New key for a Mk1

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
2

Hi everyone,

New to this forum having just bought a Mk1 1.8s. I’ve checked on the FAQ’s but can’t find an answer to my first query so I hope I am posting this in the right section.

I only have one key so need to get another cut. When I turn the ignition on, the immobiliser light just below the rev counter doesn’t light up. At first I thought that maybe this car doesn’t have an immobiliser. I think I am probably wrong & that there is just a glitch with the light.

Is it fairly straightforward to get a new key from say Timpsons or will it need Mazda to code it into the ECU?

Hope someone can put me straight. Many thanks in advance.

3

An expert will be along in a moment with the right answer.

 

Remember there are two types of keys for an MX5 - the normal key and a ‘valet’ key which will only work in the ignition,

but not open the cubby box or the boot.

4

This is not the promised expert:-)

I’d forgotten that (my key works in cubby box, center box, boot & ignition) why not take your key to a mazda dealer for advice? then when you get their price go somewhere else cheaper.

also, i didn’t know the 1990 model had a key “fob”. 

 incidentally my mk1 never had an immobiliser, i had to fit one. mind you it’s a eunos so maybe that’s why it never had one.

 

5

My 1991 and 1993 cars do not have special keys. When I needed a new one I got it from the local key cutting shop.  A neighbours car is a Harvard and that has just standard keys.  

6

forgot to say, it’s a UK model, 1997.

7

If you get a key from a Mazda dealer you’ll have to have it coded to the car. Some key cutting places will clone your current key meaning that the new one doesn’t have to be coded to the car as the immobiliser unit just thinks it’s the same key as the original one. If the key cutting place doesn’t clone keys, they may still be able to supply you with a chipped key but you’ll still need to get it coded.

Does the immobiliser light not come on for a few seconds when you start the engine?

8

When I bought a new key from timpsons , I found that the key was not long enough, to work on my car.
my car is a eunos 1.8 and the alarm immobiliser is on a phob.

hope you sort out your problem

9

Roadster Robbie, thanks for the info re the light coming on AFTER the engine is started. I was looking for the light purely with the ignition on (been a bit of a newbie numpty!). Anyway, yes, the light does work so I now know that I have an immobiliser.

I will try Timpsons & thanks streettriple for the warning about the key length.

10

A quick update. Timpson’s read the key code & cut a new one. Works fine. It was £40. Don’t know if Mazda would have been cheaper but problem sorted. Thanks for your help all.