So, my mx5 key shell broke today - specifically the clip that holds the blade half to the button half.
I understand there is a transponder in the top half of this key.
Has anyone managed to buy a new shell, removed the transponder and 'implanted' it into the new shell?
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Replacing NC flip key shell/case
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- PB
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Replacing NC flip key shell/case
2002 Crystal blue NB8B. Sold, but where's she now???
2007 Radiant Ebony LE. Sold, and then resprayed nardo grey
2001 Crystal blue NB8B
2007 Radiant Ebony LE. Sold, and then resprayed nardo grey

2001 Crystal blue NB8B
- Garry
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
I assume you've had a look through Ebay? I got a replacement remote case for my NB8B from US Ebay
Shiney black one with added red bits. Member of the fart club. Now with extra doof and Sunlong. - deceased and gone to heaven
- PB
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
Hi Gary,
They have the shells on ebay however I'm not sure how easy it is to transplant the encoder chip from the orignal top half of the flip key into the replacement.
Unfortunately the clip that holds the top half to the bottom half (where the buttons are) has broken. Which means cutting a new key and if possible - transplanting the chip which appears to be slotted in somewhere near the top half of the flip key.
They have the shells on ebay however I'm not sure how easy it is to transplant the encoder chip from the orignal top half of the flip key into the replacement.
Unfortunately the clip that holds the top half to the bottom half (where the buttons are) has broken. Which means cutting a new key and if possible - transplanting the chip which appears to be slotted in somewhere near the top half of the flip key.
2002 Crystal blue NB8B. Sold, but where's she now???
2007 Radiant Ebony LE. Sold, and then resprayed nardo grey
2001 Crystal blue NB8B
2007 Radiant Ebony LE. Sold, and then resprayed nardo grey

2001 Crystal blue NB8B
- taminga16
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
Have you had any success in sorting this out?
Greg.
Greg.
When you turn your car on, does it return the favour?
- droo
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
If the new flip key shell is identical to the old, removing the key itself and installing to the new shell should be pretty straight forward. The only fiddly bit would be containing the flip spring - that wouldn't take more then 10 minutes of mucking about anyway.
The transponder chip may be glued in place, sometimes with a silicon/rubbery compound. It should be removable by slicing out with a razor blade and re-glueing/siliconing into the new flip key shell. The transponder basically a little hard plastic black wedge. On some keys it's wedged between the key fob interior plastics. Nothing a small jewellers set screw driver wouldn't fix.
There are plenty of videos on youtube demonstrating this just a simple "transplant flip key" search away.
The transponder chip may be glued in place, sometimes with a silicon/rubbery compound. It should be removable by slicing out with a razor blade and re-glueing/siliconing into the new flip key shell. The transponder basically a little hard plastic black wedge. On some keys it's wedged between the key fob interior plastics. Nothing a small jewellers set screw driver wouldn't fix.
There are plenty of videos on youtube demonstrating this just a simple "transplant flip key" search away.
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
I have just had this happen on my 3 case - dealer said you cant buy cases, just glue it up with superglue....I got a case off ebay - the part that latches the halves together needed some filing to get it catch properly. It will take some digging to get the chip out the old head - slug of dark grey stuff, probably 8x3x8mm in a pocket near the key shank. You need to pry the mazda logo piece out to expose a screw head to dismantle the top part of the case. The bottom half is clipped together. Less than 1 turn on the spring or its stuffed.
Not very well designed or made at all IMHO.
jp 09 3, 92 NA6
Not very well designed or made at all IMHO.
jp 09 3, 92 NA6
- pie5
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
This is the repair when the clip on mine broke.
I drilled a small hole and used a screw to hold it together.
I drilled a small hole and used a screw to hold it together.
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2019 Racing Orange 30AE #783
2006 Stormy Blue NC 2.4 GWR Header & Exhaust, Progress Springs, Koni Shocks, Whiteline Sways, Recaros.
2006 Stormy Blue NC 2.4 GWR Header & Exhaust, Progress Springs, Koni Shocks, Whiteline Sways, Recaros.
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
I've done this before, it's pretty easy. Just get a replacement off ebay. I think I found a video on YouTube which had the instructions.
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Re: Replacing NC flip key shell/case
be aware a lot of the shells on eBay wont fit, the battery is all wrong, the remote circuit board is the wrong size and none of the parts will fit the original case.
I have tried two different suppliers and both the same.
Damn annoying!
I have tried two different suppliers and both the same.
Damn annoying!
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