Lost car key (the only car key...) Help!!!

[Lucyeff]

Hi everyone
Some bank holiday we're gonna have...my husband has lost my car keys. It's causing a bit of tension as you can imagine (to say the least..!)

It's a 1996 Mazda 323f - I only had one key, and I have no idea where to start. I googled 'replacement Mazda keys' and the threads from forums seem to indicate it'll cost an absolute packet, which we haven't got. I'm really upset and have no idea where to start.:confused:

Has this happened to anyone before and is there a cheap solution? We're insured with Prudential and have RAC cover but I'm about to sell the car as we've put a deposit on another and I don't fancy increasing my insurance premiums by making a claim. Sigh. All suggestions welcomed!
Thanks,
Lucy

[Conor]

If the key is coded to an immobiliser, you've no choice but to go the expensive route. The good news is a mazda dealer can cut you a new key from the chassis number. The bad news is it may need programming and that's where the expense starts.

[Lucyeff]

Thanks fr that :o I've tried Prudential but we're not covered and RAc would only let us in the car.

The main dealer spares are shut today. There were a couple of local ads for auto locksmiths which say that they can provide replacement keys - the most local one said yup, but not for Mazdas, the other ones are shut. Has anyone used one of these locksmiths for a replacement key when they haven't had one to copy from?

If not, looks like JCT 600 will be taking next months mortgage payment.... :rolleyes:

Luce

[arealhighlander]

If you can get a replacement key, you should be able to re-program it to match the car using the following:-

Step 1: Open drivers door and leave open.

Step 2: Lock and unlock the drivers door using the power door lock switch on the door.

Step 3: Insert key into the ignition.

Step 4: Turn key to on position and return to off position. (IMPORTANT - use ON position NOT ACC position). Do this 3 times within 10 seconds. Leave key in the ignition.

Step 5: Open and close the drivers door 3 times. (Door should be left open after this step).

Step 6: ECU should respond by locking and unlocking the doors.

Step 7: Press any button on remote #1. ECU responds by locking and unlocking the car doors.

Step 8: Press any button on remote #2 (etc.) Each time the ECU will respond by locking & unlocking the doors.

Step 9: Remove the key from the ignition and the ECU will respond a final time with a series of door locks and unlocks. You're done!

Worth asking on the Mazda forum on http://forums.mazdaworld.org/index.php?showforum=31

[Lucyeff]

If you can get a replacement key, you should be able to re-program it to match the car using the following:-

Step 1: Open drivers door and leave open.

Step 2: Lock and unlock the drivers door using the power door lock switch on the door.

Step 3: Insert key into the ignition.

Step 4: Turn key to on position and return to off position. (IMPORTANT - use ON position NOT ACC position). Do this 3 times within 10 seconds. Leave key in the ignition.

Step 5: Open and close the drivers door 3 times. (Door should be left open after this step).

Step 6: ECU should respond by locking and unlocking the doors.

Step 7: Press any button on remote #1. ECU responds by locking and unlocking the car doors.

Step 8: Press any button on remote #2 (etc.) Each time the ECU will respond by locking & unlocking the doors.

Step 9: Remove the key from the ignition and the ECU will respond a final time with a series of door locks and unlocks. You're done!

Worth asking on the Mazda forum on http://forums.mazdaworld.org/index.php?showforum=31

Crikey, thanks for that! It's an older car 1996 and doesn't have a remote for central locking, etc, just a normal key and the car just has an immobiliser.

I've registered for the Mazda owners forum so finger's crossed they might have some cheaper options than the dealer.

I've got a bad feeling about how much it'll cost as nothing ever seems to be straightforward for us!

I was gonna get a spare a while ago but flinched at paying £30 odd. I wish I hadn't been so bloomin tight now! :rolleyes:

Luce

[Lucyeff]

Hi everyone!
Still not found the key (which incidentally has disappeared between our driveway and the house..even more frustrating!), but I found a card which is n the Mazda books which came which the car with some reference numbers on there, it says something about Transponder/Immobiliser info.

Does anyone know if I might just be able to quote this to the dealer and get a key cut from that? Or whether I might be able to get it done elsewhere seeing as I have this info?

I'm hoping I don't have to take the car anywhere as it's locked up outside our house. So finger's crossed this is all they need..

All advice welcomed!
Many thanks
Lucy

[Backbiter]

Check to see if you've got a Credit card cover policy. I've got one with CCP that covers car and house keys as well as lost passport etc.

[barnabee]

Still not found the key (which incidentally has disappeared between our driveway and the house)
You must be so annoyed. I know it's a pain but make sure you immobilise the car until the replacement key is sorted as someone local may return with the key and attempt to take your car.

Secondly report it as 'Lost Property' to your local police station and check no-one has handed it in. Try to give an accurrate description of the key and any fob as there are hundreds of keys kept in the lost property key jar/tin at some stations.

Lastly would a metal detector sweep of the drive and surrounding garden be of any value? One day you'll laugh about all this!

[needaspirin]

I don't suppose this will help Lucyeff much but may be an option for others. I keep a Tesco mini clubcard on my keyring. If my keys are found and handed to Tesco they can return them to me as they have all my details readable from the barcode.

[Lucyeff]

Hi everyone!

Re: the lost key protection, I have credit cards but have never taken any insurance out. Would this be something I would have taken out separately do you know please?

It is so annoying Barnabee, you're netot wrong! I must admit I was worried that someone might've found the keys and be planning to come back to nick the car.

I'm about to try and sell the car too (keep banging kids heads when I put them in their car seats because of bucket seats!) and so that makes it even worse, lol! My poor husband gets no sleep at the mo as we've designated ourselves a child each at bedtime and his gets up more than mine at the moment, so hes like a fart in a trance with sleep deprivation, lol!

I'll definitely be getting a spare key cut for the next car and probably get one of those things that beeps when you whistle too! I never knew that either about the Tesco fobs, just got new ones through so will use them in future.

People are open again today so wish me luick, about to ring for quotes. Feeling a little queasy about it...:o

Luce

[Stephb1986]

just a mad one but have you looked in your drains?? is it possible that he could of left the key in the car?

Steph xx

[Lucyeff]

Thanks, I'll go and have a look at the drains now, I'm not sure if he's checked but I haven't yet. It doesn't sound crackers at all - I even checked the fridge cos you never know!

He's checked the car 4 times (I asked him yesterday again, lol!). It's terrible - I can't walk around the house normally now - my eyes are EVERYWHERE! It's giving me quite a headache..

They were even in a big red leather key case!!!! So not hard to miss. I'm beginning to wonder if things CAN disappear into thin air!

[C_Ronaldo]

Thanks, I'll go and have a look at the drains now, I'm not sure if he's checked but I haven't yet. It doesn't sound crackers at all - I even checked the fridge cos you never know!

He's checked the car 4 times (I asked him yesterday again, lol!). It's terrible - I can't walk around the house normally now - my eyes are EVERYWHERE! It's giving me quite a headache..

They were even in a big red leather key case!!!! So not hard to miss. I'm beginning to wonder if things CAN disappear into thin air!

You sure you havent put something on top of the case,

[Backbiter]

Hi everyone!

Re: the lost key protection, I have credit cards but have never taken any insurance out. Would this be something I would have taken out separately do you know please?



It came with my MBNA card a few years ago. One of those policies that are optional but they give you the first few months free to hook you and hope you forget to cancel. I probably wouldn't have gone out of my way to take out the cover myself without the incentive they offered.
The policy is with CPP, not CCP as I originaly said.

[skintflint]

Hi,

I have just done exactly the same thing, the spare key I had is also no use:mad: .Did you get your car going again!