How a Locksmith Can Make a Mazda Replacement Key

It isn't easy to replace your car keys in the event that you lose or break them. Luckily, professional auto locksmiths can assist.

The cloning of keys is a way to create a spare car key. It's not a good idea when you want to secure your vehicle from theft.

Replacement Keys

If you've lost, or damaged your Mazda car keys, a locksmith will make a new one for you in a relatively short time. If your keys have transponder chips the locksmith will also reprogram the computer to stop the old key from working so that you aren't able to start your car with it. This is much cheaper than going to an auto dealer.

A lot of newer cars make use of a special key that has an immobiliser chip inside to prevent theft. The key is more expensive than a standard key, but it's much harder to steal as the car needs to be physically altered to disable the chip. It is also much harder to get into the vehicle without a key fob as it requires the owner to push an icon on the dash board, or the steering wheel to unlock the doors.

The locksmiths at Pick Me Locksmith have the equipment to cut & program new keys for the majority of late Mazda models. To prevent older models, such as the Mazda 121 323 and 626 from functioning the ECU needs to be removed by a dealer & programmed. Locksmiths can provide a spare key which is programmed for less than what it would cost the dealership to complete the task.

Transponder Keys

If your car was made in the last 25 years, chances are it uses transponder keys to unlock the engine and start it. Created as an effective anti-theft device than traditional metal keys, transponder keys include computers inside their thick plastic key heads that communicates with the computer in your vehicle to turn on the ignition.

Transponder keys can also be used to control home security systems as well as remote door openers for gates and garage doors. Because they can be programmed with the unique serial number they are less likely to be accessed by criminals. However, they aren't foolproof. These systems are susceptible to hacking by criminals, and using a transponder does not provide an assurance of security.

Although many believe that they can only go to a Mazda dealer is the only place to purchase a new replacement for a stolen or lost transponder keys, you can make one yourself with a professional locksmith. It's more difficult than cutting a new one from metal, and requires an experienced locksmith who knows how to program the chip on the key to connect it to your car's computer.

Keyless Entry Remotes

A Mazda key fob is a small, remote that emits an electronic code, which is then validated by the car's computers to allow entry and start the engine. This technology is intended to keep thieves from gaining access to the system by using devices called a "code grabber" that reads out the unique code that the key fob emits. Most modern cars have smart keys as part of a tech package in higher trim levels or as an additional feature. These keys are expensive to replace, and removing and reprogramming them will require you to visit a dealership and show proof of ownership.

Some locksmiths can program a new key for you. However, you may be charged more than you would an auto dealer. You can also purchase an aftermarket Mazda key fob that is cheaper, but it's not as reliable.

To open the Mazda key fob, you must remove the key's metal cover and use a tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver to break the case on both sides. After you have removed the two covers, you can remove the battery from the key fob. Then, you can reinstall the new battery and replace the cover. It is also advisable to write down the code number printed on the plate that is that is attached to the key set and keep it in a safe spot in case you have to replace your Mazda 6 key (intranet.Welfarebox.com) replacement key again.

Key Fobs

The high-tech fobs and keys of today provide more than just the ability to unlock or start the vehicle. They also offer a variety of additional features for convenience, like the ability to lower your windows or summon the car using just one button. They are also a great protection against theft. However all that technology makes them costly to replace if you lose one or break it. The days of having locksmiths cut your keys are long gone. A new key fob from a retailer could cost you hundreds of dollars.

Certain keys come with a built-in security chip that communicates with the car's electronic system to verify the owner's authorization to enter and start the vehicle. These are called smart keys and are more expensive than the metal keys with transponders. Dealership quotes range from $200 up to $500 for replacing the smart key.

If the battery in the Mazda key fob goes out or is damaged, you can replace it yourself with a button cell battery you can purchase at the big-box retailer or at a hardware store. The owner's manual will detail how to open the case of your fob and you can find step-bystep instructions on YouTube as well. Be careful not to open the case too much or break the internal components.