Make sure your newly cut key(s) works on all locks(doors, trunk, glove box, and rear pass-through door) not only in the ignition.

 

Hi jake, can I just confirm that you're fob was sending a signal but you couldn't reprogram it, but a new one worked? I've got the exact same problem and my fob is sending a signal- but if I just need a new one I was going to go for a switchblade anyway! Also what Visteon no was your original fob?

Thanks!

 

Exactly. Deff get the switchblade. You will need to program the FOB itself and have the key cut and then the key programed. My Visteon was 41848

 

2 functional keys are required to program they keyless entry?

 

Go over the threads below, instructions are fairly simple: DIY: Code Your Own Key Remote, Switchblade Key on an '04.

 

This happened to my car a few years ago but i've just been living with using the key to open the door.

Today I thought about going to get an aftermarket keyless entry system as it will cost about $150 installed and the dealer is going to charge $130 just to look at the issue.

Just curious if anyone with they keyless entry problem has opted for an after market solution to get the functionality back.

 

Not unless you change the whole alarm system, i.e. Viper Alarm. Otherwise, if you are trying to use a different FOB for the OEM Mazda Alarm, I believe it will not work. You can try if you have the kind of fund to spend through the dealer or a local locksmith. If you own a 2004-2006 RX-8, I suggest buying the switchblade as mentioned with the instructions above your post.

 

Not sure about all the nomenclature, so I'm sorry if this sounds stupid/a mess.

But my fob's red indicator light has stopped flashing. It won't budge - Won't open doors, lock doors, nothing. It's seemingly dead.

The big problem is that my car won't seem to start without it.

I thought it was the battery, but after having switched it, my fob just won't work. I'd normally get this taken care of easy by just driving my 2006 RX-8 to get looked at and whatnot, but it won't start (it seems) without this key/fob thing working!

Anyone know what I can do? I called the dealership and they told me I might not get it started because they battery might not be charged. That I might have to jump it.

The stereo will come on, the AC will come on, but my engine/ignition won't give. Really hoping this isn't anything serious, but. I can't start my car, so. I don't know what to do.

I'm going to try jumping it and hope I can manage without this fob. I just don't understand why this little remote control is the ultimate say-so on my car starting!

Any feedback is much appreciated.

Did my fob just die?

Will that be expensive to replace?

 

When you insert the key and turn it to start, do you a rapidly red flashing/blinking key light on the dash?

 

Has everyone only ever bought new fobs? Will this work with a a used one?;

 

Yes.

Turns out it had to be reprogrammed. Had something to do with the alarm system? Not completely clear on the particulars, but yea. The key itself has a chip and the car stopped recognizing it for whatever reason.

Took it to the dealership, got it reprogrammed. I do need a new transmitter/key fob though.

Blah.

 

I'm having this problem.
I've read many threads, and there seems to be no clearcut answer. I'd like to approach this logically.
I am the second owner of my '04, bought 2 yrs ago, now 31k miles.
It came with one key fob which has worked fine until several days ago.
I changed the battery, and checked it at one of those parts stores testers on the counter which showed it was transmitting.
I tried the DIY re-programming with no luck. I went to the dealer and they told me they don't re-program old fobs, that they change batteries all the time with no problems.
I see the switchblade recommended, but if my OEM fob is transmitting but not working, wouldn't I have the same problem with the switchblade also?
Logically, unless I'm missing something, wouldn't this indicate a receiver/antenna problem?
Could there be a signal strength issue with the old one that shows it's transmitting, but won't work anyway, and for some reason the switchblade will?
It would seem my next step would be to take the bumper off and check the receiver/antenna? Is this one component, or are they separate?
Any input would be appreciated.

 

I am not sure why it happens, as I have mentioned in all threads relating to this; for 2004 owners which uses the keychain FOB, when the battery runs out, the FOB somehow stops working even though you've replaced the battery with a new one. It happened to me twice on both of my OEM FOB and following the programming instruction in this forum does not seem to work with the keychain FOB but perfectly works for the switchblade (with the right FCC code and Visteon Model).

I think there are three or four threads about programming the switchblade, I have read all of them and I can only recall one member who have reported a successful reprogramming of the keychain FOB using the same instruction for the switchblade FOB; everyone else opted to the switchblade.

 

Ok, thanks.
I read many of them and I couldn't recall if anyone had an explanation why the old one wouldn't work if it was transmitting.
There were quite a few more than 3 or4 and it could get confusing sifting through some of them.
One thing I forgot to mention was the security light is flashing with the ignition off.
This doesn't matter regarding the switchblade does it? I read that indicated a problem with the system but I guess that could include a malfunctioning fob.

I wanted to either not waste money
on a switchblade or my time pulling the bumper off.
Your response leads me to try the switchblade first, and when I get it I will update my results.
Thanks again.

 

I've had this on the back burner for a year now. Since I spent money for another keychain fob, I wasn't thrilled about also buying a switchblade style to try. I'll be interested to hear if yours works BigCajun.

 

Will do.
I can't stand it when people ask for help and then don't follow up with a result

 

Fwiw, I ordered a new (not used) Visteon 41525 switchblade key from a site called Remote-Superstore for $79.95 shipped.
Didn't say when it would be here.

 

You're welcome!

Quite truthfully, when I attempted to program the transponder from the switchblade to work with my ignition, I do not remember if I had the blinking red key-light on the dash prior to or after. Nevertheless, the newly programmed switchblade FOBs works, yet I still use the original factory keys for my 2004 and the switchblade does not interfere with my car's ignition despite having both the 2004 OEM key and the switchblade linked in the key ring together for two and a half years now, but I still have that blinking red key-light.

All the necessary information of what kind of Visteon Model to purchase and the programming instruction I have already linked in this thread alone. I guarantee that the switchblade will work, specially if your 2004 originally came with the key chain FOB.

There are a few that have accidentally purchased a similar switchblade FOB but it was made by Mitsubishi. As long as you matched the information I have linked about the switchblade FOB, what you have purchased will surely work. If in doubt, there is a way to separate the FOB and the key transponder from each other. Inside is where the matching FCC and Visteon model numbers are located(see my picture below).

 

The vendor had only the Visteon model # & FCC #.
I assumed that was good enough. They claim all are tested and have a 30 day guarantee.
I will follow up when I get it.

 

Update: vendor e-mailed me after a week saying my card # was invalid, gave me a bad 1-800 # to call which ended up being an adult chatroom.
Still waiting to here if they got it straightened out yet.
Not the best customer service I've had.

 

Update; Re-ordered the switchblade with the same vendor, no problem with the order this time, they said it is on the way.
I'll update post when I get it.

 

OK!
Just received my new switchblade keyfob and I am happy to report it works!
Programmed it, first try, everything works.
The puzzling part is the problem with the old fob. It's a mystery how it tests OK, yet still doesn't work.
Thanks to Grace_Excel for the info.
I was tired of using the key to manually open everything.

* now I can't get it on my key ring.
*OK, had to get a little split ring out of my tackle box.

 

I had all kinds of headaches with the 'smart' keyless system. I eventually had a viper 5706 installed and love it.

 

Are you referring to the switchblade style key or the credit card style flat key?

 

Mine was credit card style with the keyless entry/ignition.