Losing your car keys is a real headache, and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. I learned this firsthand when I misplaced the only key to my 2011 Mazda 3 while out of town. What I initially dubbed “the key fiasco” turned into a learning experience, and I’m here to share how you can handle a lost 2013 Mazda 3 Key Fob situation without breaking the bank.
Picture this: you’re miles from home, maybe after a fun day out, and you realize your car key is nowhere to be found. That’s exactly what happened to me. My 2011 Mazda 3 key vanished after a day trip. To make matters worse, my spare key was also MIA, lost during a recent move. Stranded and keyless, I quickly learned how expensive and inconvenient getting a new key from the dealership can be.
My car was safely parked, thankfully, but the realization that all Mazda dealerships were closed on Sunday meant I was stuck until Monday at the earliest. The first thing I did on Monday was contact the dealership. The quote I received was staggering: somewhere between $375 and $450, plus towing fees, just for a new switchblade key with a fob! There had to be a more affordable way to replace my 2013 Mazda 3 key fob.
That’s when I started looking into locksmiths. My search led me to High Tech Locksmith (hightechlocksmith.com), a company that claimed they could handle everything on-site from their mobile van. After checking their online reputation and seeing positive reviews, I decided to call. They quoted me $160 for two basic, non-switchblade keys, including programming, key cutting, and all service fees. Considering the dealership’s price and my need for at least two keys, this seemed like the best option. I scheduled an appointment for Tuesday.
The locksmith arrived as scheduled, and the process was truly impressive. First, he used a non-damaging car entry technique to open my Mazda 3 door. He then verified my ownership using my ID and car registration. Next, he skillfully removed the exterior door handle to access the factory-set key code, which, surprisingly, was physically present on the vehicle itself. This code is essential for cutting new keys that match your car’s ignition and locks.
With the key code in hand, the locksmith went to his van and used a specialized key cutting machine. Within minutes, he had two new keys cut. These keys would open the doors and turn the ignition, but they wouldn’t start the car yet because they still needed to be programmed to the car’s immobilizer system.
For the programming, he used a tablet-like device that connected to my car’s OBD-II port, located near the driver’s side kick panel. He plugged in, used the device to communicate with my car’s computer, and then programmed each of the new keys. In under nine minutes, from start to finish, he had opened my car, retrieved the key code, cut and programmed two new keys, and reassembled the door handle. My Mazda 3 was starting again!
Now that I had basic keys to get me back on the road, I still wanted the convenience of a key fob for keyless entry. eBay became my next stop. I found a used switchblade key fob with a blank key blade for my 2013 Mazda 3 for just $39.99. New fobs from the dealer cost a fortune, so this felt like a worthwhile gamble. When it arrived, it looked almost new.
First, I tried programming just the keyless entry function of the fob. A quick online search revealed the DIY programming steps. Here’s how to program the keyless entry for a 2013 Mazda 3 key fob:
- Open the driver’s side door and leave it open.
- Lock and then unlock the doors using the interior door lock switch.
- Insert an existing, working key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position for a couple of seconds, then turn it “OFF.” Repeat this cycle two more times (total of three). Leave the key in the ignition in the “OFF” position.
- Close and then open the driver’s side door six times in quick succession.
- The car should respond by automatically locking and unlocking the doors. This indicates it’s in programming mode.
- Press any button on each key fob you want to program. The doors should lock and unlock once to confirm each fob is programmed.
- Remove the key from the ignition to exit programming mode. The doors should lock and unlock again.
It took me a few tries to get the timing right, but eventually, the doors cycled, and I successfully programmed the keyless entry to my “new” used fob.
Next, I needed to get the blank key blade on the switchblade fob cut. I went to my local Mazda dealership’s parts department. I explained my situation, and to my surprise, they agreed to cut the key blade for free! They did mention programming costs, but since I already knew how to program the transponder chip for starting the car, I just needed the cut. Having the key code from the locksmith saved the day again, as they could cut the key based on the code for perfect accuracy.
With the key cut, it was time to program the transponder chip in the switchblade fob so it would start the car. This process requires two already working keys. Luckily, I now had the two basic keys the locksmith made. Here’s how to program a spare key for a 2013 Mazda 3:
- Insert the first working key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position for about five seconds. Then remove the key.
- Insert the second working key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position for about five seconds. Then remove the key.
- Insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Wait about five seconds, then turn to “OFF.”
Following these steps in the dealership parking lot, I successfully programmed my switchblade key fob to start the car. Now I had two basic keys and a fully functional switchblade key fob. To have an extra spare, I even ordered another switchblade fob online.
In total, this “key fiasco” cost me around $250 for two basic keys and two switchblade fobs, all programmed and working. Compared to the initial dealership quote, I saved a significant amount of money by exploring alternative solutions and doing some DIY programming. Replacing a 2013 Mazda 3 key fob doesn’t have to be a wallet-draining experience. With a little research and willingness to try alternative methods, you can get back on the road without overspending.
