How To Start Your Mazda When The Key Fob Is Dead
Technology is great only when it works. If your Mazda's keyless remote stops working, you may feel a bit panicked. How can you get around? Do you have to take an Uber to the nearest Mazda dealership to pick up a new key fob?
The good news is you have nothing to worry about. You can still get into your car, start it up, and then drive off without any issues. We'll show you how.
Troubleshooting Your Mazda Key Fob
Key fob issues are pretty common. Here are the most common issues Mazda owners have with their key fobs:
- Their Mazda key fob works intermittently
- Their Mazda key fob won't lock the car
- Their Mazda key fob won't unlock the car
- Their Mazda key fob won't start the car
If you have time, you can try to fix your key fob before using it in your car. There are three common ways to troubleshoot a Mazda key fob:
- Reset the key fob: You may have to reset your fob to recognize your vehicle. Hold the lock and unlock buttons on the fob simultaneously for at least a minute. This will reset the system. The interior lights should flash.
- Replace the battery: Sometimes the issue is as simple as a dead battery. The average key fob battery lasts only a year. It’s a good idea to keep a spare battery on hand.
- Test the receiver: The receiver wire may be the issue. You would need to test it by grounding it.
This troubleshooting guide will walk you through each process.
Your Key Fob Has A Hidden Key
The best kind of technology comes with layers of support built in. Mazda key fobs fall into this category. Your key fob is a marvel of electronics miniaturization. Yet, there are layers of “old-school” technology built into every Mazda key fob. In other words, your key fob has a full-sized key built in.
If you look at the back of your key fob, you will see a small latch. Release and pull down on it. The full-sized key will come out. On other Mazda key fobs, you may need to use a small flat screwdriver to pry apart the two halves of the fob.
You can use this full-sized key to open the door and then start the car manually. If your car only comes with a start button and nowhere to put the key, try this:
- Press down on the brake pedal.
- At the same time, press the Mazda symbol on your key fob against the start button on your vehicle.
There's a small chip in your key fob that will connect to the vehicle and start it up for you.
Replacing Your Key Fob
Is your key fob completely broken? You can keep using the full-sized key in your key fob manually, or you can replace it with a new one. If you decide to replace it, we can help with that. At REALMazdaParts.com, you'll get to pay wholesale prices for genuine OEM Mazda parts, including key fobs. Look up your Mazda model here to see all the key fobs and key accessories we have for your vehicle.