Worn-out, bendy keys

So when I got my car all it had was a generic hardware store key that looked almost worn out. Being the dork that I am, I went up to Town North Mazda and had an OEM key cut. However, they couldn't cut it from the VIN, they had to trace-cut it - so I've got a copy of a copy (of a copy, etc). Anyhow, the new key was a little notchy and finicky but it seemed to work fine for a couple of days. Then I had trouble with it in the glove box lock - but it locked. I get back to my car, finagle the driver's door open, and stick the key in the ignition. I'm puzzled that the key not only won't turn the switch, but now barely goes in all the way. So I'm cussing and thinking about how bizarre this will sound on the excuse meter, when I notice that key is completely twisted and mangled all to hell! After I more or less straightened it out (by hand!!!), I was able to start the car - but I haven't trusted that damn key since (another $15 pissed away into the wind, I guess).

So, the question is: Can any dealer cut me a new key that's NOT a trace-cut key (I'm assuming a well-cut key won't bind up and get twisted)? Secondly, wtf is up with our Mazda keys? I seem to remember this same problem on the '93 RX7 TT my dad had. I mean, I know we're going for light weight here, but this is ridiculous... ::Rant::

Eldorado motors had a keycode on file for my Mom's car several years ago. If you know the dealer of the original purchase, and maybe the original owner, they might have the info on file. It's a long shot, but it may be worth a try.

I have my Mom's original 1991 Mazda key, if you want to try it. The car was totaled back in 2001.

Last summer I took the title down to Freeman Mazda and they cut me 2 OEM keys using the VIN. They will require proof of ownership to do it.

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Originally Posted by HudsonHawk

Last summer I took the title down to Freeman Mazda and they cut me 2 OEM keys using the VIN. They will require proof of ownership to do it.

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I did the same a couple of years ago... and when the guy asked me for proof of ownership, I laughed. I told him, "Step outside and look at my car... who else is gonna claim ownership to that hunk of junk?!"



He was 'bout to make me my key when quoted me the price... that's when I left. Wal-Mart was infinitely cheaper...

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Originally Posted by Treibenschnell

He was 'bout to make me my key when quoted me the price... that's when I left. Wal-Mart was infinitely cheaper...

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Be glad you don't have the Security system, an OEM key for my car(non-switchblade) was $135 after programming

I was at Town North a few months back for a replacement key, as well. When you go back, take a peek on the right wall as you look over the parts counter. You'll see a sign with different rates for making keys; one for trace, one from the VIN. They're perfectly capable. Perhaps the person at the counter was being a dingleberry.

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Originally Posted by Magma

Be glad you don't have the Security system, an OEM key for my car(non-switchblade) was $135 after programming

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Could be worse. I remember Huggins Honda quoting me over six hundred dollars for a new master key for my '98 Prelude back in '99, thanks to the embedded microchip.

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Originally Posted by altiain

Could be worse. I remember Huggins Honda quoting me over six hundred dollars for a new master key for my '98 Prelude back in '99, thanks to the embedded microchip.

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Yikes!!!::Censor::

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Originally Posted by Magma

Be glad you don't have the Security system, an OEM key for my car(non-switchblade) was $135 after programming

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Don't forget, I had a '99 VW Passat... I know of the keys...

I think I would just bypass the transponder on my car if I had to replace the key and was unable to find out how to do the $100 programming on the web.

Little white box under the dash would go bye bye.

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Originally Posted by HudsonHawk

Last summer I took the title down to Freeman Mazda and they cut me 2 OEM keys using the VIN. They will require proof of ownership to do it.

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Ah-ha! I'll just roll on down there today and see what they can do. I've got my title right here, so that oughta be proof enough of ownership.

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Originally Posted by juxt3r

I was at Town North a few months back for a replacement key, as well. When you go back, take a peek on the right wall as you look over the parts counter. You'll see a sign with different rates for making keys; one for trace, one from the VIN. They're perfectly capable. Perhaps the person at the counter was being a dingleberry.

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Yup... I saw the sign too, and the guy behind the counter claimed ignorance when I asked about a computer-cut key - something like "your car's a '94, we can't do that for a '94, but let me make you a really shitty copy of your worn out key."

Hmmmm... maybe I can return the key I got there... :rolleyes:

Anyhow, if I have keys that FIT then I shouldn't be bending them any more!

Town North can cut from a VIN because they did it for my 95 about a year ago or so. The one problem we found was the VIN key was a new cut as opposed to the worn key I had. The new key didn't want to work very well as the tumblers of my locks had worn with the key.

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Originally Posted by altiain

Could be worse. I remember Huggins Honda quoting me over six hundred dollars for a new master key for my '98 Prelude back in '99, thanks to the embedded microchip.

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Honda's gone down on their prices! ::Clown:: My spare key is somewhere around $350 ::Censor:: Glad I have 3 ::Banana::

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Originally Posted by black roadster

Town North can cut from a VIN because they did it for my 95 about a year ago or so. The one problem we found was the VIN key was a new cut as opposed to the worn key I had. The new key didn't want to work very well as the tumblers of my locks had worn with the key.

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Good point... anyhow, just got back from Freeman and they weren't much help - they actually referred me to their Hyundai store next door to get my key made. But their computers were down across the board so they couldn't fetch the key code from Mazda anyway. I'll try Town North again tomorrow... I generally like them better anyhow.