Flip Key Fob

GTME88

Member
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MS3 GT Black Mica
The new mazda CX7 CX9 and the Mazda 5 have flip key fobs.
Will this key work on our MS3s?
I am considering buying a blank one of these flip keys and using it for the MS3.

Thanks,
 
Our keys have chips in them...thastwhy they cost $129 to replace...you would haveto check with the dealer and see if they are programable like ours..

if so i am sure they woudl do it for you...for a fee...
 
I think this has been talked about before and it turns out we can't get it done for some reason. Do some searching, I think there's at least one thread out there about it.
 
For '04-'06 US 3's the '06 Mz6 flip remote can be programmed into the computer, however in 2007 the KEU unit was changed and thusfar there aren't any existing flip remotes which can be programmed into the computer in the car. So basically the answer to your question is no..... at least for now. There's always the hope that another flip remote will come out that will work with the new KEU. Also the key portion of the flip keys programs just fine... it's the remote that has the problem.

F430TECH said:
Our keys have chips in them...that's why they cost $129 to replace...you would have to check with the dealer and see if they are programable like ours..

if so i am sure they woudl do it for you...for a fee...

You're correct that the keys do have transponder chips in them, however that has little to do with the flip key and your prices aren't quite accurate. To clarify the flip key is two pieces: A key section, and a remote section. The key section is the same for all Mazdas which use the transponder chips (some countries don't have the immobilizer and thus no chip). Likewise the standard transponder key used in all Mazdas is the same part number. The remote section as I stated above is the part that isn't available to program to '07+ US Mz3/MS3's. The standard key can be had for ~$20 cut/shipped from www.onlinemazdaparts.com (one of our forum sponsors), while the key portion of the flip key runs around $35. For programming if you have two working keys in hand you can program a key in yourself (limit of eight keys). If you have only one working key then the dealer must program it for you and that's where you run into expensive programming fees. For standard remotes the price went up in '07 (along with the KEU change), but you can program in up to three remotes yourself with no minimum needed for you to be able to program them.

If you're looking to get a new key and your dealer wants $129 for it I'd start looking for another dealer.
 
If you're looking to get a new key and your dealer wants $129 for it I'd start looking for another dealer.

When I picked up my new Speed 3, thats just what the sales guy told mw...don't lose the keys because they cost $129 to replace. I figured it was a bit high...but I generally tend to not lose my keys...(what now that I said that..)

So that was the only knowledge I had to go on...thanks for the info though..may need it one day you never know..(burnout)
 
I looked into this a long time ago (back when I was having motor mount/suspension issues), but I can't find the old links, so bear with me if my recollection isn't spot on.

If I remember correctly, the mechanical key portion will work with the 07's, but the remote locking/unlocking won't, because of the remote reciever module design (I want to say they switched to a rolling code or something). Last I remember, people were trying to figure out how to swap it out with the Canadian version of the part, as it apparently will allow the remote section to work.

Can't say as far as 08 model vehicles.
 
When I picked up my new Speed 3, thats just what the sales guy told mw...don't lose the keys because they cost $129 to replace. I figured it was a bit high...but I generally tend to not lose my keys...(what now that I said that..)

So that was the only knowledge I had to go on...thanks for the info though..may need it one day you never know..(burnout)

Oh I totally understand the stupid salesman thing. I was with a friend when he bought a '06 Mz6 which of course comes with two flip keys. He jokingly asked how much a replacement was as he was playing with it and the salesman told him to be really careful because it was $300 for a new key, plus cutting it, plus programming it to the car. I busted out laughing while sitting at his desk and then told him that I could have the entire thing cut to my car, shipped to my door and program it myself for $75. He got this kind of blank stare and then admitted that it's just what another salesman told him and he hadn't actually found out for himself.

As to the "I may need it one day" I recommend getting a third key now so that you can program it yourself for free and then still have two keys if you happen to lose one. If you lose one of your only two keys and then get a replacement then the dealer will have to program it for you and they'll charge you for it.... how much depends on the dealer.

ThreeEdgedSword said:
I looked into this a long time ago (back when I was having motor mount/suspension issues), but I can't find the old links, so bear with me if my recollection isn't spot on.

If I remember correctly, the mechanical key portion will work with the 07's, but the remote locking/unlocking won't, because of the remote reciever module design (I want to say they switched to a rolling code or something). Last I remember, people were trying to figure out how to swap it out with the Canadian version of the part, as it apparently will allow the remote section to work.

Can't say as far as 08 model vehicles.

That was probably me you read about the Canadian KEU thing from. In any case it was tried and the Canadian KEU won't work in US Mz3's...... it makes a bunch of electrical stuff flip out apparently. Otherwise you're correct that the key portion will work, but the remote portion will not.
 
I'll probably look into the Mazda 6 flip key instead of the newer keys that come with the cross-overs. After some research I'll probably purchase a blank one somewhere online, have it cut at the dealer and program it myself if they charge for it.

Thanks everyone...
Special thanks to:icspots for suggesting the mz6 flip key, it has yielded more results in my searches.
 
I'll probably look into the Mazda 6 flip key instead of the newer keys that come with the cross-overs. After some research I'll probably purchase a blank one somewhere online, have it cut at the dealer and program it myself if they charge for it.

Thanks everyone...
Special thanks to:icspots for suggesting the mz6 flip key, it has yielded more results in my searches.

If you're going to try to program it for a MS3 then it isn't going to work (assuming you're in the US which from your location seems like a good bet) as all MS3's are '07 and up. If you do feel like trying then buy the remote portion only, or at the very least don't cut the key portion that way if/when it doesn't work you can still resell it.


GhostMercury said:
so has anyone actually gotten this to work

Pre-'07 yes, post '07 no.
 
Well then... it probably looks like I'll invest my time in doing some other modification for my 08.5...

Thanks for the help.
 
Are you guys talking about this flip key fob? I guess this must be a Canada only feature on the Mazda 3 (or only Mazdaspeed3)?

fob.jpg
 
how can you program the key yourself if it has pats? Doesn't the dealer have to do it?
You can do it yourself. There are two processes, one for programming the chip in the key and one for programming the remote. The key is pretty simple if you have two keys already that work. I don't remember it exactly but it is something like turn the key on and off quickly 5 times, then put each of the keys in and turn on and off once for each. Programming the remote is much more complicated, including hitting the door lock button, opening and closing the driver's door several times, standing on your head and clapping three times, or something like that. The instructions are around here somewhere if you really need them.

The bit with programming the keys with two already working keys is important. If you have only one key, you can't do it; you have to pay the dealer to hook up his computer and poke around, and I am sure they charge significantly since no one else can do it. The moral of this is: Get a third key before you lose one. You can get the blanks at a reasonable price from one of our sponsors, or possibly if you have a good locksmith shop (I got mine from a local shop). You can then get it cut and then program it yourself.
 
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