Basic spare key from onlinemazdaparts.com

[djc6]

onlinemazdaparts.com sells a basic chipped key that is good for a spare. I ordered a couple and I can't get them to work. I can open the door, but I can't turn the ignition. I was wondering if anyone else has this key - I'm just trying to determine if they are cut wrong, or if there is a fundamental difference so this key will never work. They were cut based on my VIN, and I asked prior to ordering if this key would work in the 2010 CX-9:

http://onlinemazdaparts.com/faq/index.cfm?action=faq&faqCategoryID=1265&siteID=214264

Here is a picture of the new key along side the original from inside the remote:

Does anyone know if this notch is important and its absence is whats keeping the key from working in the ignition? This notch is used to keep the key inside the remote. I'm thinking the keys may have been cut wrong, I had to take them to a locksmith to be cleaned up just so I could open the door - but I still can't turn the ignition to program the key to the car.

 

[ceric]

No. The notch is not used to hold the key inside the smartkey/card.
Are you sure of the new key you bought has chip inside (RFID)?
1. if yes, it has to be register to the ECU so that the card recognize it. It does not go by VIN. VIN is not related to registration.
VIN is related to the metal key cutting, not the code registration to the ECU. I can get my friend's SKE card and make it able to open mine.
2. if not, this key can only be used to open the doors, not starting the car. The start cylinder can sense the RFDI inside the key and determine whether to let it turn or not.

 

[djc6]

No. The notch is not used to hold the key inside the smartkey/card.

I don't have the smartkey/card. My vehicle is a 2010; it has the FOB style remote, there is still a key hidden inside the remote. I'm certain the notch is used to hold the key inside the fob, there is a spring loaded pin that slides into that notch to hold the key inside the FOB. There is a small lever on the FOB to retract the pin so the key can be removed. I just wasn't sure if that notch was needed for the door/ignition cylinders to turn.

After about a month of repeated calls/emails/etc I finally got my money back from Montgomery Mazda (aka onlinemazdaparts.com). I had to reach out to the Operations Director to whom the Parts Manager reports to in order to get my money. Really surprised, I've had other good experiences with them including spare keys for my dad's Mazda3. Not sure why they sold this item as a spare key and were confident it would work.

I looked at it again this morning, and I think I know why I can open the door but not start the car. The head on the spare key from onlinemazdaparts.com is too large; I can't insert the key all the way. I'm curious if I file down the rubber head if I can make the spare key work If I have some time I might try it. See the attached pictures:

Spare that doesn't work:

Original Key: