When I got my 8 from the dealer, used, they only one of the original keys to it. They "misplaced" the spare valet key. Thus, I have only one legit Mazda key, and two retard Longs cut spare keys which don't start the engine at all. So I have to get another real key that will actually start the car. Since my dealer lost the key, they said I could buy another. I don't think that spare key was included in the purchase since it was "as is". Anyway, they said it will be 250+ for a new key and programming. Now I am really interested in getting the new switchblade key for the 05+ models. My car is a 04, so I have the two piece set. How would I go about getting a switchblade key to work. Through my searching, I've found that you need two real keys before you can program a third (which I hope to be a switchblade). But how can I do this without another spare? Anyway to order a spare regular key off ebay, program it myself, and then order another switchblade key and use my other two to program it? Also, I heard that once you program a third key, the two you used to do it become useless, is this true? Is it worth buying a mazda corp programmed key for like 250, and buying a switchblade key as well? Or would it work if I just got the switchblade off ebay, even though as of now I only have one key?

 

the Enter key is your friend - please use it otherwise it makes for a rough read.

 

ive been looking into getting a swith blade key myself. but every one ive looked at says its for rx8 2005+...thats the only thing stopping me from purchasing it...give me a head up on how things go. thanks

 

If you have only one key, you'll have to buy another one and have it programmed. My suggestion would be to buy the switchblade fob with or without a key blank. You can buy the two pieces separately. Then take that to the dealer to be programmed.

I don't think there's a reason to buy a second regular key just to program the switchblade.

 

Ok, cool. Are mazda dealers really stingy about the keys? Like, I'm worried the dealership will not program a genuine switchblade key for me that I got off of eBay and not from Mazda itself. And how much would it cost, if I asked them to program and cut a switchblade that I already have?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-NEW...spagenameZWDVW

So would this key blank fit a 2004 rx8? My car's production date is 09/03. I want to get the remote part from this site, http://www.keylessride.com/order/quo...&frid=B7AE5593. I talked to the rep from this site and explained to him my situation. He said there was a way to make it possible for this remote to work on my car. I might go for it then, it's cheaper than the dealer. I just need the key part.
Also, does the piece with the key have the immobilizer chip in it, or does the big remote part have the immobilizer chip in it?

 

The remote has the transponder on that model key.

Your best bet is just to use this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...8152&rd=1&rd=1
with a Mazda remote

 

Most local locksmiths can do it. I purchased a used 02 montero but it only came with 1 key and alarm remote. I purchased an exact remote and the dealer programed it for me for free as it only took him 2 min to do. As for the key...... The dealer wanted 200 dollars so i was like "thanx but no thanx". I went to my local locksmith shop and he was able to do it. He had to order a key (dont ask me from where) and then he had a tool that he plugged into the diagnostics port. He cut the new key to match the original and then programed it using his electronic tool. I was charged 75 dollars total for the key and programing.
As for the switchblade key.... if it has a chip in it then it can be programed. I think the max amount of keys u can have programed per vehicle is "3" so i dont see why ur other 2 keys would be obsolete if u use them to program a 3rd. I believe u need 2 keys to program the third via the on-board computer and not that u need 2 keys to program the third and the other keys will be obsolete. Doesnt make sense.
Google a local locksmith and ask if they program keys for cars. Im sure ull find at least one guy who does it and it shouldnt cost much at all. Good luck.

 

the guy just want the new key, same problem i have. i want the new key but so far the dealer told me it would not work with a 04 rx8 that is only 05 up so i am waiting for this guy to buy it so i can see what happens and decide if i should pay 175 for the key. so stop trying to make him buy cheap keys.

 

**** it guys, you were right. There is no way that could work, according to the three Mazda dealers I talked to. I'm sure it can be done, but I need the key quick, so I just got a regular one.

 

Even getting a regular key will require it to be programmed. Easy with two keys. PITB if you only have one. Also, there is a difference between programming the key and the keyless entry remote.

Finally, yes - the switchblade key works, but it would still have the issues of being programmed. Once you get a second key, it is easy to program the switchblade key.

 

that sucks man why you had to punk out on it??? you should have bought the switch blade key. damn i have to wait for the next guy with key problems. i am not gonna buy a key unless i know is going to work.

 

Switchblade key works fine for 2004. The problem is programming the key and keyless entry. You need two good keys to program the new key. If you only have one good key, the dealer has to plug into the computer to program in the new key.

 

Search people, SEARCH !

Anyway, in your case you HAVE TO let your dealer program it.

a Switchblade key (whole thing) cost hundred something

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...n&key=RX081062

Then u have to bring it to your dealer, and have them program it for you with their computers. whole process should be less than 1/2 hour, so prepare to pay for key + 1 hour of labor. (if you decided to buy your own key elsewhere)

 

does this key work with the 2004 rx8s?

 

Thats what this thread was trying to figure out. I guess the board, as a whole, hasn't come up with a general consensus or "for sure" answer that it will definetly work. Only a few members to my knowledge have gotten it to work.

 

i want the flip key. not the one with the build remote entry. but some a!@#$ talked the guy outta getting so we might never know now

 

cliffs notes?

 

I've got a Aug 04 build 2004 and I just programed a switchblade key on it last night. I bought the whole unit (uncut key and remote) from ebay for $60 and had it cut at Home Depot (for free since the guy couldn't figure out how to charge me). Programming took less than 5 minutes with the info from the other switchblade posts.

 

MIke I FREAKING LOVE YOU MAN!!!!! i totally FREAKING LOVE YOU Man, you dont know how long i been waiting for this. im gonna buy 10 freaking keys now.

 

nice!!! i think im going to go buy a key myself!!!

 

I did the same thing... '04, and only had one key. I bought the switchblade (not from the dealership). It cost me $80 to have them program it. ouch!