NC Remote will not register to car

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2012 Mk3
  2. I’m based near: Woking
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Keyless entry remote

I recently bought a 2012 MX5 which only came with one key. I got a local auto locksmith (very well reviewed and highly regarded) to supply a new aftermarket key. He registered the new remote, both old key and new key worked fine. Then he cut the key, registered the transponder but somehow disabled the remote unlocking function of the car…

So, I now have two keys, both will unlock and start the car, however neither remote works. Central locking still works ok.

I have tried the normal process to register a remote (below) however after flapping the door the car doesn’t make any confirmation and pressing the remote buttons doesn’t do anything. It is like the car has not entered programming mode.

To be fair to the locksmith he has spent hours with the car and hasn’t managed to get either remote working. I have unplugged the battery for half an hour, tried the process below but also can’t get it to work.

Next step according to the locksmith is to install a new keyless entry system and use a new set of keys, i.e. give up on the mazda system.

Any bright ideas as to things I can try to resolve this? Also any concerns with using a piggyback type keyless entry system instead of the mazda one?

Thanks

Kimmett

Process I have tried to no avail (many times!):

  1. Shut all doors and remove key from the ignition switch
  2. Open drivers side door
  3. Insert key into ignition, switch ignition on, then off 3 times.
  4. Close then open drivers door 3 times (all doors should lock then unlock but in my case does not)
  5. Press unlock button twice on the transmitter (doors lock then unlock to confirm but in my case does not)
  6. Press unlock button twice on all other transmitters to be registered to the car (doors should lock and unlock to conform each transmitter registered)
  7. Switch ignition on to cancel set-up mode.
2

Does you door pin switch work? i.e. does the interior light switch on and off as you open and close the door?

3

Yup, door pin seems to be working ok

4

Does the red led on the remote light up when you press any key on the remote?

5

It does, yes. Batteries changed in both remotes (and definitely in the right way up!!). Seems to be a problem with the car as it doesn’t go into ‘programming mode’

6

Did this ever get resolved as I have exactly the same issue.

7

Nope - I just manually unlock the car rather than being able to use the buttons on the remote.

8

Hi

I had a similar issue, however for me the remote buttons were non functioning.
I bought a remote off Ali Express 5.19￡ 44% OFF|Jingyuqin Remote Car Key For Mazda 2 M2 3 M3 5 M5 6 M6 8 M8 Ske126-01/ske126-a1 433mhz 3 Buttons Without Chip/with 4d63 Chip - Car Key - AliExpress
and just mixed and matched the parts from my old key to the new electronics. That way I did not have to worry about the immobiliser chip, it worked perfectly and has done so for 6 months.
I am a little concerned the open closing of doors did not work however, it took me 2 attempts, if there is any issue with getting the car into programming mode then no key will work.
Check your timings with this as, if I remember correctly, there is a narrow time window to get wverything right.

10

Found out what the issue was (sort of) and a work around!!! Whoooop!

So where Timpsons do not lubricate the ignition before they put the newly cut key in the ignition barrel they have worn or snapped one of the plastic pieces in the ignition barrel so that the ignition switch does not recognise when a key is in the ignition. This is why the vehicle will not go into programming mode.

The work around for if you need to programme a new key fob for the central locking is as follows:

On the bottom of the steering column plastics there are 3 screws, remove these and pull the plastic clovers off the top and bottom of the steering column.
Then un-clip the transponder receiver that is on the end of the ignition barrel where the key goes in, and move this out of the way. (This is the part that has Off, ACC written on it)
Next there is the part that is circled in the picture I have attached, leave the electrical plug plugged in but remove the part from the ignition system by pushing the clip on the top and a hidden one on the bottom and sliding it out.
Finally re-attach the transponder receiver, by just pushing it back on.

Now to programme the key fobs for central locking PUSH AND HOLD the white pin/button in on the end of the part you just removed (the on that was circled in picture) and follow the normal steps:

  1. Open drivers door and leave open.

  2. Lock and Unlock drivers door using power door switch on door.

  3. Insert key into the ignition.

  4. Turn key to ON then OFF position. Do this 3 times in 10seconds.
    Leave key in the ignition in the LOCK (off) position.

  5. Close and open drivers door 3 times leaving the door open. (Instead of open/close door you can press the button on the door jam 3 times)

  6. Vehicle will respond by locking and unlocking door locks once.

  7. Press any button on remote two times.
    Vehicle will respond by locking and unlocking door locks once.

  8. For additional remotes repeat step 7 NOW for up to 3 remotes total.

  9. Remove key from ignition LET GO OF WHITE PIN/BUTTON and vehicle will respond by cycling locks
    automatically. Get out of car with keys and test remote(s).

Finally unplug the part you have been pressing and holding. Then you can either leave the part out and put the plastic covers back on and screws or put the part back in place (leaving it unplugged) and put all the plastic trims back on.

And voila your central locking should work for all keys.

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Hope this helps you and anyway else