It’s a common scenario: you’re ready to drive your Mazda, but your key fob isn’t working. This could be due to a dead battery in your key fob or a malfunction. Fortunately, Mazda vehicles are equipped with a system that allows you to start your car even when your key fob is not functioning correctly. However, it’s important to be aware of factors that can interfere with the signal from your key fob during this process.
Understanding Potential Interference When Starting Your Mazda
When you need to start your Mazda by holding the key fob close to the push-button start, it’s crucial to ensure that other objects don’t interfere with the key’s signal. Incorrect signal reception can prevent your engine from starting. Be mindful of the following potential sources of interference:
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Metal Objects: Avoid having metal parts from other keys or any metal objects touching your Mazda key fob.
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Other Immobilizer Keys: Keep spare keys or keys for other vehicles that have immobilizer systems away from your Mazda key fob. Proximity to these keys can disrupt the signal.
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Electronic Devices: Devices used for electronic purchases or security access should not be near your key fob when starting your vehicle. These devices can also interfere with the signal transmission.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Mazda with a Non-Functioning Key Fob
If you find yourself unable to start your Mazda due to a dead key fob battery, follow these steps to start the engine:
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Firmly Depress the Brake Pedal: Keep the brake pedal fully pressed down and maintain pressure until the engine has completely started.
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For Manual Transaxle Vehicles: If your Mazda has a manual transmission, continue to depress the clutch pedal firmly until the engine starts.
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Check for Flashing Green Indicator Light: Look for the push button start indicator light. Verify that it is flashing green. This indicates the system is ready to receive the key fob signal.
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Touch the Push Button Start with the Key Fob: Using the backside of your Mazda key fob, touch the push button start while the green indicator light is flashing. Ensure the lock switch side of the key fob is facing upwards as illustrated.
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Confirm Solid Green Indicator Light: Check that the push button start indicator light changes from flashing green to a solid green. This confirms the key fob signal has been recognized.
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Press the Push Button Start to Start the Engine: With the indicator light now solid green, press the push button start as you normally would to start your Mazda’s engine.
Important Notes:
- Pedal Requirement: Remember, the engine will only start if the clutch pedal is fully depressed in manual transaxle vehicles or the brake pedal is fully depressed in automatic transaxle vehicles.
- Amber Indicator Light: If the push button start indicator light flashes amber, it indicates a malfunction in the push button start system. While the engine might still start, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
- Green Light Not Illuminating: If the green push button start indicator light does not illuminate at all, repeat the operation from the beginning. If it still fails to illuminate, it is recommended to have your Mazda checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
- Switching Ignition Position Without Starting: To switch the ignition position without starting the engine, perform the following steps after the green push button start indicator light turns on:
- Release the clutch pedal (manual transaxle) or brake pedal (automatic transaxle).
- Press the push button start to cycle through the ignition positions. Each press will change the ignition in the sequence of ACC, ON, and Off. To switch again, repeat the process from the beginning.
By following these instructions, you can confidently start your Mazda even when your key fob is not working correctly due to a dead battery or malfunction. However, it’s always advisable to address the underlying issue with your key fob as soon as possible to ensure reliable vehicle operation.
