I keep seeing uncut key fobs on ebay for between 10 and 20 bucks. My 2011 Mazda6 ignition key actually works and starts my car fine, but the outer fob case with the lock buttons and the panic button are destroyed....long story.
However, the circuit board and inner touch panel and battery are fine. Can I transplant them into a new outer shell and have those options work also? Anyone done anything similar? Thanks

 

Does your key look like this auction?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mazda-2-...8AAOSw9~5ZOky6


If yes, you can separate the key head from the remote body, & swap the circuit board from your remote into the empty case.

 

Yes it does....but here's my question.
In researching online, i see that the car can lock me out if i do this wrong, so I want to do it right.
1) Where is the actual programmed chip for the car which enables it to start? Is it in the key itself?
2) is the circuit board with the small chip in it strictly for the door locks for the car? Or is THAT the chip for starting the car.
Thanks all. I just don't want this to become a mistake worth a couple hundred dollars in towing and reprogramming.
Just got the key fob in the mail from Ebay (it looks like a perfect match)

 

Circuit board is only for central locking.

The immobiliser chip is in the key head.

With the link I posted, you can get the key blade cut to match your original & swap over the small immobiliser chip from your old key head into the new key head.

 

Got it! Did it! Thanks much.