Question for someone w/ service manual
 

I know other threads have inquired about it, but for anyone with an actual service manual shed some light on programming the car for new keys? $80 at the dealer for a few minutes work just seems a bit exorbitant. I'd love to get one of the special order keys, but I'm basically a cheap bastard when it comes to accessories if it's something I can do myself.

The procedure requires the WDC computer system that only the dealer has at the moment.
The remotes can be user programmed, however.

Yeah, I've seen posts on other sites about reprogramming the remotes (much simpler than programming remotes for my 3000GT). Thanks Jeff! :)

If you have had the dealer add a key, the system will now accept the following procedure to add keys. BUT THE FIRST ADD MUST BE DONE BY THE DEALER and requires 2 already good keys.

1. Put good key 1 in and turn to on
2. Wait 3 seconds return to off position and remove key
3. Quickly insert good key 2 and turn to on position
4. Wait 3 seconds, return to off position and remove key
5. Insert key to be added and turn to on position
6. Wait 3 seconds and start the car.

Slavearm

Thanks Slavearm,

Still is exclusive in the fact that t'd require the dealer to do the first "add". Maybe in the future I'll get the fancy key and just bite the bullet and let them add it. $80 bucks though...

I posted this earlier today.....

I deal with Mazda's on a daily basis, and I deal with cutting keys at least once a week. The Mazda immobilzer system is not an easy thing. Last week I had an MPV that took an hour and a half to program 2 keys because it didnt want to accept the keys.

Some RX-8s may be as easy as putting them in and turning the power on for a few seconds and repeating, BUT it depends on how many keys you are programming. Two things will happen if you screw up the Immobilzer System.

1. The vehicles computers will reset and you will be calling a tow truck to pick up your car and bring it to a dealership to have it reprogramed....out of your pocket.

2. The car will not start for a few hours and you will get stuck waiting on it.


I understand the frustration that the dealerships cause and yes it may seem like a rip off, but I know we personally use the Mazda WDS computer when we reprogram keys. RX8 keys cost $30 bucks a key and should take no longer that 1 hour to program. Yes, sometimes you can just stick the keys in and flip power on, but sometimes you cant. Before you do anything...CALL YOUR DEALERSHIP AND CHECK!!!!!! Just a recommendation.

Oh trust me - when dropping this kind of money from the get-go, a bit more for something as trivial as a prettier key is a small price to pay to ensure it's been done correctly if it's a no-kidding technical procedure. Again, I'm just cheap if it's something that I can legitimately do myself...

Well, I was just reading that a gentlemen by the name of Taki in one of the other threads repgrogrammed the keys himself, so he seems like a good person to talk to about doing it by yourself. He can describe the process and what not and get you all set up.

And I see you have yourself an S3/P3 picture there? Pilot? Radar Op? Nav?

Yeah, saw his post and evidently from the others' feedback it works. Score one for the consumer.

I'm a Naval Flight Officer (radar op, intercept/strike controller). The pic is one of our E-2Cs coming back to the ship from a flight. Was an S-3 and P-3 guy in a former life.

Thats very cool P3. I was a crew chief on Black Hawks for about 3 years and transfered over to the maintance section. Im army guard though. I work with a lot of old Sea Hawk guys, and I must say, they have some messed up stories. I guess aviation cockyness is in all the branches lol

I was an aircrewman as well for about 8 yrs before making the switch to the "dark side" (officer). Yeah, the seahawk guys are a different breed, but just about all of us aviation-types are retarded in one way or another. :D

and we can drink anyone under the table, except maybe the SF and SEALS. Who else do you know who can drink from 3 in the afternoon until 3 in the morning and be sobered up and ready to go fly at 6am with 2 hours of sleep? lol