Key Fob Details, Covers & Batteries

[updated 6/10/2018, 9/27/2018, 7/15/2019, 3/26/2021, 5/28/2021, 10/31/2021, 8/17/2022]

“Emergency” Key

There is an actual (emergency) key hidden in each fob, that will open/lock your driver door and the storage cubby.   There is a release tab on the rear side of the fob that releases the key, as shown in the Step 1 photo further down.

  Note that without a working fob, you won’t be able to disable the anti-theft alarm (if equipped).

Key Fob Functions

The 3-volt coin battery in your key fob needs to be near it’s rated output, in order for all of the functions to work properly.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) functions…

• doors (and fuel door) lock/unlock
• trunk release (in some markets)
• panic (in some markets)

additional Advanced Keyless Entry (AKE) functions…

If your vehicle is equipped with this option, there is no need to remove your key from your pocket/purse, and you gain these additional features…

• allowing you to push a button on the door handle to lock/unlock
• allowing you to push a button on the underside of the decklid (next to the rear-view camera) to release the trunk
• allowing the walk-away locking feature (I’m not a fan of this one – can be deactivated)
• Advanced Security system activation/deactivation (if your vehicle is equipped with that option)

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Don’t store the key fob in/near the vehicle!

It is not a good idea to have the key fob in (or near) the vehicle when parked, as the vehicle battery will discharge quicker, since the vehicle is unable to go into Deep Sleep mode with the key fob close by. The fob battery life will also be shortened.

You might be thinking “why is OK for the fob to be kept in the vehicle during shipping?”

If you store your car for a few months (or longer), and no electric is available for a trickle charger, pulling the logistic fuses (fuse # 26 – “Room” fuse and fuse # 17 – Audio fuse) eliminates the “sleep” current drain on your battery, and this key fob fact might be great to be aware of. That also explains why it is OK for the fob to be kept in the vehicle with no ill effect, yet once you buy the vehicle, that is not recommended.

Starting the car by pushing the “Start/Stop” button by pressing it with the logo end of the fob (rather than using your finger), is how the cars were moved around in “transport mode”, before the room fuse has been installed. 

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“Low” key fob battery

On average, you should get about 2 – 3 years usage out of a good quality Lithium battery.  When the START/STOP button is pushed from ON to ACC or OFF position, and the cluster Key Indicator Light flashes green for approximately 30 seconds, it’s time to replace your “low” key fob battery (should do both fobs), so that you’ll avoid a…

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“Dead” key fob battery

as evidenced by:

• you are unable to start the car unless you use the logo end of the fob itself to push in the start button
• a red cluster Key Indicator Light 

  There is a RFID chip in your fob that is not dependent on the fob battery, and that is part of the passive immobilizer system that requires you to have the key in very close proximity to the start/stop button, in order to start the vehicle.  Until the fob battery is replaced, you can start your vehicle by pushing the start button with key fob (the end with the logo; not the emergency key end).

In either case, you will need to replace the batteries by first purchasing a couple of new CR2025 batteries (even if one of your fobs has been sitting in a drawer unused, you are advised to replace the battery in both of your fobs).

Avoid using CR2032 batteries

Some have reported that a 2032 battery will also work (and may outlive the 2025 batteries by a few more months), but since it is 3.2 mm thick (vs. 2.5 mm), it may spread the ground contacts in the battery “pouch”, such that 2025 batteries will no longer work reliably in the future.

Avoid Duracell batteries with bitterant coating on them

Apparently this coating is added to discourage children from swallowing, but unless it is thoroughly wiped off, battery will not function properly.

Opening the Key Fob

Here is a nice YouTube video that demonstrates how to open up your key fob, stressing that you must start by first prying apart the two sides in an inner area first (where the emergency key resides), in order that you not break any tabs in the shell case.  Here is a summary of the steps involved:

• The first step is to turn over the fob and locate the plastic release tab.
• Slide the release tab {1} to release the metal emergency key from the fob.
  
  
• Remove the metal emergency key {2} and set it aside in a safe place.
• Insert the small flat head screwdriver in to the sides of the cavity of the fob in between the two halves.
  
  
• Gently pry off the rear cover {4} of the fob.
  
  
• Then use the screwdriver to gently pry off the round black plastic battery cap {5}.
  
  
• Either turn over the fob and gently tap out the old CR2025 battery {6} or remove it with the blade of the small flat head screwdriver.
  
  
• Try to avoid bending the metal electrical contacts or scratching the green circuit board
• Insert the new CR2025 battery in to the socket with the “+” positive side facing up and the “-” negative side facing down.
• Make sure that the new battery is securely seated in the holder.
• Push the plastic battery cap back in to place.
• Line up the back cover with the other half of the fob and gently pop them back together.
• Make sure that the two halves of the fob are flush together at every edge.
• Slide the metal emergency key back in to its slot.
• To test the new battery, stand near your car and press the “Unlock” or “Lock” buttons.
• If the new battery is working properly, the parking lights should flash and you’ll also hear the door locks opening or closing.
• If your key fob stops working, or the red light remains on after replacing the battery, try holding the alarm/panic button and see what happens.

  If you choose to keep a spare battery in your armrest cubby coin slots, it would be best to keep other coins out of that area.

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Key Fob Specs

[#specs] After seeing questions regarding replacement keys, I added a Key Specs section to my Specifications page on 6/8/2018, the most critical #s being the FCC # and SKE #, which must match.  After purchasing, you will need to have a locksmith or the dealer program the fob to your VIN #, as well as cut the emergency key* to mate with your door lock (the cubby lock isn’t so particular).

Key Fob Model #: Mitsubishi SKE13D-01 (with Panic button) or SKE13E-01 (without Panic/Security button)
[same as ND MX-5 (MY 2017 only)*]
Key Fob FCC #: WAZSKE13D01 (or WAZSKE13D02)
Key Fob battery: CR2025

kentsmudger posted a photo of another fob version that I wasn’t aware of, where instead of a panic button, the function deactivates the internal ultrasonic motion sensor (part of the premium security alarm system).

There have been several reports that MAZDA fobs having the same FCC number were purchased as replacements, primarily because they are more plentiful and priced significantly lower, but if the SKE number ends in -02, the fob will function in the 124 Spider, but the variation will trigger an annoying red display of the cluster Key Indicator Light.

Victor Do (from Australia) provided some more details 8/17/2022:

Did you know that 2nd hand keys can be reprogrammed into an existing 124 Spider?

The Mitsubishi Electric based keyless entry and immobilizer system in the 124 Spider is used in most Mazdas from late 2013 to 2021.

 

Programming a key (new or second hand) can be done by most automotive locksmith’s scanners by ensuring they select the Mazda (rather than Fiat) option when reading and programming.

Mazda key fobs can be used provided that the model number is “SKE13E-01” – this was used from late 2013 to end 2017 Mazdas (and until the end of production for 124 Spiders).

 

Newer “SKE13E-02” keys are identical in shape and look, however will result in the red keyless entry light with exclamation mark illuminating on the dash. This however will still start the car.

I had a 3rd key added (second hand) by having both of my original keys with me to the locksmith. However, if you only have one key programming a new key is the same procedure. The programming procedure erases all keys and adds them all back – hence the number of original keys on hand does not matter (as long as you have at least one!)

 

Besides the locksmith reprogramming the key, I had supplied them a new blank physical key to cut which can be found for $15 on eBay.

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Key Fob Covers

Anyone looking for key fob covers for the Fiat/Abarth 124 Spiders might consider these silicone covers that instead of having a Mazda logo (since Fiat logo covers aren’t available yet), there is a cutout that allows the (Fiat or Abarth) logo on the fob to appear.  I see that they are available on Amazon now, and there are other color combinations available as well.

Not only do they help protect the fob, but they do a good job of keeping the fob from sliding out of your pocket while sitting.

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Key Ring Doodads

It might be best to avoid certain key rings doodads, which hang perpendicular to the fob buttons, so for those carrying their fob in their pocket (most men), you are quite likely to accidently lock/unlock or set off the panic button.

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Key Fob Replacement shell case/key blank

If your circuit board is OK, but you would like to replace the key fob shell case and/or the button pads, or need an uncut key blank, check out this kit at Amazon for around  $15.

*    Suzan tried to have her dealer cut the key for her, but gave up…

I was able to go to a local locksmith and for $5 have the key cut solving the problem. I called the dealer to let them know that this possible.  Matt the service guy said he had no idea you could do that.  The locksmith told me that some locksmiths have the ability to use the Vin# to cut a key too.  This takes longer as they must verify that you are the owner of that vehicle.  All good info for the future.

So for $20 total outlay, vs. at least $350 (+ $100 to program) that your Fiat dealer wants ($1,200 in Austalia? – WOW), you can replace your missing emergency key and/or your broken fob case!