Hey all. I bought a base model FD but I would love to incorporate a keyless entry into the car. I know the higher models of FD's came with power door locks, so I'm wondering how hard that would be to swap over to power door locks? My door panels already have to come off, and same with the center console, so I'm just trying to figure out how hard it would be, and more importantly where I can get these parts from. Thanks in advance!

 

If you have a us spec rx7 .. get a jdm passenger side actuator and install it into the passenger side of the us spec. I bought a keyless entry system .. basic without a security system .. viper I believe is the brand. I ended up deciding not to use it and will go with a full keyless entry along with security. You replace the oem module they use under the dash. Run 2 wires out to the new actuator. I don't have mine completed yet but the actuators are installed. I had to remove the little micro switches that are used for the stock door switches to unlock the passenger side but no biggie. I will just use the key fob to open the door instead of reaching across.

 

Might be because it's NYE, but I didn't completely understand that. ���� Id like to do it right. Wiring is not scary to me. I wired up my LS1/240 by myself. From what you said it sounds like you'd only be able to remotely unlock the pass side. I want both doors to be power locks, so that when I install the keyless entry, both doors unlock like they should with the proximity sensor (via the 3rd party keyless entry system).

 

My car with it being a jdm came with one actuator installed in the passenger side. I found a us spec passenger side actuator and installed into my drivers door. That way if you install a keyless entry system you run 4 wires to it. 2 for each actuator

 

All FDs, no matter "high end" or not, have the power actuator in the passenger door.


My car got the driver's door actuator when an aftermarket alarm (VIPER) was added by the previous owner.
I actually took it out because it had an auto-lock feature that locked me out of my car a couple of times, lol!

 

Ok that makes sense. So I just need to source another actuator and install that on the drivers side? And I don't actually have to add any interior stock lock/unlock buttons or anything, because it'll just get controlled by the keyless entry? I mean I could if I wanted to, but not necessary?

 

the US FD's only had power locks, so there is only an actuator on the passenger side. no keyless.

the early JDM FD's were the same, but since the driver is on the other side, the actuator is on the other side.

i'm looking through the parts catalog, and i'm not sure any FD got keyless, although i think it may have been an accessory in Japan

 

Maybe I misspoke. I'm going to be adding a keyless entry (non Mazda hardware). So that will come with everything I need to set it up to make it keyless entry, but I first needed to figure out how to make the doors physically have power locks.

 

Yeah get the actuator from a jdm car. You will lose the functionality with the driver side door buttons.. at least I did. I had to remove at least one microswitch to make it fit. But I am happy to unlock a passenger door for someone with the remote. Or reach over and unlock it manually.

 

I have a base model. No door lock/unlock switches. I wouldn't mind adding them though if you know where I can get those parts from!

 

there are no switches, and maybe it is simpler to say power door lock; singular.

the passenger door locks and unlocks from the drivers door, power door lock.

 

Ah ok. Thanks! I haven't had a battery hooked up to mine yet. That might be why I was confused. So just by locking/unlocking the drivers side, the passenger side will follow suit? Sorry for my ignorance, this is my first FD I've owned.

 

Yeah.. when you insert the key in the driver's side it closes electric circuits that locks and unlocks the passenger side. Also there is a module under the dash that it all feeds into. Not sure if you have access to the prints but if you do it will all make sense.

 

^ Well, you have to TURN the key in the driver's side door lock to lock/unlock the passenger side.


TurboGoKart, are you clear on this subject? You will have to source and install a power door actuator. Here are a couple of pictures of the one I removed from my car. No real identifying numbers, sorry. All it says is 'AAMP' and '12v'.

 

https://www.amazon.com/InstallGear-U...ator+door+lock

 

Find someone who is scraping a jdm in canada. There everywhere.

 

I have the JDM passenger side actuator if you want to go that route; would replace the driver's side unit for our cars but you lose the microchip necessary to simultaneously open the passenger's side. Candidly, though, it is easier to add a small actuator to the OEM setup on the driver's side door to achieve the same overall results.

I highly recommend the keyless entry system offered by AdvancedKeys... Advanced Keys - AK-105S Smart Key with **** Start System

I sat on mine for about a year until I found a good installer in the Austin area with previous experience with the unit. I gave him the option of installing the JDM actuator or go with an aftermarket actuator. He chose the latter for simplicity. And he didn't need to remove any module underneath the dash(??). He did tap into an OEM theft deterrent security wire inorder to override the original alarm, but it wasn't absolutely necessary. I just preferred to have one "alarm" system overall.

Feel free to PM me should you wish to contact the installer directly. He didn't have the luxury to video his install work. But I'm hopeful that I can get him to document the install process for the FD RX-7 at some point. Did a great job with the install!

Note: I have the push-start version which is a very nice upgrade; modern & cool, yada, yada, yada. But I would have been fine in hindsight with the simple DIY key **** for starting the car once unlocked, etc.

Hope this info helps!

 

Bajaman, I believe so. I could use the JDM passenger side actuator (USDM drivers side), and itd be an easy install, but you lose ability to open both at the same time.

My end goal is a non-Mazda keyless entry. If that system had an alarm that'd be cool too. Sounds like my best bet is either get a kit that comes with actuators or get those separately, install them, then install keyless entry.

If I were to get a JDM pass side actuator, all I'd need it for is the physical ability to have an 'auto' lock on that side, so that the keyless entry would work.

Is there any reason the stock Mazda security would be better than an aftermarket security system?

 

The stock system is actually very good, it knows if the doors or hood or hatch (I think hatch...) is being opened unexpectedly. However, compared to the modern alarm systems with proximity alerts and glass breakage and motion detection, it falls a bit short.


At the end of the day, if a professional thief wants your car, he is going to get it...so not a whole lot of reason for super-expensive alarms in my opinion.
I have hidden start button that most won't find as my 'last defense' against theft.
Of course, if someone comes along and winches it onto a flat bed well..

 

Haha yup! I definitely hear that! Lol. Thanks for the help!