Good news folks, once I heard the price that Mazda charges to program a 2nd or a new key I did all I can to learn what stops me from doing it myself. End result, complete success!


The problem:
When I bought my 2004 RX-8 GT, it only came with one key; I wanted to program a 2nd, and a 3rd to the car because it also did not come with a FOB so if I was locked out, that would require pop-a-lock. Everywhere I have read, it says that I absolutely needed two programmed keys to program another myself. Option B was to bring it to the (st)ealer and have them do it for more than 100 bucks per key.

The key:
Mazda charges quite a bit more for our transponder keys so I did some research to figure out what is compatible aftermarket, and I purchased two keys off ebay for ~10 bucks each. The link is below but it may become invalid some day so here was the description: "Transponder Chip Ignition Key Uncut Blade 4D-63 For Mazda 2 3 5 6 CX7 +9 MX5 RX8" and the description states: " Manufacturer Part Number: BMZ24TK14 MZ24TK14"

Link: Transponder Chip Ignition Key Uncut Blade 4D 63 for Mazda 2 3 5 6 CX7 9 MX5 RX8 | eBay

Now go get that key cut while you gather the other tools needed...

The tools:
- ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII Adapter: These are cheap, I got mine off ebay for ~8 bucks to the door. Wired would work also, probably wifi versions that are compatible with iProducts too.
- A PC with bluetooth (option 2, wired adapter, wired to this pc, or wifi).
- FORScan OBDII software for the PC (the android and iPhone versions do not have the features you need to do this, but they have other capabilities that I will discuss later). Note, currently there is only a BETA version that works, make sure you read through the process notes below.
- FORScan's (currently free) extended license.
- Access to a website to decode the outcode and turn into an incode (this is discussed within the FORScan instructions, and its currently free as well).
- Your original key and the new cut key.

The Process:
I am a FORScan user, I use it to monitor various OBDII sensors. FORScan beats the competition because it easily allows me to access all the buses, this feature was not so simple in other softwares like Torque, etc. FORScan is designed for Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, Merc, etc. So all the PIDs that are available are already in the software. No need to mess around with adding separate pids. I've been using it on my Android and my windows pc tablet for a while now. Recently, I learned that FORScan for the windows pc supports PATS programming and also the RX-8, this is the feature that programs keys. So I took a challenge to overcome the Mazda costs and use this to program a 2nd key.

The first time I tried this, I had an error pop up that PATS programming is not compatible with my 2004 RX-8 saying because I had a push-button start. That is false so I contacted the support for FORScan and they worked with me to resolve the issue, then release a BETA version. This version is v2.33 and can be found here:
http://forscan.org/download/FORScanS...st10062016.exe
^^^^ Currently this is the only version that does not give the initial error. Future versions will work fine and I'll do my best to update this thread.

Running through the FORScan PATS programming process here:
FORScan forum ? View topic - How to program PATS using FORScan v2.2.*
I did not erase any keys, I went to the spare key program option and followed through with the instructions.

Note Problems faced:
During the programming portion, the software told me that the key programming failed. I reported this and it was explained to me that the OEM key is 40 bit and some of the aftermarket are 80 bit, which would cause an error. I went to module initialization after that thinking my key was still unprogrammed and did that with success but I don't think that was need. I then noticed the anti-theft light disappeared from my dash with the new key, meaning, my new key is programmed!!! SUCCESS!!!

After this, I did the factory 3rd key programming sequence and that worked fine. I now have three working keys, 2 of which are aftermarket keys!

Important little tidbit:
This saved me a ton of cash as you can see, I offered to donate to these guys but they don't accept donations. Their turnaround support time was incredibly fast (within hours I had a new version of the software)! Therefore, I want to do anything I can to give them a heck of a high-five...

If this works out for you, buy the phone version or a paid version when that is available, its cheap, that is the only way to support them at the moment. Links to follow:
FORScan Home Page
FORScan Links for Windows, Android, iPhone, Apple
FORScan v2.33 - test - 10062016 version that works with this process

Shawn
2004 RX-8 Grand Touring

 

Holy crap i just gave this a shot and everyone worked perfectly!! I feel like this should potentially be a sticky.

Couple notes though, If you're planning to get it done right after you read this post be aware that you probably wont be able to.

You need to make an account for the forscan forums and the only way to have an active account is for a mod to approve you. It's a manual process so YMMV on how long it will take for you to get an account. After that download Forscan for Windows and open up the application. Click on the cog on the bottom left and there should be a Hardware ID there. You will need this to generate a Extended License Key.

The second piece of the puzzle is make a account for autokeyprog.com
For me the activation code that they were supposed to send took over 10 minutes or so. At this point i was sitting in the car already so be aware that getting the account up and running will take a couple of minutes.

I also want to clarify that you need to enable "spare key programming" first and then do Ignition Key Program. Just follow the directions and it will tell you that it failed. For me it goes to somewhere around 5% or so before you get the error message. If you click around though the program will tell you that +1 key has been programmed. For me it said i had 2 keys programmed. After the failed message i saw that i now had 3 keys programmed. Right after that i used my newly programmed key and the blinking key light went away and started the car right up.

Thanks to the OP I finally got my spare key programmed without paying an arm for it.

 

Good stuff right? The Forscan developers welcome feedback and make changes to get things working right so don't hold back from sharing your experience with them. I went from only one key and no fob to now having 4 keys and one being a switchblade with a FOB. I can't be more delighted that I still have not been to the Mazda dealer, yes a little bit of a process but nevertheless worth it imo.

glad it worked!
-Shawn

 

Man just read this post, out 171$, ouch, one key since I needed the PIN code since I only had a valet key. I am going to try this out and give some feedback. I have a fob that I ordered off ebay on the way. will return to this post.

 

FOB? You mean key with chip? This procedure is for key only... for fob, you dont need anything but the correct frequency fob and the sequence to get into programming mode.

 

True, key with chip. That is why I will have to return, I need to order another set of keys. Quick question what Flip key/blade did you order, can you provide the link to where you bought it? Like I said I ordered a FOB so I am waiting on that right now, but if you have a flip key link that has the remote attached that would be real cool. I will be doing this though, it will take me some time.

 

This is what i bought but they no longer have any left. http://www.ebay.com/itm/122005040577?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
What you're looking for is FCC ID: KPU41788 4238A-41525 OR Visteon 41525 SWITCHBLADE

 

Sorry for the delay... like aorkennykiller mentioned... the one I had has the same numbers.... here is the one I got:Uncut Mazda Flip Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Transmitter Clicker KPU41788 | eBay

Other Part Number: VISTEON NO. 41525
Manufacturer Part Number: fcc id : KPU41788
Interchange Part Number: IC :4238A-41525

 

Reason is I had only one key ( it was a valet key on a switchblade FOB that was a 3 button piece) I am unable to enter the car in with the remote that I was given when I bought the 2004 RX8. That is why I bought a new FOB piece.

 

So, I will be testing this out thoroughly once I receive the key blanks. Our RX-8 came with only one key and I really don't want to spend the money at the dealer to get it done. FORScan looks like a great tool and I plan on using it. Since I also have AutoEnginuity, I may try it with that as well. Planning on programming a few extra keys and a switchblade key/remote. Thanks for the great post, very timely and helpful!

 

Any way to program the credit card style remote? My dealer wants $200 to program one

 

Unsure... but perhaps the same method... try hitting up the guys at ForScan and see what they say, they may already know the answer. Good luck.

 

will this method work for 2010 S2. need to program my blade key but only have one.

 

As I write this msg, the release notes go only up to 2009. Give the guys a shout and check with them though, perhaps at the time it had limited capability and now working? Please report back with the findings.

Shawn

 

Hi.
s-rx8 told he done the module initialisation but he don't knew if that was need.
aorkennykiller, have you done the module initialisation also, or not?

s-rx8, could you give a commercial link for your cheap Bluetooth ELM327 ODBII please?

 

I'm not sure what you're asking me. What do you mean by module initialization? Programming the key to the car?

 

No.
Here is what i understand:
In the FORScan menu you told you had enabled "Spare key programming" ("Spare keys programmable" in the this picture) first and then do Ignition Key Program ("Ignition key Programming" in the same picture).

But after that, s-rx8 went to in "module initialisation"in FORScan (i don't know where yet. I don't have FORScan near to me).

Had you done the same ?

 

AHh yea its been a while since i programmed my key. i'm pretty sure you have to go into PATS to get to where i was. Just read things before you click and you should be fine.

 

Its been too long since I've done it, I cant recall the exact steps but not much you can screw up on, give it a whirl or talk to the ForScan team, they are extremely helpful!

Commercial links are difficult b/c they expire but here are a few to get you there...

Search "OBDII bluetooth" on
www.amazon.com
Online Shopping for Cool Gadgets, RC helicopter & Quadcopter, Mobile Phone, Fashion at Banggood.com
AliExpress.com - Online Shopping for Electronics, Fashion, Home & Garden, Toys & Sports, Automobiles from China.

and you will see some in the range of 6-15 dollars. Those are what I'm talking about. The one I have I believe is this one...
https://www.amazon.com/Vgate-Bluetoo...BDII+bluetooth

but really, they are all pretty much the same when it comes to capability.

Have fun!

 

This procedure worked for me, and was so easy! Thanks! For people looking into doing this, make sure you also read aorkennykiller's comments above.

 

I looked at doing this today and found that the PATS menu doesn't show form my 2003 Japanese RX8 (It shows PCM, TCM, EPS, SASM, and IC in the "Service Procedures" only).

No idea why (as it seems all RX8s have PATS). Perhaps something to do with it being a Japanese model.

 

Did you try typing it in Japanese

 

I'd write to the folks over at ForScan, they were quite helpful.

 

Cool ! I'll try this soon

 

I tried to connect an OBD2 reader to FORScan and to my mazda 3 (2005). It finds the bluetooth device but can't "find my vehicle" .

Above is a link to the OBD2 device i bought on amazon do I need a different one for my Mazda? There seems to be lots of them.