Hello everyone, I'm hoping to find someone who has changed the lock cylinder on their 3rd gen RX-7 (drivers door), I was wondering if there are any tricks to getting the cylinder out without damaging it. I was also curious if anyone knew if I buy a new lock cylinder from the Mazda dealer if it is programmable so all I don't need to carry a serperate key for this door and the ignition. Thanks in advance, I am really hoping to meet fellow RX7 enthusiests in the club!!

Brent Litjen

 

the lock cylinder is easily replaced, you would have to get a lock smith to get the cylinder to match your old keys

 

Been a while, but it's pretty intuitive IIRC. I didn't think it was necessarily easy...it's a little close-quarters getting the linkage rods disconnected so you can remove the latch assembly, and you want to take care not to bend them. But then I've got old fat fingers. As I recall, it's not necessary to remove the door panel...unless you drop something. There's also an electrical connector for the latch light. After getting the latch assembly to the bench, I recall just being a matter of unscrewing things until you can remove the cylinder.

 

Thanks guys, any tips on removing the plastic from the inside?