Losing your car keys is a stressful experience, and it’s even worse when it’s your only set! I recently went through what I now call “the key fiasco” after losing my sole key for my 2011 Mazda 3 S Sport. It happened on a trip, and to make matters worse, my spare key was lost during a move. I was stranded and needed a solution fast, and I knew going straight to the dealership would be expensive.
My car was safely parked, but realizing I was keyless late on a Saturday night was a sinking feeling. After a fruitless search, I knew I needed to find an alternative to the dealership, especially since they were closed on Sunday. The initial quote from the Mazda dealership was shocking: $375 – $450 plus towing just for a new switchblade key fob! There had to be a more affordable way to Replace Mazda 3 Key Fob.
That’s when I discovered High Tech Locksmith (hightechlocksmith.com). They offered a mobile service and could come directly to my car. After checking their great online reviews and BBB rating, I called them. They quoted me $160 for two basic, non-switchblade keys, including programming and key cutting, all done on-site. Considering the dealership’s price and my need for at least two keys, this seemed like the best option.
The locksmith arrived and the process was impressive. First, using the “pillow and door hanger trick,” he got my car door open. After verifying my ID and car registration, he expertly removed the driver’s side door handle. Inside the door, he located the 5-digit key code needed for cutting new keys, stored in the Mazda database. He used this code in his van and quickly cut two new keys that would open the doors and turn the ignition, but not yet start the car due to needing programming.
Next, he used a tablet-like device and connected it to the car’s computer via a port near the driver’s side kick panel. He programmed the first key, then the second. Within minutes, he turned the ignition, and the car started! The entire process, including reassembling the door handle, took less than 9 minutes. I was amazed at how quickly and efficiently he could replace Mazda 3 key fob functionality, even without the fob itself initially.
With the immediate crisis resolved, I still wanted the convenience of a key fob for keyless entry. eBay became my next stop, and I found a used, like-new switchblade key fob with a blank key blade for just $39.99. Despite the dealership charging around $290 for a new one, the gamble seemed worth it. When it arrived, it looked almost new, with only slight fading on the trunk release button indicating it was used.
First, I tried programming the keyless entry function. A quick online search provided the programming steps, which I’ve listed below:
Key Fob Programming Steps for Mazda 3 Keyless Entry:
- Open the driver’s side door.
- Lock and unlock the door using the door button. Leave the door open.
- Insert a working key into the ignition and turn to the “ON” position for 2-3 seconds, then turn “OFF.” Repeat this cycle two more times (three times total). Leave the key in the “OFF” position.
- Close, then open, then close, then open, then close, then open the driver’s door (six times).
- The car doors will automatically lock and unlock, indicating it’s in programming mode.
- Press any button on each key fob you want to program.
- Remove the key from the ignition to finalize programming. The doors will lock and unlock again.
It took a few tries, but ensuring I completed the steps within 20-25 seconds was key. When successful, the door locks cycled as confirmation. Now, the used fob wirelessly locked and unlocked my doors!
However, I still had a blank key blade on the switchblade fob and the two basic keys from the locksmith. To consolidate, I went to the Mazda dealership to get the blank blade cut. Explaining my situation to the parts desk, they agreed to cut the key blade for free! They did mention programming costs, but since I knew how to program the transponder key myself, I politely declined, just needing the cut. Having the key code from the locksmith saved the day, ensuring an accurate cut.
With the blade cut, I now needed to program the transponder chip in the switchblade fob to start the car. This requires two existing working keys. Luckily, the locksmith provided two basic transponder keys. Here are the steps:
Transponder Key Programming with Two Existing Keys:
- Insert the first working key into the ignition and turn to the “ON” position for about 5 seconds. Remove the key.
- Insert the second working key into the ignition and turn to the “ON” position for about 5 seconds. Remove the key.
- Insert the new/spare key into the ignition and turn to the “ON” position. Wait about 5 seconds, then turn to “OFF.”
Following these steps in the dealership parking lot, the switchblade fob was fully functional! I now had two basic keys and a switchblade fob that could all lock/unlock and start my Mazda 3. Confident in the process, I even ordered another switchblade fob online as a spare.
In total, this “key fiasco” cost me around $250 for two basic keys and two fob keys, a significant saving compared to the dealership’s initial quote. Hopefully, sharing my experience helps others looking to replace Mazda 3 key fob in a more affordable way.
