Hey guys I just got a switchblade key and I need it cut. I don't want to have to go to the dealer if possible, because the closest one is at least 20 minutes away. Is there anywhere else I could go to get it cut and not have to worry about the key getting messed up? Thanks.

 

any local hardware store will cut the key for you.

search the forums for the programming method, to program the rest of the key to the car.

 

i was also thinking harware store... not sure if they will do it or not though

 

If the hardware store messes it up, you're SOL. My dealer miscut mine the first time and replaced the it.

 

my dealer seems to have muffed mine up as it works in the ignition but not the trunk or doors... and they refused to give me a new one since I didn't buy the key there (couldn't lie since he was looking me up in the computer...)

 

I took mine to a neighborhood hardware store that actually cuts the keys themsevles not like Lowes or Home Depot where they have an automated machine do it. This being a non standard key it won't fit into their auto machines. Also to rOtor you should try to match up your original key to the one cut. I also had the same problem intially then I saw that one of the spots was not cut enough. Once that spot was fixed it works in all locks now.

 

I guess it depends on the dealer. My key was off eBay, but they still replaced the miscut key. They also don't charge to cut keys. Kudos for Hall Mazda.

 

well, my dealer didn't charge anything to screw it up at least

 

after an hour spent with a file and set of calipers, the 10 thousandths of an inch at 2 spots that was preventing me from using the key have been removed...

it works finally

 

My dad took the key to Fremont Mazda today to get it cut and the idiot tech guys tells him that the key won't work on an '04, after he already told the guy it has been proven that it works on an '04. He also said that the key could cause the computer system to go out. He says it will cost 125 to program, but I want to do it , myself because I have 2 working keys. Is this guy full of **** or what? Should I just try another Mazda dealer in the area, or somewhere else? I am very eager to get this thing cut so I can program it.

 

I programmed the remote fob first. That way there was no question. After hearing everyone's issues, I think I owe my dealer some Krispy Kremes.

 

Did you program it or did the dealer do that? If you did it yourself, how did you do it without cutting the key since it needs to be inserted into the ignition to be programmed.

 

get the key cut then program the key and remote yourself... its not difficult at all really

 

That is what I plan to do once I finally can get it cut.

 

I programmed the remote portion first. I actually used the remote for a day with the uncut key, just to make sure it would work before I had the key cut.