So I just got home after a long time away and forgot where I put my OEM key. I still have a spare but it's a crap one that only kinda works and jams up a lot. On my old RX7 there was a code on the ignition barrel that you could bring to your dealer and they could cut you a new key. Is this available on the Miata? My car is a 96 NA.

 

No, you will need the keyword straight from Mazda to reprogram your immobilizer.

 

Sorry, you misunderstand. It is not an immobilizer. I'm talking about a 4 number code on the key lock barrel that when given to Mazda they can cut a new key without one to copy. My car does not have an immobilizer.

Perhaps the VIN can get me a new key?

 

Oh, I get it. Yes, ask if this is possible through the VIN (and your physical presence with the car).

 

Yeah, I remember when I worked at BMW you could do it with their motorcycles, a copy of the title/reg and photo ID. BMW cut it in house then sent it to the dealer. I'll give them a call.

 

In the US you need the registration and a photo ID that matches the registration and they can cut it at the dealership. We do not need the physical presence of the car.

 

Take it to a locksmith. They'll grab your key code from the door panel and cut you a new key. If it's a good old-school locksmith, he'll cut you a new key by hand (without guides) and it will work as well as - or better than - the factory key did when your car rolled off the showroom floor...like some sort of freaky black magic

 

I wonder, that since my car is a US car I should hop the border and go to Bellingham or something? I know I've had problems in the past with Canadian dealers having access to US VIN'd car information.

 

Thanks for the suggestion I'll look into it.

 

A quick phone call should net you that information and possibly save you a drive.

 

Not sure if this has been said or not, but there is a code on the passener side door lock cylinder, should be 4 digits long, any decent locksmith can make a perfect key from that code.

I have a really hard time getting keys made because apparently keys for 90 miatas are made from some sort of forgotten magic.

 

local dealer (Rosenthal aka http://finishlineperformance.com) cut it by VIN and it was basically like a factory cut key - they didn't use my old key or anything.

Then it didn't fit the car but I'm pretty sure it had a replacement ignition switch.