Hi all,

First i would like to say how much i appreciate sites like this one.

Now, my problem:

I bought a 2006 Mazda 6i a few months ago and only came with 1 key. It is not the key with the remote built in (it will only start the engine). I thought it would be nice to have an extra key as well as a remote so I ordered 2 new keys/remotes (flip-a-keys) off of ebay. Recieved them and was able to program the remote part fine. As far a the keys I was told that since i do not have (2) working keys that i would have to take them to a mazda dealer for programming. So today, i did just that. So this is where it begins. They told me that they were not able to get my car into programming mode for the keys. Something about there could be a short in the immbolizer wires that are twisted together but they won't know untill they tear stuff apart. So i scheduled an appointment for next week but they charge by the hour and was hoping someone could give some suggestions on what this problem could be? maybe i could cut down on the labor costs or better yet...fix it myself.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam

 

How's your luck? Sounds like the problem is the car, not the keys. I suspect the previous owner (a rental company?) has lost both keys, so this the cheap quick fix:disable the immobilizer on the steering column and just cut a$5 key. 2006comes with 2 flip keys which Mazda wants a couple of hundred bucks each if you have to buy it.BMW wants $400. Your dealer now has to fix theimmobilizer before they can program your keys. Talk to the previous owner and see what you can get out of him/her/them. A Warning to other readers: Make sure you get 2 keys when you buy a late model car with immobilizer.

 

thanks for your reply. Before i had to fork out an hourly rate i took it to another Mazda dealer and asked them to program the 2 new keys to my car (without telling them what the other dealer said) and they had them programmed in less then 30 minutes! So either the 1st dealer had something wrong with there machine or was trying to pull a fast one on me. This goes to show everyone should get a 2nd opinion!

 

So, was this not covered by warranty or something?

 

Irecieved 1 key when i bought the car used so i had to purchase 2 more keys so they wouldnt cover it under warranty.

 

I just wonder how to tell ifthe immobilizer is working. I think you can spend a few bucks to cut a key and this key without the built in immobilizer chipshould not be able tostart the car. By the way, how much did you pay for the 2 keys @E-bay.

 

Yeah i had a couple keys cut at the hardware store that will open the doors but wil not start the engine. I use these as hide-a-ways so if they fall off the car no big deal. The flip keys/remote bought off ebay cost $50 each then i paid $90 for the programming..so about $200 for everything.

 

That's a good deal for the flip keys, I guest you didn't ask where they got those from. HA HA.