Immobilizer issue - All lights on dash

[Coconuts]

Hi everyone!

I have a 2011 Mazda 3 GS. The car's battery died, so I bought and installed a new one, and installed new tires as well. When I went to start the car, the immobilizer light began flashing rapidly when the key is put to "On". A few seconds later, the power steering, coolant lights, check engine, abs and traction control lights come on as well. The lights, radio, blowers, powered seat, etc all function fine, but the car will not start. I can only hear a quiet "click" noise which I assume is a relay. I ran a load test on the new battery, and it is perfect. I cleaned the grounding spots and made sure the terminals are secure. Unfortunately, I only have one key so I cannot try a spare. The car has an aftermarket Viper remote starter which is also unable to start the car. The only code coming back is u0100 which means "Lost connection with Engine Control Module".

I'm totally lost here, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Default User]

I'm thinking the Viper alarm has an engine kill built in


Call Viper (or authorized installer) to see the sequence code to deactivate it.

[Coconuts]

The viper is just a two way remote start system, I do not believe it has any alarm functionality.

[McGuyver_3]

The Viper system does have an option for the "starter kill" to be installed. Possible that this can cause an issue. It has in the past, hence why installers generally no longer use/install them

[Coconuts]

I called the shop that installed the remote starter: he basically said that the key should always work even if the remote starter doesn't, and said whatever the problem is it isn't related to the viper. I'll take that with a grain of salt though haha.

I pulled the cover below my steering wheel off. I see the "brain" of the remote starter, but do not see any kill relay. For the hell of it, I disconnected the starter, disconnected aftermarket stereo, disconnected battery and left it for about 15 minutes. Same issue is still occuring. And thanks for the suggestions guys :)

[McGuyver_3]

Another alternative is that the chip inside the key has failed. It happens from time to time, not a very common issue though at least for the manufacturer I work for.

[Coconuts]

I did consider that as well, however if the chip in the key failed the remote starter would still have the ability to start the engine which isn't the case.

[Flagrum_3]

Consider your starter may be toast or maybe just a bad connection or frayed/burnt wire at the starter. Check the wires out first at the starter, that they are in good condition tight and clean. That's my 2c.


_3

[Coconuts]

No luck with the starter either. I have a feeling it's something a little more serious. Unfortunately the car has given me lots of trouble/bills this year, I can't justify dumping any more into it, Might be time for a new one. Thanks guys

[McGuyver_3]

You may want to consider having a mazda dealer try and realign the key to the car for you. That may be your last option. If the key gets aligned I would recommend making a second one. Also the bypass for the remote start requires 2 keys to be programmed. Unless the 2nd key has been sacrificed and has been installed in to the bypass. This is generally the cheaper option. A lot of shops no longer use that style
Think of it this way, you have dumped a good chunk of money in to the car. But you know that it's in good condition and won't give you problems for a few years down the road. Buy another used car and you are back at square one. Unless you buy a new car in which my comment is irrelevant

[Default User]

How do those battery terminals look? Any corrosion? Loose connections?

Also - how old was the dead battery? It died out for a reason - I would also check the alternator.

[Coconuts]

Hey Mcguyver, I suppose you're right about buying another used one. I only had one key for this car since I purchased it, I never had a second one. When I brought my car to the get the viper installed, they said they could make it work with only one key (local car audio/remote starter shop) and they did, somehow. And by realigning my key, do you mean towing my car so they can reprogram the key and ecu/immobilizer?

-Also, battery terminals are clean and secure default. The battery was 3 years old.

[Noisy Crow]

Sounds like the same problem as this thread:

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?73782-immobilizer-problem

[McGuyver_3]

Unfortunately towing it to the dealer is probably the only thing that may work at this point.
Basing the situation that only 1 key was used to program the bypass, that could also be the problem to why the remote start won't start the car. Mazda may also be able to see if there are any further issues
Noisy Crow nice find

[Reddie1337]

Try turning the key on and off 8 times fast. Sounds crazy, but we have used that on a couple cars and it worked.


-Reddie

[Default User]

battery is FUBAR after 3 years?!!

Definitely check the alternator.

[Coconuts]

Hi everyone, figured I'd post my experience in case anyone with the same problem runs into this thread:
I got the car towed to my local Mazda dealer (good reputation). They called me the following day saying that they were unable to locate a problem/clues within an hour. The computer was not responding at all. He basically said that they would have to test all the wiring and other components, and the last guy with a similar issue had about $800+ in labour for diagnostics, a new ecu + programming, key reprogramming etc and had a bill close to $3000. I told him not to proceed, and got the car towed home. The car is starting to get some nasty rust spots on it, and is fairly high km. I do not feel it is worth it to repair, and will be getting a new vehicle. Basically, this was just pure bad luck.

[Default User]

Shit that sucks

Did they try a different ECU?

Wonder if Jimmy can help on this.

Sure is a waist though... did you buy this car brand new?

[Coconuts]

Yeah it sure does. I'm not sure if they tried a different ECU, can't remember all the details he gave me over the phone. I purchased the vehicle used privately. Well, hinesight is 20/20 lol.