Lost key

$120 just to program a key, what a joke. Another example how technology has made life so expensive. What was wrong with getting keys cut at the local drugstore. Next you will hear how you car's computer got a virus and you will need monthly anti-virus software for your car.

If modern cars didn't have smart features, anybody with half a brain could replicate the key just from a photo. I'm glad John Q. Criminal can't take my fob to the drugstore to copy it.
 
If modern cars didn't have smart features, anybody with half a brain could replicate the key just from a photo. I'm glad John Q. Criminal can't take my fob to the drugstore to copy it.

Too much can be too much thought. Just enough is the best way to go. For instance on traditional keys with immobilizer systems, yea you can cut the key from a photo, but with out the other two keys you can't program the chip thus not being able to start the engine.

I'm sure mazda could have included a way to self program the FOBs, but instead they charge us nearly $250 for a new key and programming. Rip off.
 
If modern cars didn't have smart features, anybody with half a brain could replicate the key just from a photo. I'm glad John Q. Criminal can't take my fob to the drugstore to copy it.

The only thing "smart" are the manufacturers and dealers at finding ways to rip the consumer off. If the programmed FOB actually made it impossible to steal the car then it would be worth it. Well I hate to break the news to you but the "smart FOB" only keeps the honest from stealing the car, it's completely ineffective if they want to steal your car.
 
As I'm brand new to this forum and CX-5 ownership, AND I know this to be a five month old thread, I thought I'd pass on some real world info from what I've gathered so far.

1) Any commentary relating to "how other Mazdas from previous years are reprogrammed" is not exactly applicable here. I tried to have a guy do this, who was a "mobile key cutter." He had the right fob, but not the right software for the CX-5. He called his HQ and they admitted they didn't have it. He tried to use Mazda 3 software which didn't work.

2) You can buy re-manufactured (refurbished) keys off the "'bay" for about $80-$90 or higher. Those include uncut keys. I don't know yet if they already have programming from previous vehicles on the chip.

3) A local dealer said they would cut a new key and program the fob for about $90.

So, as of now, until the programming gets out in the market place for non Mazda guys, I don't know how you are going to get a replacement key fob (which I need) for much under $180. If anyone has successfully done a non-Mazda fob re-programming, this would be a great time to share that information.

FWIW
 
I just lost my keyfob and ordered one from ebay for $65 shipped with a uncut key. I'm in the bay area, CA and I dread how much the dealer will charge me to reprogram my remaining one and the new one but I figured I'd wait for the replacement one to come in and get it done in one shot. Might not even cut the key unless I can do it at HD or something...
 
We got a third key made for the car when we bought it. Smart key, complete fob and emergency key. I want to say it was $200-$250 programmed. Dealers always kill you on the programming. Using their tech tool it usually only takes 10 minutes to program a key but they will hit you for an hour of labor.
 
Last edited:
I just lost my keyfob and ordered one from ebay for $65 shipped with a uncut key. I'm in the bay area, CA and I dread how much the dealer will charge me to reprogram my remaining one and the new one but I figured I'd wait for the replacement one to come in and get it done in one shot. Might not even cut the key unless I can do it at HD or something...
I got a spare key cut at a local ACE hardware store. If you buy a key, but ask them to cut your spare instead, maybe they can do it. Only a coupla bucks.
 
Just got my key fob from ebay and blank uncut key blade. Called Fremont Mazda and they quoted me about $80 to reprogram the key fobs but $20 to cut the blank key which is ridiculous. We're thinking about changing the locks too but apparently the locksmiths we called said the car is too new and there's not many parts available for them. Might just risk it and leave the original lock. We have a silver color car so its extremely common around the bay area. Here's to hoping whoever has my key doesn't randomly try to open CX-5's and eventually get lucky and open mine. lol
 
Here's to hoping whoever has my key doesn't randomly try to open CX-5's and eventually get lucky and open mine. lol

This can't happen according to the service Manager at CJ Wilson Mazda, Countryside, IL. When they program the CX-5 to accept the new key and the new key fob, ALL keys and fobs must be present at that programming time because any previous key and fob info will be erased and replaced with the new key and fob info.
 
This can't happen according to the service Manager at CJ Wilson Mazda, Countryside, IL. When they program the CX-5 to accept the new key and the new key fob, ALL keys and fobs must be present at that programming time because any previous key and fob info will be erased and replaced with the new key and fob info.

If they have the old emergency key, they would be able to open the vehicle. However, they wouldn't be able to start it because the fob would have been kicked out of programming.
 

New Threads and Articles

Back