Losing a key fob or needing a spare can be a frustrating experience, often leading to expensive trips to the dealership. Many car owners find themselves stuck with just one key fob, especially when purchasing a used vehicle. The good news is, you don’t always need to resort to costly dealer services for a replacement. One resourceful car owner discovered a clever DIY solution for their Fiat 124 Spider, sharing their success story online and highlighting how to save money on a new key fob.
This story begins with a common problem: a used car purchased with only one, non-OEM key fob. The owner of a Fiat 124 Spider, wanting a backup for emergencies, explored options for getting a second key fob programmed. Initially, they visited two independent locksmiths in their area, hoping for a quick and affordable solution. However, both locksmiths surprisingly claimed they couldn’t program a new fob for this particular vehicle, suggesting a dealership visit was the only option. This is a common scenario that many face – the perceived necessity of going to a dealer for key fob issues.
Undeterred, the car owner, who had some experience with cloning door fobs and other radio frequency devices, suspected there might be another way. They knew the signal was in the regular 315 am range, suggesting it wasn’t an unusually complex system. Why, then, couldn’t local locksmiths assist? This prompted them to delve deeper and consult online communities for shared experiences.
Through online research, they discovered a crucial piece of information: Mazda blank fobs could potentially be compatible with the Fiat 124 Spider. This was based on findings that the Fiat 124 Spider shares components with the Mazda MX-5. Specifically, it was noted that the Mitsubishi SKE13D-01 (with panic button) or SKE13E-01 (without panic button) key fobs, also used in the ND MX-5 (2017 model year), might work. The FCC IDs for these fobs are WAZSKE13D01 or WAZSKE13D02, and they use a CR2025 battery.
Emboldened by this information, the car owner took a chance and ordered a Mazda/Mitsubishi FOB, model number SKE13-D01, for around $40. They then returned to a locksmith, this time instructing them to use Mazda software settings for programming. And to their delight, it worked! The locksmith successfully programmed the Mazda fob to the Fiat 124 Spider, and the total cost, including the fob and programming, came out to under $150. This was a significant saving compared to what a dealership would likely charge.
This success story demonstrates that you don’t always have to rely on dealerships for key fob replacements. With some research and the right information, DIY solutions or independent locksmiths can be viable and much more affordable options. It also highlights the importance of community knowledge sharing and online forums in helping car owners find solutions.
Key Takeaways for DIY Key Fob Replacement:
- Research Compatibility: Investigate if key fobs from other car models might be compatible with your vehicle, especially if your car shares platforms or components with other brands. Online forums and communities can be valuable resources.
- Consider Mazda/Mitsubishi Fobs for Fiat 124 Spider: For Fiat 124 Spider owners needing a replacement, Mazda/Mitsubishi fobs (SKE13D-01 or SKE13E-01) are worth exploring.
- Independent Locksmiths with Specific Instructions: Don’t be discouraged by initial rejections from locksmiths. Seek out locksmiths who are willing to try programming with software from related car brands if compatibility is suggested. Providing specific instructions, like using Mazda software in this case, can make a difference.
- Cost Savings: DIY or independent locksmith solutions can lead to significant cost savings compared to dealership prices for key fob replacement and programming.
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