Not sure if this is the right forum. I've been having problems with getting the ignition to turn. It varies by temperature or for no reason at all. I had purchased a non-Mazda replacement key from a locksmith a few years ago. I hated the FOB with the switchblade key. It was falling apart and in danger of breaking in the switch. This new key worked fine for several years with occasional battery replacement. Lately it's been getting more difficult to turn the key. I usually need to wiggle it in a particular way to get it to start.
The original keys don't really work anymore and get stuck in the ignition switch and are really difficult to remove. New re-cut keys also get stuck. I called a locksmith to replace the switch but he said only Mazda could do that and program a key. I went to Mazda and they quoted me a small fortune. So I'm stuck for now with a slowly failing switch and I worry that one day it'll just stop working. The key is extremely worn and has small grooves etched into it on either side. Clearly something in there is slowly loosening and grinding into the key. WD-40 has helped somewhat.
Does anyone have any idea what is wrong? Is it true only Mazda can replace and re-program? Can I just buy parts from them? Can I just buy a used ignition switch with key & immobilizer on eBay and have a mechanic install it?
The original keys don't really work anymore and get stuck in the ignition switch and are really difficult to remove. New re-cut keys also get stuck. I called a locksmith to replace the switch but he said only Mazda could do that and program a key. I went to Mazda and they quoted me a small fortune. So I'm stuck for now with a slowly failing switch and I worry that one day it'll just stop working. The key is extremely worn and has small grooves etched into it on either side. Clearly something in there is slowly loosening and grinding into the key. WD-40 has helped somewhat.
Does anyone have any idea what is wrong? Is it true only Mazda can replace and re-program? Can I just buy parts from them? Can I just buy a used ignition switch with key & immobilizer on eBay and have a mechanic install it?