It can be frustrating when your Mazda key fob battery dies, leaving you unable to start your car. Fortunately, Mazda vehicles are equipped with a system that allows you to start your car even with a dead key fob. This guide will walk you through the process of starting your Mazda when your key fob is not working due to a dead battery or malfunction.
Before attempting to start your Mazda with a dead key fob, it’s important to understand what can interfere with the signal reception between your key and the vehicle’s system. To ensure a successful start, avoid the following:
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Metal Interference: Do not allow metal parts from other keys or metal objects to touch your Mazda key fob. Metal can block the signal necessary for starting your car.
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Key Proximity Issues: Keep spare keys, or keys for other vehicles with immobilizer systems, away from your Mazda key fob. These can interfere with the signal and prevent your car from starting.
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Electronic Device Interference: Devices used for electronic purchases or security access should also be kept separate from your key fob, as they can disrupt the signal needed to start your Mazda.
If you’ve ensured that none of these interferences are present and your Mazda still won’t start with the key fob as usual, follow these steps to start your engine with a dead key fob:
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Apply the Brakes: Firmly depress and hold down the brake pedal. Keep it depressed until the engine has completely started.
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Clutch for Manual Transaxle: If your Mazda has a manual transmission, firmly depress and hold the clutch pedal down completely until the engine starts. This step is not necessary for automatic transmissions.
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Check Indicator Light: Look for the push button start indicator light. Verify that it is flashing green. This indicates the system is ready to recognize the key for manual start procedure.
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Touch the Start Button with the Key Fob: Using the backside of your Mazda key fob, touch the push button start. Make sure to touch the button while the green indicator light is flashing. Position the key fob so that the lock switch side of the key is facing upwards as you touch the push button start.
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Verify Light Change: Check the push button start indicator light again. It should now be illuminated green and stay on, indicating the system has recognized the key.
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Start the Engine: Press the push button start while still depressing the brake pedal (and clutch pedal for manual transmissions). This will start your Mazda engine.
Important Notes:
- The engine will only start if the brake pedal is fully depressed for automatic transmissions or the clutch pedal is fully depressed for manual transmissions.
- If the push button start indicator light flashes amber, it indicates a malfunction with the push button start function. In this case, the engine might still start, but it is crucial to have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
- If the green push button start indicator light does not illuminate after touching it with the key fob, repeat the operation from the beginning. If it still does not illuminate, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Switching Ignition Positions Without Starting the Engine:
If you need to switch the ignition position to ACC or ON without starting the engine, you can do so after the green push button start indicator light is on (following steps 1-5 above).
- Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal if applicable).
- Press the push button start. Each press will cycle through the ignition positions: ACC, ON, and OFF. To switch again, repeat the process from step 1 of the starting procedure.
By following these instructions, you can confidently start your Mazda even when faced with a dead key fob battery. Remember to replace your key fob battery as soon as possible to avoid future inconvenience. If you continue to experience issues, consult your Mazda dealer for assistance.
