# Replacing a Mazda 3 'smart' key **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 25, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110 "2016-04-25T18:35:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/1 "2016-04-25T18:35:24Z")
It’s been a bad couple of weeks here. Anything that could be broken, forgotten, or just plain f’ed up by me has been. Now my spare [2014 Mazda3 keyless entry transponder](http://www.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2015/03/2014-Mazda3-S-GT-key-fob.jpg) has gone walkabout. We were leaving for a weekend trip and I thought I’d give my husband the spare so we’d both have one. Nope - I looked in the drawer where it normally resides and it is gone. Vanished. I have no idea where it is - and I cannot remember the last time I used it for anything so I can’t even begin to think of where to look for it. The house was given a thorough cleaning before we left and I didn’t come upon it then either. I know if I go to the dealership to fix this particular fuckup it’s going to cost some major coin. I also see, though, that you can buy a fob online, and I also see there are automotive locksmiths in the area who claim to be able to cut and program the things. Is this an acceptable, less expensive alternative route to go? Or am I stuck paying the dealership several hundred dollars? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2016, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/2 "2016-04-25T20:54:57Z")
Start by calling the dealer and asking what it will cost. Don’t bother with anything else before that. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2016, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/3 "2016-04-26T00:05:04Z")
It’ll cost $380 at the dealer. That’s why I am asking. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2016, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/4 "2016-04-26T01:00:21Z")
We have a local locksmith in Akron OH who does it for $125. Don’t know if you’ll be that lucky ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2016, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/5 "2016-04-26T01:27:06Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > We have a local locksmith in Akron OH who does it for $125. Don’t know if you’ll be that lucky Is that just for his service, and you bring him the blank? ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2016, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/6 "2016-04-26T01:35:30Z")
From the picture, it looks like you have a real key & a transponder. The big orange hardware chain has transponder [blanks](http://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Hillman-Group-Mazda-Transponder-Key-Blank-84067/206758880) for $70. Granted, you can’t use it to remote un/lock the doors but you can drive with it. As a backup, with a $310 savings do you really care? Short answer - yes, shop around. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2016, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/7 "2016-04-26T01:38:58Z")
I have a push-button start in the car, so no, not a real key. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2016, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/8 "2016-04-26T01:57:41Z")
For answers to questions about a specific model car, I always find the most complete answers to be found on forums that cater to that particular car/brand. I found this on a [Mazda3 forum.](http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2010-2013-mazda-3-skyactiv-discussion/16762-replacement-key-cheap.html) It sounds like in order to have any hope of avoiding the dealer, you have to have two key fobs. Somehow having two allows you to program a third, or something like that. I just paid $380 total for a Mercedes remote key and programming. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2016, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/9 "2016-04-26T02:00:13Z")
I’ve looked at the car forums too, but wasn’t able to find much in the way of recent threads - didn’t want to rely on 3- or 4- year old info. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2016, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/10 "2016-04-27T20:10:58Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > From the picture, it looks like you have a real key & a transponder. > The big orange hardware chain has transponder [blanks](http://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Hillman-Group-Mazda-Transponder-Key-Blank-84067/206758880) for $70. Granted, you can’t use it to remote un/lock the doors but you can drive with it. As a backup, with a $310 savings do you really care? > Short answer - yes, shop around. In case anyone’s wondering, Home Depot no longer sells these keys, so that choice is out. Next is to see how much locksmiths are charging … ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/11 "2016-04-28T05:44:08Z")
You already mentioned that your ignition doesn’t take a key. I’m not sure how a locksmith can help you. I don’t see how a blank transponder key could work because there’s no mechanical key switch for the ignition. I have a 2015 Mazda3 and the manual says that in the event of a dead fob, you can use the mechanical key to gain entry but you have to press the start button with the fob end that the mechanical key points towards (away from the key ring side) to start the vehicle. I’m guessing that there’s a passive RFID chip in there that can be activated by an RFID reader in the ignition at contact range (powered by the vehicle) but that’s just a guess. I think you’re going to to be out four hundred bucks for a replacement but if you find a workaround, let us know. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/12 "2016-04-28T07:15:24Z")
For fun and science, I pulled the battery from my fob for about an hour (to let a hypothetical capacitor discharge) and started my car. The fob unquestionably had no reserve power, supporting my passive RFID theory. However, I understand your locksmith comment after searching online. You can get the [fob with blank key for $80](http://www.carandtruckremotes.com/2014-mazda-3-remote-smart.html) or less and the commercial sites say it will require a Mazda dealer or “automotive locksmith” to activate. Maybe call these guys to see if they can refer you to a locksmith in your area. I wasn’t aware of this specialty before, but I guess it makes sense. Again, best of luck and please report back. ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/13 "2016-04-28T07:30:05Z")
Wow, now I’m just making a fool out of myself, but I just re-read your OP. (More correctly, actually read it for the first time.) Sorry for the patronizing “advice” in my previous posts. I’m just going to go away now, but still looking forward to your follow-up. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/14 "2016-04-28T13:13:47Z")
I was shown how to start the car in case of a dead fob at the time I bought it. I wish that was the only problem. Even if a locksmith comes through with a lower price, I’m sure the ‘stupid tax’ on this f’up is going to be pretty high. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/15 "2016-04-28T13:53:26Z")
Home depot or a general locksmith is not going to be able to help you. All modern fobs contain chips that are programed to your specific car. Sammy at True Value isn’t going to be able to do that. You will need to go to the dealer at some point to get them to program your new fob. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/16 "2016-04-28T13:56:55Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Home depot or a general locksmith is not going to be able to help you. All modern fobs contain chips that are programed to your specific car. Sammy at True Value isn’t going to be able to do that. You will need to go to the dealer at some point to get them to program your new fob. I’m not planning on going to Home Depot or a general locksmith. I already know that isn’t going to work at this point. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/17 "2016-04-28T14:29:21Z")
Just my 2¢: I just had key made for my Toyota, and it was $140. If I had not had a spare, then that would have been topped with a towing fee and a replacement immoblizer module. In any case, best of luck. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/18 "2016-04-28T14:46:06Z")
Good to know - we’ll see what happens. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-mazda-3-smart-key/753110/19 "2016-04-28T21:26:59Z")
The best price I got is from a mobile locksmith who can do this for $235. My type of key is called a proximity key. Basically what getting a new key made involves is deleting the current programming from the existing key, and (re)programming it and the new key, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This process is good from a security/antitheft standpoint, but it also means if the AWOL key is found, it isn’t going to work any more. I didn’t ask the locksmiths to price out the key and the programming service separately, but the dealership would charge $160 for just the key, with the balance being programming (I also found a different dealership that will do the programming for $120, which brings the price down a lot). Keys like mine can be purchased online for about $70, so that gives you an idea of markup on them. The mobile locksmith will get my business since not only is he cheapest, but he’ll come to me, thus saving a lot of drive time. So that’s how much stupid tax I will get to pay … this time.