Flip Key?

[superdoughboy4]

I wonder, has anyone bought one of the OEM flip keys off of eBay?
I'm thinking about it, but was wanting to know how much it would cost to get the keys cut, and how difficult would it be to program the buttons.

 

[icspots]

What year do you have? If you have a '04-'06 then you can get the flip key/remote from a Mz6 sedan and program it yourself for free (the remote as long as you have one key, the key as long as you have two keys already). If you have a '07+ (which by your bumper it looks like you do) then the flip remote from any of the existing models can't be programmed to the car. Mazda changed the KEU in '07 in the US for some reason.

If you have a 07+ then you have a few options. One you can get an aftermarket flip key housing online which will accept the board from your regular remote. Two you can do a little creative hacking and make your current board fit into a flip housing. Again you'll have to cut and jury rig a little bit for that one.

 

[superdoughboy4]

Wow... That blows. A lot.
I'm not willing to cut the PCB of the remote in any way.
I don't like the risk of making my remote useless.
Thank you very much, Mazda/Ford, for making the 07+ so *($)%(*$&%(*$% when it comes to mods.

 

[icspots]

Yeah, I agree.

If you don't want to cut up the board then you're limited to one of the aftermarket cases which your current board will pop into.

http://cgi.ebay.com/04-06-2004-2005...s&fits=Make:Mazda|Model:3&hash=item3a549bec50

http://cgi.ebay.com/FLIP-SWITCHBLAD...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3362897592

For the second one you'd either need to remove your panic button or cut a hole for it to go through the case. Also note than unlike the OEM flip key these key blades are turned 90 degrees. If you have a MTX car then that means that when you're in the OFF position the housing will be covering the key release button. It isn't a big deal except you'll need to put your thumb up against the ignition while you're turning the key off in order to hit the button before the case covers it.

 

[superdoughboy4]

Bah. No thanks. Lol.
I like the OEM one simply because it's more sleek, and has the trunk button.
That aftermarket one's a little too thick for me.

 

[icspots]

There was for a time an aftermarket housing available from alibaba that looked nearly identical to the OEM key, but they seem to have disappeared. As to the trunk button only the Mz6 sedan flip remote has that, however it's non-functional for the 3. It is nice that it basically makes it twice as hard to accidentally hit the panic button thought. lol

 

[superdoughboy4]

Oh. Hahah. Well, that sucks that the trunk button doesn't work.
Why the hell did Mazda NOT put a trunk button.
****. Even my '05 Sonata had one.

 

[usrtdsl]

I have one for my 06. Got it from onlinemazdaparts.com which is Montgomery Mazda. Gave them my VIN and it came cut and ready to program. Works great and have never had an issue.

 

[LaraS]

I have a flip key for my 08.5 MS3. It required gutting my existing key fob and putting it into an aftermarket flip key, getting a key cut and then programming the remote. It wasn't too difficult, and did not require any cutting of the board.

Granted, there was no option for a trunk release, or panic button.

 

[fam]

FWIW I have owned 3 mazda5's which have the flip key and I hate them....they dont wear well...the buttons arent as well made for abuse and the range isnt as good either....over time the chrome factory key buttons wear away the chrome and the key gets loose....I know it seems cool but please...spend your money on midget porn...or whatever you want....youre not missing out on the flip key.

 

[superdoughboy4]

Lol don't worry. I don't like the one that's available only for the 07-08s.
I already spent my money on a new grille, front lower tie brace from GTSpec, and fog lights.

 

[LaraS]

Two photos of mine:

 

[icspots]

^^ Lara's key is the aforementioned alibaba key that is no longer available.

 

[LaraS]

Oh, I didn't know what brand it was. Thanks for the information. =)

 

[superdoughboy4]

Wow. That's the only style that I want it in, because it's sleek, and thin,
Did you have to take your original remote apart and place the buttons/pcb inside of the new casing?

 

[icspots]

Wow. That's the only style that I want it in, because it's sleek, and thin,
Did you have to take your original remote apart and place the buttons/pcb inside of the new casing?

Yes, you remove the board from the OE remote and put it in that casing. Incidentally that housing doesn't have a hole for the panic button, so you'd either have to remove it from the board (like Lara did) or you can drill a hole for the button like a few members on M3F did.

 

[vinmarc77]

hello good day,can you please redirect me from where did you buy the case for the flip key.or it comes with a remote to.mine is mazda3 2.0 2005L can you please help me with this coz i'd been trying to fined this flip key.