the hardware store and had them sand off the < >, which therefore made it a master cut and worked.

Go ahead and compare your valet cut to your master and see if what I am talking about helps you. And don't forget to post your findings on the forums.

Thanks,
Jessi