New Key

[weatherdan822]

I need to get a spare key made because when I bought my Mazda 3, the dealership only gave me 1 key, saying the previous owners only gave them the one key. I went to get a copy of my key made at ACE and they said my key is encrypted and that I need to go to Mazda to get a spare made. Does anyone know how much this would cost?

 

[cclngthr]

About $120 at a dealer. A good locksmith has the tool to program the computer for the new key, but it is possible to do it with these steps:

A maximum of eight keys can be registered for any one vehicle. If key registration is not successful and DTC 15 appears even though the procedure was performed properly, use the PID/data monitor function of the WDS or equivalent and verify the number of keys that have been registered.
If eight keys have already been registered, and it is necessary to register other keys, the previously registered key ID numbers must first be cleared. To clear the key ID numbers, refer to "No.3 Key Replacement Procedure (Clearing Previously Registered Key ID Numbers, Key Re-registration)".

1. Have one key (key 3) ready for registration.

2. Using key 1, turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

3. Verify that the security light illuminates for approx. 3 s and then goes out.

4. Using key 1, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position within approx. 4 s after the security light goes out.

5. Remove key 1

6. Repeat Steps 2-5 using key 2.

7. Repeat Steps 2-5 using key 3.

8. If additional keys need to be registered, repeat Steps 1-7 in the same manner as key 3.

 

[icspots]

The above quoted process only works if you have two working keys in hand. If you only have one working key then the dealer needs to plug into your computer, clear the key codes and manually program the keys in. The process apparently takes about 45 minutes to complete so expect to be charged an hour's labor by the dealer. Some dealers will do it cheap, others will try and take you to the cleaners. General is somewhere around $75 for the programming itself.

For the key I would recommend purchasing the key yourself online before hand vs. buying from the dealer. I've seen dealers ridiculously up the price of the keys they sell. If you go OEM you need p/n F1Y1762GX. If you buy from www.onlinemazdaparts.com and provide Jason with your VIN then he'll precut the key to your car as a courtesy. The key will run you about $28 from him. If you'd rather save a little cash and go aftermarket you can get a transponder key from dealextreme for around $10 HERE.

I recommend picking up two new keys, and once the second key is programmed in you can program the third yourself for free in about 15 seconds. That way should you ever lose a key again you can just replace it yourself vs. paying the dealer again.

Now all that said some lock smiths can clone a transponder key..... basically make a second key give off the same RFID as your current one. You'd have two keys but your car would still only think you had one.