Another key fob question

[Allison]

My husband and I purchased a used 2007 Mazda5. We are happy with the vehicle except we only received a plain key and a remote starter with the vehicle. I really want a key fob so I can remotely lock and unlock it. My hubby bought a switch-blade style one from eBay. From browsing here, I knew it wasn't possible for us to program it ourselves so hubby brought the vehicle and uncut key fob to the Mazda dealer. The eBay user has a return policy but key blank must not be cut. The dealer told my hubby that the key has to be cut to program the fob and that since it's an eBay key, it's cheap metal and they will not cut it since it could mess up their machine. True? Or them trying to get more money off of us?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Davicho]

Take the key blank to a locksmith and have them cut it for you. Then go back and have the dealer program it for you. Unless of course the locksmith can program it also. Some high end locksmiths have the high tech tools to do so.

 

[SuperJETT]

What Davicho said...

 

[Allison]

So then you are saying that the key blank does indeed need to be cut in order to program the fob? The dealership was uncertain whether the fob would work...

 

[Davicho]

The key and the fob are two separate programming methods. The reason why the key blank needs to be cut first, is because the key must be able to be inserted in the ignition. So it must be cut so that it can do that. Now...whether it is true that their machine can possibly get messed up because it is an aftermarket key blank and this is of lower quality material, I personally think is a big crock of dokie. But they can refuse to cut it because you didn't buy it there with them. The programming on the fob part is an all together different thing and method.

 

[SuperJETT]

Here's how I went about it: we received only one key/fob with the car (which I'm sure is on purpose so we'll buy a second from them at $300). I bought 2 new blanks and fobs off Ebay and had them cut at a locksmith. We had to have something done under warranty (certified used car) and while dropping it off, I asked the guy if he could get the service dude to program a second key/fob for us since we only had one that worked. He included the programming at no charge, which we all know is a 5 minute deal.

Once I was home with 2 working keys/fobs, I was able to program the 3rd myself. You teach the car to learn the key then you teach it to learn the remote, they are separate procedures/items.

One possibility, take it in for an oil change and ask them if they can program the extra key/fob for you while it's in there. You're spending money at the dealership where you bought the car, so maybe they'll do it to keep you coming back. At the worst, maybe they'll just charge you for .25 hour of labor which should be around $30

 

[thaxman]

Also, don't forget, you can buy a pair of key blanks that will fit the switchblad for like $7 on eBay too. I would get a 2nd one cut at the same time so that you have a cut spare already waiting for that 2nd fob will will eventually be buying. That leaves you with an uncut blank too just in case the seller sent you a bad fob.

 

[Allison]

Thanks for all the info! It is nice to hear from another source that the key does need to be cut.

 

[joe_bain]

There is apparently a way to program the keys see
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123695620-Spare-Key-amp-Fob-Programming-for-Mazda5