2011 Mazda Tribute
Key Replacement - Save vs Dealer in Ventura County

2011 Mazda Tribute Transponder Key Replacement - Fast, Affordable & Professional

I was parked near Surfers Point watching a set come in when the call came through. A guy had driven down from an avocado operation outside Ventura, parked near the water, and somewhere between the car and the sand his key disappeared. Not in his pocket, not in the sand near his shoes, not in the car. Gone.

He had one key total. That was the other problem.

He found me through a search, saw I was mobile, and asked if I could come to him. I was already in Ventura, so I told him to drop a pin and stay put.

The 2011 Tribute runs a transponder turn-key, and because it shares its key system with the Ford Escape of that generation, I had everything I needed already loaded in the van. I decoded the ignition cylinder on site, cut a replacement key blade, and programmed the new transponder through the OBD port. The whole job happened in the parking area near Surfers Point while a few other people walked past toward the beach without a second look.

He asked what the dealer would have wanted. I told him to call and find out if he was curious. He didn't bother. He just had somewhere to be.

One key turned into two before I left. He said he'd learned his lesson.

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