FC3S: Bent Key - Urgent Question
 

Hi everyone,

I'm in a bit of a bind. My mechanic somehow slightly bent my only 89 RX7 car key. The key still works, but you can tell it doesn't slide in as easily as it did before. I want to get this fixed before the problems becomes worst. What's my best option?

1. Is it possible for the Mazda dealer to code a new key using the VIN number, from an 89 model?

2. Since the key still works, should a locksmith be able to make a copies of the key that has a slight bent (distortion) in it?

3. Any other ideas?

I'm in a bit of a panic... any advice/feedback would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance for all responses!

Best regards,
Serge

The origninal key i got for my car was all bent to hell. I took it to Home depot, lowes, Ace, none of them could copy a key for it that worked.

I went to walmart and they had a digital key copier, that actually takes a picture of the key and makes a copy by that, and all 4 keys I had made work perfectly.

Thanks for your quick response! I'm going to try that tomorrow. We have Walmarts in Canada, so hopefully they have the same digital key copier technology that the US Walmarts seem to have!

The Mazda dealership can copy a key for you from either the 4-digit numeric code stamped on it (if it is a Mazda OEM key that came with the car, or if you happen to have the number written down somewhere) or from the VIN. Be prepared to show your registration card unless the parts guy knows you; at least the local dealer here in Rockville, MD required me to do so. Also be prepared to possibly be gouged by the dealer for this. I think they charged me a ridiculous $30 (USD) for a new Mazda blank with rubber head imprinted with the Mazda logo and for the cost of cutting it.

You should get some extras made up, wherever you end up getting them. A bent key that has been bent back is weakened and has the potential to break off in the door lock, which happened on my '85 GLC.

you could always take the hatch Tumbler out(easiest Tumbler to take off the car) and have a Locksmith Make some keys using that.
Digital Key Cutter?,,Hmm..that is Cool,I hope that Wally World has one around here(Ottawa Area!).

David:
That's awesome... I do have the original Mazda key and I noticed the 4 digit code on it an was wondering what that was! I'm going to call my local Mazda dealer tomorrow and see if they can help me out. I'll gladly pay the $30 or whatever they charge to get this done. Also great advice on getting copies made! My Mazda dealer never had OEM key blanks so I always put it off.. but tonight I ordered 3 OEM keys from the Internet, so I'm not taking any more chances.

misterstyx69:
Great advice on the trunk lock cylinder - I had no idea that locksmiths could actually make a key by using the actual lock itself.

Just to give you guys of how much of a panic I was in... I just bought a complete FC3S lock set (doors, hatch and starter) from an Ebay seller in Japan! Since these parts are all discontinued from the Mazda, I figured it was good insurance!

Thanks again guys!
Serge

Given the age of the car and the fact that the Mazda key blanks have changed in shape and size over the years, I doubt many dealers have them in stock, though they can still order them. That's what mine did anyway.

Hang onto that original key, or at least record the 4-digit code in a secure place for future reference.

Put it in a bench vise, and crank it down like mad. Then, heat it slightly with one of those little butane torches. By "heat it slightly", I mean for 4 to 5 seconds at a time.

Let it cool for half an hour.

Remove.

That should take care of 95% of the bend.

Called the Mazda dealer this morning and as David suspected, they had no FC keys in stock, so I ordered 3 new blanks. They also told me that they can cut me a new key by using the code on my original keys so now I'm very relieved.

$100T2: good idea about the bench vise. My key is not really bent all that bad, it's just a little distorted, but it still works. Since it's not my only key, I think I'd be a little nervous about putting it into a vise and putting the torch on it, especially with my luck. But sounds like a good idea if the key is badly bent.

Thanks,
Serge

Any place with the newer photo type copiers, like walmart, or anyone who was the old school manual type key grinders will be able to make you a working copy.

A good locksmith can copy it in a few minutes. My key was hammered and I thought it was impossible to copy. The locksmith shrugged, and in a few minutes I had a new key for $2.

The key is to go to a real locksmith and not a kid at Home Depot.

maybe im being a bit of a grouchy douche but why would you not just go to a locksmith first instead of posting?

Not only can they make the key, but thier computer tells them which tumbler contains all the information to make you one from scratch. For example a door tumbler does not have all the information, but the already mentioned hatch tumbler, while being easy to remove, also contains all the information to make a new key.

Two times I had FCs at my shop that the keys went missing, and both times the locksmith made my keys from scratch for $25 including the new keys, and in well under a hour.

As long as the subject of keys is present has anyone here ever bought and used one of those rotor shaped keys? I would like to know because i dont know where i would go to get it cut or if they are worth the hassle to be somewhat unique.

I've had a rotor key for 2 years now.

As I was nervous that the locksmith would ruin it, I lied and told him that it was a limited edition of only 10 produced and that it was quite valuable. He practice cut several cheap blanks on my old key before cutting the rotor key. It turned out to be not such a big deal. Just go to a real locksmith and not a key booth at the home improvement store.