Mazda3 Switchblade Key

[Brock]

I was flipping through my owners manual the other day and noticed a switchblade key/remote deal. So I called up my dealer and they said they'd sell me one, cut it and program it for 250.

Yikes.

Any idea how I can get it cheaper?

 

[my3needsaname]

DIY project!!! Actually that sounds about the same if you DIY it...

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

Yea they kill you for the programming. The key and cut is only $75.

 

[Brock]

anyone have any recommendations here?

 

[icspots]

First off what year is your car, and where are you located?

In the US the flip remotes from a MX5 and Mz6 sedan can be programmed to '04-'06 Mz3's. The difference between the remotes is the Mz6 one has a trunk pop button (which won't work on the 3) and is cheaper vs. the 3 button MX5 remote. Some people would rather spend more and not have a useless button. In 2007 the US Mz3 got a new KEU and there are not any available flip remotes that can be programmed to it. Repeat you can't program a flip remote for a '07+ US Mz3/MS3. The keys are the same across all NA Mazda models, so there's no difference there. In Canada the story is different as some of their models come with a flip key.

If you do have a '04-'06 model then you can get the Mz6 flip key (remote portion and key portion) for ~$75 from Jason at www.onlinemazdaparts.com (he's also a forum sponsor). To program the key you need two working keys in hand and it'll take you about 15 seconds. To program the remote you only need one working key.... that programming is slightly more complex but will still take you less than a minute. If you only have one key then the dealer will have to program the key for you and will charge you $$ for it.

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

Well that sucks! I met some guy at the dealership a couple months back that said he had a hook up and could get the switchblades for dam near free. I kind of took it as BS but he was arguing with the parts guy about the programming cost and that it was a scam (of course it is). I will see if I can find his number in the pile of papers in my glove box. If I can I will see what he can get.

 

[Brock]

I have a 2009 i Touring Value.

 

[icspots]

Well that sucks! I met some guy at the dealership a couple months back that said he had a hook up and could get the switchblades for dam near free. I kind of took it as BS but he was arguing with the parts guy about the programming cost and that it was a scam (of course it is). I will see if I can find his number in the pile of papers in my glove box. If I can I will see what he can get.

Rest assured, bagman1 has ordered and tried every available flip key on the newer models without success. That being said if you can get a better deal on one go for it. Just make sure the visteon and FCC numbers match your current remotes before you order so you don't end up with one from a Mz5 or CX7

As to the programming cost..... if you have two working keys then it's BS, however if they have to plug into the computer and do it that way it actually takes them about 45 minutes to do.

 

[Brock]

Hmm why the heck is switchblade key mentioned in my owners manual. hmm....

 

[skylar2ups]

Hmm why the heck is switchblade key mentioned in my owners manual. hmm....

Canada has them.

 

[adurden1]

i have an idea for yall, if you buy a part that goes with auto alarms you can keep it always grounded and leave one your programmed keys in it. the part actually sends that programmed info into the car at all times. You lose your security in that any cut key gets the car started but get an alarm and the starter kill takes care of that. so in theory you only need a switch with a cut, no programming and does anyone have a switchblade because i want one.

 

[icspots]

i have an idea for yall, if you buy a part that goes with auto alarms you can keep it always grounded and leave one your programmed keys in it. the part actually sends that programmed info into the car at all times. You lose your security in that any cut key gets the car started but get an alarm and the starter kill takes care of that. so in theory you only need a switch with a cut, no programming and does anyone have a switchblade because i want one.

It's not the key that can't be programmed, it's the remote. Remember that they're two different parts that are put together. If you want to get a flip key and just use it as a key (because you can't program the remote) then you can. The transponder chips in all NA Mazda models are the same.

 

[Brock]

Alright so I can't get the switchblade key as my third key. What part number should I order for my third key then?

2009 Mazda3 i Touring Value

 

[chrissor]

Alright so I can't get the switchblade key as my third key. What part number should I order for my third key then?

2009 Mazda3 i Touring Value

call the dealership with your vin and they will know which key to get.

you can use a key and fob from a mazda 5. i've done it with mine. now i'm a mazda tech so i just had to pay for the fob at cost, and i programed it myself which anybody would be able to do its not hard.

 

[icspots]

Alright so I can't get the switchblade key as my third key. What part number should I order for my third key then?

2009 Mazda3 i Touring Value

F1Y1762GX

 

[Brock]

er mazda5 uses switchblade key doesnt it?

whats the part number for the remote key fob as well?