I did a bit of searching and didn't come up with much. My 93 FD has 2 non-Mazda remade keys. One is pretty worn and one is almost brand new. Neither will turn the ignition reliably. Sometimes I have to insert and remove the key a good 10 to 20 times before I can get the ignition to turn.

Any suggestions to get the ignition in better shape without getting a new lock kit? Anyone here a locksmith or know if it's repairable? Thanks.

 

The tricky part is you probably have worn copy-of-a-copy keys. Might want to start with a fresh set of keys, I think the Mazda dealer can still cut a key based on the VIN of the car. That's assuming someone hasn't played with the lock cylinders.

That done, most any locksmith can fix key cylinders. The guts of the lock are standard Mazda parts, I've had cylinders re-done with new tumblers to match a key while I waited for just a few bucks.

Take the cylinder out and take it to a locksmith, they'll charge a bunch if they do the removal work. You'll be back in good shape in no time.

If it turns out it's just slap worn out, get a good used cylinder and have that re-keyed to your key by a locksmith.

Dale

 

Grind the new key down a bit so u can have the teeth in between new and your worn one. This worked for my old pick up truck but I never had to do this 4 my rx7. I dunno if it will help

 

Not to make you seem stupid, is the steering wheel locked when you try to turn the key. I know somen don't know when you take the key out of the ignition if you turn the wheel it locks. This makes the ignition not turn, put the key in and turn the steering wheel what little it will turn as you turn the key. Again i dint think you are stupid some people just don't know.

 

@ limepro
Yeah, the steering wheel isn't locked. I try moving the wheel a little to see if it helps get it to turn, but it doesn't do anything.

@ DaleClark
I'll call around and see if I can find a locksmith to take a look at it for a decent price. $475 for a new lock kit is pretty steep. I'll call my local Mazda dealership and see if they can cut some new keys. Maybe that will fix it without getting a locksmith involved. Thanks for the help! The more threads I keep reading the more the I keep seeing you pop up. And typically, I agree with your advice .

 

K, just wanted to make sure it wasn't the easiest thing before you throw money at it .

 

Go to autozone or the like and buy a tube of graphite lock lube. It should help, but long term you should get some new keys.

 

Also lol @ women and the steering lock. My wife's friend called me the other day all concerned. her ignition is worn and it locks the key from turning sometimes. "can you come take a look? I'm stuck at the supermarket and don't know what to do. Should I have it towed?" she said. I said "no just turn the wheel both ways while you turn the key" Worked like a charm. I'm a superhero.

 

yeah go to a mada dealership and get a new key. all you need is your vin, registeration and licence to prove the cars yours, and its like 5-8 bucks unless you can bring in a blank key, then itll be cheaper.

 

First pass at the Mazda VIN key was a failure. The guy said that sometimes the keys are cut too big and need to be traced and slimmed down. I guess I'll have to bring it back and try it again. I didn't bring my FD to the dealership because the weather was lousy. 95 degree and 100% humidity sucks lol.