Imobilizer problem...I think

[rktsci]

Hey guys...I've had a problem over the last while but there is no consistency as to when it will happen. Some times when I go to start my car, I'll turn the key, I'll get the electrical system to start as normal but I won't get any ignition/starter action. I'll have the pull the key out and try to start again. Some times it will take a few attempts to get the car started.

Any one have a similar problem or possibly know what the problem might be? I forgot to mention it when my car was last in for service...but i only seem to remember the problem as it happens!

[McGuyver_3]

when you turn the key in the on position to start does the red light with an illustration of the car with the key init start flashing really fast?
If it does then that means the chip inside the key is not communicating wit the car.
Suggestion would be try to use the secondary key and sey if it does the same if it doesnt the 1st key is faulty and should be replaced if it does then i would recommend you bring it back to the dealer. It could be a damaged wire inside, a faulty ignition switch etc etc

oh forgot to ask but did you have an aftermarket alarm installed? that could b a part of the problem if it wasnt installed correctly

[rktsci]

No aftermarket alarm...I'll have to take a look at it the next time it happens to see if the light comes on as you say. My only problem is that because I don't know when it will happen I won't always been keeping an eye on the indicators. I should use the 2nd key for a while to see if the problem goes away.

[McGuyver_3]

No aftermarket alarm...I'll have to take a look at it the next time it happens to see if the light comes on as you say. My only problem is that because I don't know when it will happen I won't always been keeping an eye on the indicators. I should use the 2nd key for a while to see if the problem goes away.

tr it and let us know

[bluntman]

Manual gear box?

[McGuyver_3]

Manual gear box?

out of curiosity what does that have to do with it?

[starwind]

I have seen this happen three different times with a non-Mazda car, with three different causes. Twice resulted in being towed to the dealership (CAA) for repair, once just a CAA service call (thank goodness for CAA Plus, since they live in the boonies). All in one year!!

The causes:

(1) the key had worn down; while it still worked most of the time, it was worn down just enough that sometimes the sensors that detect is it a legit key by its dimensions believed it was not a legit key and so it throught the car was being stolen. No car start. Adjusting the battery cables and trying the key several more times solved the problem. Spare key worked fine. New key cut, problem solved.

(2) a cable in the lower dash behind the steering wheel (sorry can't be more specific) somehow became detached all by itself -- no signal, therefore no start. Towed to dealership. Found quickly by service technician and fixed with only the diagnostic fee.

(3) dead body control module (basically, the car's brains died with no warning). Towed to dealership. New BCM installed -- it took three because the first didn't work at all, the second worked for almost all functions, and the third worked just fine -- fortunately, the dealership only charged the book rate for the work, so while it cost only a few hours of labour, it actually took them about 16...


I would first try the spare key.

When looking at the worn down key (which is what was used every day for years) in situation (1) and comparing it close up to the spare (which apparently had been used maybe twice in its life, just to make sure it works!), it was visibly worn down.

Hope this helps!!

[mazda lover]

out of curiosity what does that have to do with it?

don't you need to engage the clutch for it to start? if so maybe the switch at the clutch peddle could be defected?

[McGuyver_3]

don't you need to engage the clutch for it to start? if so maybe the switch at the clutch peddle could be defected?

pushing the clutch pedal is a common habit. but i never thaught of that sensor nice thinking

[rktsci]

I do have a manual...so that clutch sensor could be one thing.

So I was just out and it happened again. The car/key light on the dash lit up but it was not flashing. It took me three attempts to start the car.

[McGuyver_3]

best bet take it to the dealer because now it could be anything mentioned or more

[McGuyver_3]

any news?

[rktsci]

No not yet...I need to leave the car with the dealership for the day and I have yet to clear a day in my schedule to do so...probably next week sometime.

[LOCKDOWN-P5]

Hello rktsci

Try moving your floor mats farther away from the firewall of the car, Mazda3 clutch switches need to be pressed in ALL the way, ie if the floor mats are blocking the clutch from going all the way down, you can't start the car.

Do you have aftermarket rubber mats by chance?

[rktsci]

^ I've got the OEM all weather floor mats...and the drivers one is in the right spot since it ties into the little floor clip.

[Azi]

does it do the same thing with both keys?

[MZ3_GS]

do u have a whole bunch of other keys on your key chain?

[McGuyver_3]

any updates?

[thesober]

This just happened to me last week, three times within 4 days. Start the engine but nothing happens, no crank at all, just the lights turning on. Two times i call mazda road side assistance but had to cancel it because i would try my luck again and it would start. I had to sit for over an hour trying it every 15mins or so. I have an automatic tranny. Dealership changed the starter and all is good for 4 days now *knock on wood*

[rbart4506]

Had the no start issue with my 04 Mazda3 with a manual gearbox and it definitely was the clutch switch. I had to make sure to fully, and I mean fully, depress the clutch to get the car to start. I would usually have problems in the winter when wearing boots. Sometimes I'd be short on the depression and no start. I'd let the clutch up and ram it down, making sure I was all the down. I would then turn the key and bang the car would start.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Samething happened to me a few months back

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=16164

[stevenlung]

It happened to my civic before, after spending tons of time at dealer to solve things out, we found out it was the key, there's no problem for years after the key was replaced.