Mazda keyfob teardown and rebuild

[@0xDEADBEEF666]

This helps me understand why my neighbors Mazda alarm is always going off. Great video.

[@BLOPS2ps3]

Can I pay you to do this to my fob? I don't need any buttons, as long as keyless entry works I prefer not to have them.

[@zoolander0700]

Thank you! I had to clean out the board since it got soaked and the contacts were no good. Watching your disassembly really helped!

[@BrentBlueAllen]

I had no clue they supersized the key fob for 2019, that's crazy. Nice work!

[@Swarm509]

Sounds like they wanted a universal size of FOB. The MX-5 has the same one, but includes the trunk button. They actually removed the unpopulated chip traces as well. Test drove an MX-5 and the FOB was annoying as well, especially in a car with so little space in it. Almost rather just have a regular key at that point.

[@isocuda]

If you were to design a custom PCB from one of those DIY sites, could you get it smaller or more rookie friendly?

[@bytesandbikes]

Nice project! I did some 3D printed keys like your 'lock' & 'open' a while ago. I found that doing 1 coat of paint in the same color of the plastic, then filling up with the lettering color gives really nice results once you sand it level.

[@hackntink3473]

Thanks. Great tip. I was initially planning on doing that (and did a few painting test with the printed plastic), but then got lazy. I also did a test run first with just green paint like in the video, and I thought it came out pretty well. When I redid it for the video, I actually though it only came out so-so, too rough around the edges of the text. That's the one final I went with in the video. You can't see it in the video, but I cleaned up some of the text edges with a knife after sanding. So I think I'd definitely try the "paint first" on a next project...

[@IPP133]

This is amazing! I have the pre-2019 fob, and it's obnoxiously large. Problem is, I have no understanding of electronics. In a sea of unhelpful google results about changing the battery, this video is a breath of fresh air. Finally, I understand the fob and know what changes I can make to it! (nothing as extensive as you did)

[@alafsarr]

Thank you so much for this. My Mazda key was smashed in pieces and I managed to put it together and get it working thanks to you.

[@PaulFisher]

I don’t think buttons on the side is *inherently* a bad idea-though the design of this one is pretty awful. Done right, it would let you access the buttons on your fob even if it were in your pocket and sandwiched between other keys on your ring. Even so, your design is a huge improvement on the original. I absolutely hate having thick items on my key ring because it makes everything next to it fan out rather than sit compactly together in your pocket, and by that criterion, your design is measurably better. The only thing I might suggest for a future rev or an improvement to the public release would be to add some kind of tactile cue to distinguish between lock and unlock, like an embossed dot or symbol on one of the buttons so you can tell them apart by feel alone.

[@cdsmith]

I've been wanting to do something like this for my huge key fob for my 2017 Ford Explorer. But my plan was to trace out the circuit and design a whole new PCB because I also want to integrate my second key fob that opens my garage door.

[@GeordieMoore-jf9pu]

this is incredible dude, thank you for the knowledge. Is there any chance you could upload .stl or .step files? Also if I only wanted to use the proximity unlock and didn't need any buttons, do you think it'd be possible to make it even smaller? I know nothing about circuitboards so I'll just be following your guide otherwise.

[@hackntink3473]

The case design was done in Fusion 360, and all the files are available from the link in the video notes. From fusion, you can modify and print the 3D design, and export the files to many formats. Fusion 360 is free for non-commercial use. You could make it smaller, but not too much. Certainly, if you didn't need buttons at all, you could make it several millimeters thinner.

[@mattclayton8474]

Currently 3d printing a new enclosure for my key, this was really helpful so i didnt break the original key when disassembling!

[@salocin911]

does your model have the proximity sensor which allows you to unlock the doors by hand?

[@briansilverman759]

Yes. I nearly always leave the keyfob in my pocket, which is why I like it small.

[@lesliesilverman9454]

My husband is going to love this!

[@salocin911]

I love Mazda as much as anyone else, we actually have two a CX-9 and a CX-5. but they should be going in your design direction rather than larger? it seems to be the design trend these days on key fobs I think I've seen a similar design on the Volvo and Lamborghini key fobs their monstrous.

[@andretaft5470]

I love my Mazda CX-7 2009 and the key fob is like the one he built. Mazda designed a credit card style fob but changed it in 2010,. I need another one but Mazda charges $250 I wish I could switch to a bigger one or cheaper key fob.

[@charlie996]

I wonder if it's possible to modify the board to secured in the last generation mazda key fob or better yet, program the gen 3 mazda key to work with gen 4 vehicle.

[@ameenalharthy2746]

Do you have a commentator or a video of unassembling the key?

[@jonathanfowler2932]

Very cool, thanks for sharing this. I'm thinking of doing a custom fob for my mx-5, but I won't be messing with the electronics.

[@StephenDeban]

It would be great to simply replace the plastic covers on the original fob with some that don't bulge out so far (the thickness is my main complaint), and which have a bit of overhang on the button side to help avoid accidental button presses. But how to go about it?

[@OrimarDez]

Cool! Good job. The finish on the key fit could be better. It looks like rhino liner, why not make it like the 2017 type finish? Would like red instead of green. Do you sell these?

[@briansilverman759]

Thanks... It's a 3D printed finish, so yes, it's pretty rough and not shiny like injection molded plastic parts. I thought about painting it to give it a nice finish, but it wasn't worth the effort for me. And sorry, no, I don't sell it - it's just a one-of-a-kind DIY build.

[@GoaWay...]

You should really sell it. A lot of people would love to have fobs that small.

[@quasarix]

@@GoaWay... I would rather keep the original board without cutting and make it a bit bigger, and keep that better battery holder, then add in my house doors remote into it :) I might do it and make my design.

[@GoaWay...]

@@quasarix make it bigger?🙁

[@barneyboyle6933]

You're a legend, dude. Great work.

[@jsilve1]

I COMPLETELY AGREE I HAVE THE SAME KEY FOB DO YOU HAVE A HATCH OR A SEDAN I LOVE MAZDA3 BUT THE KEY FOB IS JUST TOO BIG SO I WEAR IT ON A HOOK ON MY BELT LOOP

[@brycied00d1]

The video shows a hatchback. Also, the lack of the trunk release button suggests a hatchback model.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Did you watch the video. The car is clearly shown.

[@tmler]

their new one looks nice but it's just way too big ☹️

[@tabaiayoub3295]

Hey there! Can you guys help me, I have the same mazda keyfob and mine is all damaged so I am thinking about buying a case and swap the motherboard, is this possible? Is this gonna avoid me reprogramming?

[@davereichert]

LOL Can I pay this guy to make me one? I've only had mine for like 2 weeks and I already hate this boat anchor in my pocket... Though mine is a CX-30 with trunk release, four buttons total.

[@tomcat0395]

I, TOO, would pay this gentleman to convert my key fob. Seriously. Holler at me to get paid!!

[@Kashparrot]

Nice work. But I wonder if it would be possible to remove the chip and put it on a smaller pcb.

[@briansilverman759]

You certainly could - however, it would require an antenna redesign to get it much smaller. With my smaller PCB, the antenna is the bulk of the design. Redesigning the antenna is a much bigger problem... And it as it turns out, I wouldn't actually want it much smaller, as at some point it's too easy to lose.

[@justinkaufman495]

anyway to put the internals from a 2008 in there?

[@Zeek509]

I hate their larger design also. The old one was nice and slim. If you're going to make it bigger at least make the buttons bigger. But no they made the housing huge and the buttons tiny. Its not even heavier than befofe. Pointless.

[@justinkaufman495]

you can put weights in the Fob (make sure they're well secured) to make it feel heavier.

[@BobBombadil]

What did you do with the valet key that was inside the original fob?

[@hackntink3473]

I keep it in my wallet. Note, that does mean my size comparison in the video wasn't totally fair... But the key does fit unnoticeably in my wallet.

[@ionut5316]

can I program an old fob on a 2023 cx5?

[@sandorkonya]

Cool thing, well done!

[@siclmn]

Excellent solution, let me know when someone decides to make a smaller fob.

[@celeronxl]

Great re-build. I have the 2022 key and it SUCKS. Panic button has gone off in my pocket so many times, including once when the neighbor was standing close to my car. Embarrassing

[@manningcustom]

I wish this was for sale someone where. It's a little more than I can do sadly.

[@andretaft5470]

Hi good job, but they made one back in 2009. Google Mazda CX 7 2009 key fob. Mazda already made one like yours with all the standard features and a key that inserts to make the card shape.. It's the size of credit card and about a inch thick. I still drive my same Mazda CX 2009 and I can send you a pic of the credit card like key fab. The battery lasts about 6 to 8 months and both fabs came standard back in 2009. Do you think your design will work with a 2009? I need extra keys / fabs that are cheaper. This may have changed but last I checked I can only use the credit card key & fab for my vehicle and it's a bit over priced at Mazda. Thanks and let me know if you want a pic of the Mazda's CX 7 2009 Credit card like key fab. If you make a cheaper fob, I will buy it! :)

[@eivis13]

I actually have my home keys strapped to a chain and carabined to my pants (on a belt loop), my car keys are hanging on the carabiner via a nice key ring. Everyone thinks i'm gonna lose my car keys that way, yet 8 years in (since i have my license) and haven't lost a key yet (knock on wood).

[@NasaVinDiesel]

Well done Sir! Love this hacking.

[@munawarkarim8026]

Genius work!

[@Thoughtlesskyle]

I will never understand why they made such a gigantic fob but then put tiny buttons on the side of it... like it was the dumbest redesign for literally no gain

[@victorkrapalis2253]

Great project, do you have a stl file? :)

[@hackntink3473]

I've shared the Fusion 360 design files, from which you can generate STL files. Note that this was printed on an HP MJF printer, which produces pretty high quality parts - YMMV if using a home printer. It was printed via Shapeways: www.shapeways.com/materials/multi-jet-fusion-pa12

[@Emexrulsier]

Found thos vid cause I too hate the mazda 3 key size. I like yo keep the key in my wallet, but obviously this adds a lot of bulk. Before this car I had a laguna and its credit card size fob, but thin and that was 16 years years ago but so superior in design and functionality. I might try this hack myself, I don't really use any buttons on my remote but deffo accidentally unlocked the car (even keeping the fob in my wallet). Side note, my key doesn't have this "panic" button, my 3rd button turns off the alarms sobfor explain if someone wanted to wait in the car whilst you left, the alarm doesn't set off

[@charleschenhua]

Wow, this is nerdy and impressive

[@tesssilverman7253]

nice!

[@veovius]

If you can figure out how to make the signal stronger, even at the expense of battery life, you'd be a legend!

[@ihtfp69]

The new fob is horrendous. Not only is it bigger, but it's very cheaply made. It feels like a toy you bought at the dollar store. The old fobs felt nice in your hand and were quite solid. Judging by this breakdown, these new ones cost Mazda a tiny fraction of the cost, but they still charge you a fortune to replace it.

[@Bum5GHTKrew]

Would be cool to make it the size of a credit card and have it in your wallet

[@pea_rants4617]

epic

[@aname6771]

I used this video to put my dads key fob back together after he dropped it

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

[@chrislox1]

Don't ever leave that keyfob on a plate at a swinger's party!

[@RobertBryk]

I have a 2016 Mazda 3 and if I was looking at buying a new Mazda the new key fob would be a deal breaker.

[@enjay517]

This is awesome.

[@yen-yihung1775]

神

[@Vlado709]

It works but its ugly! Sorry dude!

[@AlinTrinca]

Why? How? How is a 2 inch keyfob too large? When did a 50 gram(?) piece of plastic become so inconvenient? Why did you waste so much time to save a half a square inch of pocket space? You don't even use it. You literally throw it in the car and carry it around you when not in use. A larger piece of plastic might actually be more useful cause youre not fretting about searching for a little piece of plastic thinking the things gone. You are carrying something 10 times larger in your pocket just to make a phonecall. Gimme a break will ya?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Pretty sure he clearly explained why. Maybe you should watch the beginning again, or for the first time.

[@tomcat0395]

this is pretty simple. let's look at it from a different angle. if the dealer offered you the choice between the larger fob and the smaller fob, would you choose the smaller one? if yes, then no, time is not wasted. if no, then this video isn't for you and you wasted your own time commenting on it. gimme a break will ya?