DiamondGreyS2

Hello everyone. I just had a thought and figured I'd ask the community. So, I have a 2009 RX8 and it has the dumb credit card looking smart key. Had 2, one went through the washing machine and stopped working and now my second one doesn't always respond. Now my question is, can I get a different mazda key and program it to my car? or does it have to be the credit card key? If I can use a different key fob, which ones can I use and which ones can't I? Thank you in advance and sorry if it's a dumb question I was just curious 😅

DiamondGreyS2

Bump

TKJimmy

I have the same question except I still have 2 of the credit card style ones but want the flip key one. I believe the immobilizer chip can be programmed on the flip key but no clue.

louza

I would like an answer but I have no idea.

spectre6000

I was able to get new cards/keys relatively inexpensively overseas. I got one or the other from UAE and Japan. Local locksmith was able to do the programming inexpensively.

If you're hellbent on downgrading the key though, you might call a local locksmith. Mine had zero issues at all programming the new keys, and seemed to have more of a clue than most such service people. Might be the right person to ask.

huebie

Thanks for the update. Do you remember any sites you can buy the keys from?

I was thinking of just getting a locksmith and copying the RFI or whatever it to a generic Mazda-compatible key, but would be cool to have an OEM-like key.

spectre6000

I genuinely don't recall. I have a "system" that finds these deals though.

I use this site to find the part numbers (it has all the parts diagrams, and doesn't delete parts from them that are no longer available, iirc). Then I google the part number and/or any superseded part numbers, and open all the results in tabs for however many pages of results it takes to start getting weird Russian (or whatever) nonsense. Then I go through and start closing all but the lowest 1/3 or so (depending on scale) of prices, then go through a second time entering my zip code for shipping, then a final pass finds the cheapest part to my door.

All of my cars are in the process of getting some PDR work. Two hail storms, a tornado, and just door dings... A new-to-me car that lived in a small garage with kids, and a really bad day early this past summer. My PDR place is awesome (if you're in the Denver area, I'm happy to pass along his info), and really likes working with me. I did this a day or so ago for a tail light, and it took me all of maybe 10 minutes to find $300 cheaper than what the insurance company was willing to pay and some $200 cheaper than what he was able to find with his industry discount. Between that and some other parts and labor, that got me the non-insurance-covered car completely fixed for free.

RX-8 40th Anniversary

I had the exact same thing happen to me- You'll want to go to a mazda website and talk to someone about the right "key parts." I had to enter my vin and they gave me the part numbers- to which I ordered online much cheaper. Depending on who it was- I know programming ran me about 150 bux.

Essentially, you are more than likely stuck with that key because the receiver in your vehicle is specifically designed for that key style referring to a specific key part. I would highly recommend getting a new key set even though it will be expensive.

If I were you, I'd email your local dealer or call and ask them which key part number is fitted to your vehicle- and then order online- found it much cheaper then going through them. I did the same thing and the parts that I got had the little sticker- even the same lettering and etching on the key compared to my old key before it went to the washer.
Then I would call and just ask for programming cost. Just make sure they provide the right part number and then order the right part number. If you order the key and the fob together they should do both at a decent price. Good luck with the key journey, it sucks.

UnknownJinX

You can also just try your local FB marketplace or junkyard. Sometimes they have used fobs for sale. The key itself generally isn't too expensive, it's the fob/card that costs money. The fob/card can be reprogrammed, though, unlike a key where you need a new one since it has to be cut.

I had a Gen 2 Mazda3 with the flip key and... Not sure why you would want one if you have the Advanced Keyless Entry, which my current Mazdaspeed3 has. One thing to note is that the flip key doesn't work with the AKE if you have it on your RX-8, so you can no longer use the button on your door to unlock the car. Massive downgrade if you ask me. Also, the flip key wears out over time. Lots of fun when it doesn't flip open consistently anymore. One of them I got with my Mazda3 was in shambles already. The tab that holds the two halves of that key design also breaks easily if you aren't careful. So yeah, don't do it.

You can maybe see if the Gen 2 top trim(GT w/Tech Package in Canada, not sure what it's called in the US) Mazda3 Sedan key will work, but chances are the receivers of Mazda3 and RX-8 are different so they don't work with each other's keys.

ClydeYale

Thanks for the advice, I will try it.

gwilliams6

All good advice. But maybe the reason yours sometimes works and sometimes doesn't is because the credit card type key's battery compartment has lost its tightness and it is getting no battery contact inside. I find that one of my credit card keys for my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition has this issue, so I just have to press the battery compartment side of the key, and then it will work. Sounds too simple, yes I know, but try it anyway.

Cheers and best to you.

Seanlhy

I think the credit card key is genius because I hate having a huge fob in my pocket. The credit card goes on top of my wallet and it works great. The key was being finicky, but after replacing the battery it works flawless. If anyone wants to sell theirs for cheap, hit me up!

UnknownJinX

Another thing to add, if you don't have AKE(with the flip key), you can program the fob yourself. Lots of YouTube videos on that. Just make sure you reprogram the original fob with the new, additional one(s). The ignition chip that's embedded in the key part, however, needs to be programmed by a Mazda dealer or locksmith.

If you do have AKE(with the card key), you would need to talk to a Mazda dealer or a locksmith to program both the fob and the backup key. I tried using Forscan myself on my Mazdaspeed3 to see if I could do it myself, but no luck. Ended up just asking the dealer I work at to do it for me. Half an hour of labour according to them. Like the flip key, make sure to bring all of your fobs as they all need to be reprogrammed together.