Lost the keys!

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
1

Hey guys, I’m in a bit of a sticky situation with my mk2.5 02 mx5, and to put it simply I’ve lost my only set of keys for the car.

I am trying to think of what the next most suitable option is (based in Gloucester). I do have an engine management light issue due to a fault with the ECU (engine runs completely fine and I believe it is a problem with the EGR valve operated within the ECU - it doesn’t affect MOT as it’s pre 2003).

I was wondering if it would be best to go ahead and change all the locks ignition barrel and immobiliser with a breaker. However I would have to break into the car to find out what the number is on my ECU. How difficult would this be and is there any additional programming that is required once you swap everything.

Other options would include a locksmith to come round to produce a key or to tow the car to mazda dealership via recovery.

I would appreciate any advice.
Cheers

2

@Chubuking, Do you have the key number? that way you can have a key cut…

3

Rhino666 (Rob) is the person to ask :+1:t3::+1:t3::+1:t3:

4

I’m afraid that I don’t have it to hand.

5

Thanks for the suggestion I will drop a message!

6

Probably not the cheapest option, but assuming the locks are original, your local Mazda dealer can get a key cut to key number (Mazda have the key number), that’ll get you into the car. You could then get the car towed/recovered to the dealer and they will be able to code the keys. You’ll need to buy a minimum of 2 keys though.

7

A couple of minutes to open the car, do you belong to any roadside recovery companies? They can do it for people who lock keys in car. Once you have it open, it will be easier to either tow or other options. I will PM you on how to do it yourself with a simple to buy kit.

Jeff

1 Like
8

I agree with Jeff, RAC & AA etc. have specific tricks to get into various cars without any damage. There are known entry points to ‘pop’ the locks.

9

Chubuking you have three problems not counting getting into the car! Its a soft top its not difficult!

The physical lock change for the key including the ign barrel, this is a mechanic level change with no other car based electronic issues.

Second you need to link the ‘new’ keys to the remote locking so you can remotely lock and unlock the car, there are tricks that will sort this if you have two new keys of the ‘correct’ type. Fob electronic transmitter.

The third issue is more complected and needs someone with the capability to connect to the car’s CAN network and programme the two new keys into the immobiliser circuit. The takes specialist software if you do not have a currently working key. RFID chip in the key case.
People will tell you you can programme a key to work but they start by using a working key to prime the system, and you cannot do that.

The only other way ‘should you wish to take it…’ is to change the Instrument cluster, PCM (ECU), and keys and locks inc ign that are all matched from a breaker.

There are threads on here that detail that work and you are talking £100 for the bits and a days labour to fit it all.

A Mazda dealer would be able to identify the physical key OEM based on the VIN and supply two new keys and programme that to the car for you if you want.

So where do you want to start,

There are people local to you that can sort it, I am sure but you need to get the car to them I suspect, you need to research and find them question them on their capability to programme new keys to the Mazda(FORD) PCM(ECU)…

I have a set of mechanical keys and locks, ign is currently fitted to spare column and the door lock is in the door still I also have a spare key fob although reluctant to part with it… I also have a spare 1.8 ECU as it happens that can be linked to your instrument cluster with the right software…

And I am one county down from you.

I don’t want a lot for the keys as its all scrap to me and you could drive down and get them and see how it all works if you want.

You still need to find a local GL based key programmer. I know one in Nottingham and I know one in Taunton so there must be one close to you.

Best solution, find your old key unless they are on the moon or crushed by a steamroller they still exists somewhere… any other solution is going to cost you loads of cash and time.

10

Thank goodness I’ve found the key.

Will be looking for a locksmith ASAP to get a few more cut. Thanks for all your responses.

1 Like
11

let us know how you get on with that , i need to sort a spare key for mine !!!

12

I’ve been thinking of getting a blade key cut for the inevitable day when I lock the NC keys in the boot. I’ve been close a couple of times !

13

Then screw the key somewhere in a wheel arch or under the bumper and spray over with light underseal or plastidip. On a Mk1, someone threaded a pullcord through under the bumper connected to the internal boot release “just in case”. It was well hidden.