Just make sure the seller has a return policy if you're having doubts of the FOB not working.

 

I bought a switch blade key, programed the remote and tried to program the key chip to cars ecu but no go. Main question, i believe the key may be cut a little off. Will a cut, being programmed key, turn to the on position from the lock but just not start the 8 due to the immobilizer ? When Im undergoing the key programming Im using 2 working keys with a 3rd being the switch blade. Any help would be great . Thanks

 

I had success with this over the weekend and wanted to explicitly state in the thread that in spite of the ebay seller stating "no self programming" the key was programmed just fine. So if you're reading the thread and have doubts about seller programming messaging just ignore it!

Now Geradenoz, once i finally found someone who would cut the key i also had to have them tweak the cut before it would turn to "ON". As long as your key will turn then your good to try programming. I was careful not to go past "on" though in fear of triggering some hidden security that would hinder my programming, just paranoia im sure. I also used my valet and it went fine, but i started with my primary key as key 1. I also paused on lock when turning to off since the directions noted "turn to lock". You need to do it all qucik too though, 4 seconds may seem long enough unless you fumble between key changes.

 

Now Geradenoz, once i finally found someone who would cut the key i also had to have them tweak the cut before it would turn to "ON". As long as your key will turn then your good to try programming. I was careful not to go past "on" though in fear of triggering some hidden security that would hinder my programming, just paranoia im sure. I also used my valet and it went fine, but i started with my primary key as key 1. I also paused on lock when turning to off since the directions noted "turn to lock". You need to do it all qucik too though, 4 seconds may seem long enough unless you fumble between key changes.[/QUOTE]

just brought the key back, wouldnt unlock trunk or door. I noticed i was a tad retarded for not trying it before. Imeaditly tried to program. After some fine tuning by the man we were in business!
Pro tip 101
** make sure key works in trunk and door tee hee !

 

I've read all the posts and I'm not seeing my answer. on my '04, I have 1 key (Which to be the original I think.. bought the car used). I'm having a locksmith who says he can make+program a 2nd key.

1) Having 2 keys I should be able to make my own and program them? (1 not being original would work?)

2) The Key FOB Is the original but it's not programmed.. I tried the ON/OFF x3, Lock x3, but when I push the button on the FOB twice, nothing happens.. Any insight on this? Or do I need to goto the dealer.. (Not wanting to pay out the butt)

Thanks for any help!

 

One key will program the switchblade FOB, two working keys will program another key. The answers are in the thread, if you scroll up to the top, you will see the type of FOB needed for this to work. As I have explained before, the programming instructions in this thread is for the switchblade and WILL NOT work with the original 2004 OEM keychain FOB.

Here is the summary of everything (everyone) needed to know:

 

Grace,

Thanks for the response, I got the key programming part, Not really an issue. I ordered the Sweet switchblade and will try and program it when I get it. Thank you for the summary!

Although maybe I'm going full tard on this, but I see "This programming does not work with the Stock/original FOB. Are there no handy instructions for the original? Tried the one that says it doesn't work.. which doesn't.. obviously.

Once I get the switchblade in and if it programs the old one will be a spare if I can get it to work so I guess I'll be crossing my fingers for it to work lol

 

The 2004 OEM FOB may be programmed by the dealer's M-MDS(Mazda Modular Diagnostic System), I believe. That is why most opted with the switchblade instead of trying to reprogram and reprogram the 2004 OEM FOB. It happened to many members when the FOB battery started to die down, after replacing it with a new one the FOB failed to work.

 

Ahh, that explains it, thank you, that's the answer I was looking for, appreciate your help grace.

 

You're welcome, hope you get the right switchblade FOB because programming it is very easy.

 

I reprogrammed both of my OEM 2004 FOBs without issue when I paired my switchblade way back when. Not sure why others have had problems

 

Hope this thread doesn't come back from the dead, but I'd like to thank everyone in here for the information. Just got my switchblade key fob, and I hope it works. Thanks guys. <3

 

The answer to your second question is that the fob is fried. mine went the same way. you need to just get a new fob for it. i know a few guys who have gone through 3 or 4 for this reason.

 

Bought my switch blade key and fob for my 2004 and the programing went flawless.I must say this site rocks! I came form the Lincoln vs Cadillac forum which was equally as helpful. Im glad to see the same support here as well! Thanks

 

The 04 I just bought came with just a key, no remotes. There are quite a few remote switchblade keys available on Ebay but some of them say they only fit 2005 and up. The few that fit 2004 like: For Mazda SKE12501 New Flip Key Keyless Entry Remote Fob Transmitter Replacement | eBay do not have the trunk button. Can I use the ones listed for 2005+ like: 2x Flip Key Keyless Entry Remote Fob For SKE12501 Uncut Transmitter Replacement | eBay with this 2004? I asked the seller and they said no but they may not be sure either. I obviously don't have the FCC ID number to compare it to.

 

It's in this thread, got mine from Remote Superstore.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...-214555/page2/

 

OK thanks. Want to avoid spending nearly 10% of what I paid for the car for a pair of remotes from there if the $38 Ebay ones work the same.

 

I have a similar problem and searching here has not lead to a fix! My car refuses to accept any key fob. I've tried several from eBay, both of the common models. I've even tried a spare "switch blade" style from my fathers cx7. I don't have the flashing key that most people with bad antennas have. Does anyone have any ideas before I give up and just run with a key?


Edit. 2004 rx8 GT. Not the original engine if that makes a difference.

 

Reposting this again.

 

As I said. I have tried Both of those models. I also tried a spare switch blade. I don't have any of the other issues I've seen people say they have when they have a bad antenna. At this point I can only guess that the car has had 3 fobs programmed and I can't find any way to make it forget one.

 

I see what you mean, I did read a post in a different thread stating that it should allow you to program a new FOB automatically bumping the older one to allow a new FOB in the memory. I'll see if I can find that thread.

 

I'm honestly at the point where I think there may be something wrong with my cars keyless system. It goes into programming mode just fine, but I've tried 4 different fobs, even the one the dealer said should work.

 

Can’t believe it’s 5 years later and I still need to post here about these issues! I got a new switchblade on eBay for my 2004 and I was successful in programming the FOB. https://www.ebay.com/itm/312756307539

Getting the new key to start the car is still not working. I had the key cut at the HD and it works on the door, trunk, and ignition. It won’t start the car though despite trying the registration procedure about 10 times. Everything goes as expected except I get the key icon rapid flashing when I introduce the new key. I’m starting to think that the RFID chip inside the switchblade is malfunctioning. Any other ideas?

 

Been a while, but I think we were getting the switchblades strictly for the remote function.
I got mine cut but not programmed.
I think that's a job for the dealer, sad to say.
I could be wrong.

 

Several people on this thread stated they were successful with the procedure Grace_Excel posted a few times. It just seems to be hit and miss and my best guess is that it’s due to the low quality chips inside the switchblades we all buy on eBay. There are comments there from buyers stating that even locksmiths with specialized tools can’t always register them to the car. But as you said, my main need was to get a working FOB so at least that’s working.