So I figured I'd just walk my *** down to Canadian tire and get them to cut me a key. They don't do it at that one apparently. But the nice customer service girl says theres a place across the street. The place is a little shoe repair shop. So I walk my *** over there and ask the guy if he can cut it. He stares at his rack for a few minutes with my key looking for the right blank and says he can't.

My first 10 minutes alone with the car and I almost locked the keys in it

It's the only copy I have and I'd like another (although the locks pop open if you close the door while it's locked ... I love that feature alot).

87 TII, Where can I get keys cut or the proper blank keys? Should I contact a Mazda dealer? Tried online with no results other than '93 Efini's that only work on '93 FDs...

 

Just go to a dealer. They will cut you a new key on the spot as long as you have the original one.

 

Cool. Thanks.

 

How about show the VIN# on the ownership paper to the Mazda part & service department? I think they will cut one for you (I assume that lock has never been changed before)

 

I hope not. The key I have works in all the locks.

But I'll bring my ownership just in case they need some proof.

 

hey Dr4900n,

I know you are the new owner of a FC, I was wondering where you usually hang around with your TII?

I am located in Markham, Ontario

Cheers

 

Key Engraver at the shopping malls can do it aswell (i got mine done from there). Home depot has a key cutting section as well, however never done it there before (iseen the rack with GM and FORD keys, so i assume they would do others as well).

 

A real locksmith can do it too. That's where I got my 1st gen done and he told me that he can also cut me a key for the RAM as well as program it with his computer.

 

I probably shouldn't tell you how to make the door lock from outside, but I will anyways ... please don't lock yourself out of the car with my advice!


If you lock the door from the inside, and as you're closing the door hold the door handle UP it will stay locked.

 

didn't know that, thanks!

 

I think thats a Mazda thing, becuase most I have seen have that feature. Atleast older ones do.

 

She's driveway ridden right now. Need to fix a few minor things (nothing serious, just "like to haves"), register her as fit (going to end up towing it ), find some reasonable insurance (my company seems to have some good deals) and then I'll be on the road in late November hopefully.

 

I donno, My Sentra was like that, as is my Corolla, I think it was more a thing of the time. No one really does it anymore.

 

Do you mean he can program security? Because my TII didn't come with a remote (Another problem I'm hoping to solve), I just don't know how much it'll cost me.

 

The Chrysler/Dodge keys have an embedded chip, so that even if the key fits, it'll still turn but will not start the motor. So you can get in the car and just sit there I guess.

The alarm system doesn't work off this, just the ignition.

And even if it did, it would be specific to a Chrysler vehicle and he would need another system for Mazda, and another for Ford, and another for GM, I hope....

It would be best to actually talk to a locksmith about this.

 

If anyone has the picture of the key head, and part of the grooves on the side, I can tell you what blank to ask for from a hardware store, or at least a number they can cross reference.

As for the embedded chip, some cars won't start at all, others will start but won't stay running for longer than 30 seconds without the chipped key. A lot of people will come into the store requesting a copy of their chipped key on a regular blank, and I tell them it won't run. Of course they need to see for themselves and end up coming back and getting the chipped keys.

Also, each chip is different, not just manufacturer specific. There are different chips, but all use a hex code. I've got the machine to read and program chips at work. Its relatively new, the keys look a little funny, but better than paying anywhere between $80-$200 for a backup dealer key.

 

For the Chrysler chipped key all that needed is another chipped and cut key and it can be programed as long as you have the other 2 keys and the car of course.

This brought the cost of the key from about $80 to $35. I guess all that the public is paying for is the dealer's/locksmith's new programmer...

 

Many Japaneese car makers do it this way. I've seen quite a few, and they probably still make a lot this way. I actually like it, because it helps you to not get locked out of your car.

I couldn't get my keys done at Canadian Tire either, but the Keyman in the mall did it no problem. Just keep looking, you'll find somebody with the right blanks.

 

All Japanese cars used to be this way at least up to the early '90s; as was my first car, a '73 Ford Maverick coupe, so it's not just a Japanese thing (more likely an idea they copied, then held on to long after it died out here). The idea, I believe, was to force you to take a deliberate action (holding the handle) to lock the door, not just have it fall shut and lock the keys in. Or else to have you lock it after closing it, using the key.
Volkswagon did a similar thing until relatively recently, actually requiring you to use the key in the outside lock to lock the driver's door - that I find actually works, whereas allowing you to hold the handle after using the interior lock button just trains you to automatically hold the handle, possibly still leaving the keys inside. Once I actually locked 2 sets of keys in a 200SX this way - the set I left in the ignition, and the set I left in a coat pocket in the back - doh!

Back to the thread topic, I've never had a problem getting keys for older (non-chipped) cars at Canuck Tire, Walmart, or the mall places.