Key question ( searched with little success)

[roc0511]

Hello,
I am new to the mazda world just having purchased my first 2010 cx9 gt and I had a few questions. I purchased my cx9 and it came with a fob like smart key with a small valet key inside, it also came with an addition valet which does start the truck. I wanted try and purchase a new fob in which I can place the valet key that does not have a fob inside. Is this possible or do I need to have a whole new key set up? Also I am reading some people saying there is a difference between a smart key and advanced key? If this is the case how do I know what I have? My 9 is grand touring without nav and or rear entertainment but it does have keyless ignition with buttons on the door handles. Thank you in advance.

 

[table5511]

Welcome to the forums!
The easiest way to differentiate "smart" from "non-smart" is this: If you can keep your fob in your pocket, walk up to your door, and press the rubber button on your door handle and your door unlocks, then you have the "smart" system. But since you have a GT, it's smart anyway. I forget what year they changed it, but I think all the trim levels are smart now.

Regarding buying a second fob, there is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that you can buy another fob. Just look on eBay. There might not be one immediately, just keep looking every couple days. Believe it or not, I sold one on eBay that was from ~2010 for a CX-9 and it sold for like 15.00. Likely you will find that they are going to be selling with the fob and the "aux" key together. The Aux key is what you are refering to as the "valet" key.

The bad news: You can only program it yourself if you are buying a 3rd fob. But when you are buying a second fob, the dealer has to program it, at 1 hour of mechanical labor. So, if you have 2 working fobs, you can buy a 3rd and program it yourself. That is what I recommend. Keep a 3rd in a lock box, that way if you lose a fob or it breaks or it stops working for some reason, you have a backup, and then can buy another and program it yourself.

Having only one working fob is risky business. If it goes kaput or you lose it, then you have to buy a new engine computer and 2 fobs from Mazda. An expensive proposition.

If you can find just the fob on ebay with no aux key, great. Take it to the dealer and have them program it. If you get a fob that comes with another blank aux key, take those to the dealer and have them program it. They will cut the key as well for no additional charge. And they will program the rfid chip inside the aux key.

When you insert your aux key into the ignition, it reads the rfid chip inside the aux key.
But when your fob is in your pocket and you are utilizing the "smart" system and start your car, your wireless smart "proximity" sensors communicate with your fob wirelessly.

There are several interior proximity sensors, and there are several exterior proximity sensors.

Cheers.

 

[table5511]

Correction - If your 1 and only fob breaks, goes missing, etc, you can still unlock and start your car. But at that point it you ever wanted a fob again, you would have to replace the engine computer.

 

[roc0511]

Thank you for all of the information. To be clear I can buy just a fob if I can find one? The aux key I have does work to start the car so do I still need to have the dealer program a new one?

 

[table5511]

Yes, you can buy just the fob if you can find it. A replacement fob will need to be programmed. And then just stick you existing aux key in the replacement fob. You don't need the dealer to program the new aux key if it comes with a fob, but, they won't charge any extra so you might as well have them do it while they have it. 1hour of labor covers cutting of key, and programming of fob & aux key.

 

[ceric]

It has to be the SmartKey since his is a "GT" as he mentioned.
Yes, if you only have 1 usable key, the dealer has to program it (you can buy it anywhere if your dealer doesn't mind).
If you have two usable keys, you can program a 3rd yourself (instructions can be found on this forum).
The key is made to be recognized by the ECU in the car. The ECU can "remember" up to 8 (if my memory serves me right) IDs.
As helbigtw said (and he has been right 99% of the times - forgot what the 1% was), if you lose your only key, it will cost you an arm and a leg!!! No kidding.

And, welcome to the forum.

 

[table5511]

lol