Mazda 3 ingnition key

Tiny
RANDY.KELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 MAZDA 3
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75 MILES
I have an ingnition key that is difficult to turn from the off position to the acc position. I have to apply rotational pressure and giggle the key to get it to rotate. Was wondering if this is a lock cylinder issue or steering wheel lock issue? Mazda said to call a locksmith. The locksmith said to call Mazda. I'll do it myself if I can narrow down what needs to be fixed/replaced.
Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 2:07 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Sinnce wiggling of key is required, the most likely cause would be bad key cylinder/tumblers.

Try some WD-40 into the key slot and if it helps, that would confirm the key cylinder as the cause.
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 2:17 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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Just to add to this one I have seen some worn keys cause this issue. Is key look worn down?I always look at the key when I get a issue like this first. If the key is ok I go for the cylinder next.
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+1
Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 2:27 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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Thanks Saturntech9, slipped my mind on that.
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 2:31 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome anytime.
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 2:38 AM
Tiny
RANDY.KELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I did the WD40. The key goes in/out much better now, but it did not resolve the rotation problem of getting the key from the off position to Acc. New lock cylinders are about $95 online. Questions: do you have info on how to replace it and if so, will this require programming by the dealer due to the anti-theft system? BTW.I just paid then $110 to program a replacement key.
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Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 AT 4:22 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Yes, you definitely hav a bad key cylinder and the locksmith should be able to help you solve the problem.

Our database does not have any information on removal of the key cylinder but most key cylinders requires the key to be in the ACC position and pressing/pushing of a locking pin would enable you to pull the cylinder assy out from the steering lock.

You need to remove the steering column cover.

Once you change the key, you would have to get it reprogrammed if it has immobilizer features, unless you are able to move the transponderfromt he old key to the new one or you tape the 2 keys together.
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Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
A Chilton or Haynes motor manual will step you through the process.
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Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 AT 4:47 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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When they made you a new key did they just copy your old worn key or did they make you a brand new key from the vin number?
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Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 AT 4:20 PM

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