Experiencing a dead key fob battery can be a frustrating surprise, especially when you’re in a hurry. If you drive a Mazda, you might be wondering if a dead fob battery means you’re stranded. Fortunately, Mazda has equipped their vehicles with backup systems that allow you to start your car even when your Mazda Fob Key is out of juice. This guide will walk you through the steps for starting your Mazda with a dead fob, covering both older and newer models.
For many Mazda owners, the first sign of a weakening mazda fob key battery is intermittent issues with locking and unlocking doors remotely, or occasional “key not detected” warnings when trying to start the car. These are your clues to replace the battery soon. However, if you miss these warnings and find yourself with a completely dead mazda fob key, don’t panic. The solution varies slightly depending on the model year of your Mazda.
Starting Older Mazda Models (Approx. 2010-2013) with a Dead Fob Key
For Mazda models around the 2010 to 2013 era, the design incorporates a physical auxiliary key within the mazda fob key itself, and a dedicated key slot in the steering column. This system provides a reliable mechanical backup. Here’s how to start your older Mazda when your mazda fob key battery is dead:
Using the Auxiliary Key
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Retrieve the Auxiliary Key: Locate the auxiliary key. It’s usually a small, metal key that slides out from the bottom of your mazda fob key.
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Expose the Key Slot: You’ll need to find the key slot in your steering column. In most models, this slot is hidden behind a small cover. Use the auxiliary key to gently pry off and remove this cover, revealing the key slot. Note: Some older vehicles might have this cover missing.
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Prepare to Start: Get ready to start your engine. For manual transmission vehicles, fully depress the clutch pedal. For automatic transmission vehicles, fully depress the brake pedal.
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Insert the Auxiliary Key: Insert the auxiliary key into the exposed key slot. You may notice a ring around the key slot flashing. Insert the key while it is flashing. According to some user experiences, the flashing might not always be present, and starting the car is still possible. Crucially, do not attempt to turn the auxiliary key in the slot. It is designed to be inserted straight in for starting purposes only.
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Push Button Start: With the auxiliary key inserted, press the push button start as you normally would to start your Mazda. The engine should now start.
Important Cautions for Older Models:
- Do Not Turn the Auxiliary Key: The owner’s manual explicitly warns against turning the auxiliary key in the slot, as this could cause damage to your vehicle or the key itself.
- Leave Key in Slot While Running: The manual advises leaving the auxiliary key in the slot while the engine is running.
- Removing the Key and Shutting Down: To turn off the engine, stop the vehicle completely, shift to Neutral (manual) or Park (automatic), and then press the push button start. Remember to remove the auxiliary key from the slot after shutting down.
Starting Newer Mazda Models (Approx. 2014 and Newer) with a Dead Fob Key
For Mazda models from approximately 2014 onwards, the system evolved. While some may still have a physical auxiliary key for door unlocking, the starting procedure is different when the mazda fob key battery is dead. These newer models utilize Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
Using the Fob Against the Push Button Start
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Locate the Mazda Logo End of Your Fob: Identify the end of your mazda fob key that displays the Mazda logo.
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Position the Fob: Gently push the Mazda logo end of your mazda fob key directly against the push button start.
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Wait for Green Light: Keep the fob pressed against the button. You should observe the light on the push button start turning green. This indicates that the NFC chip in the fob is being recognized by the car.
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Start as Usual: Once the push button light turns green, press the button as you normally would to start your Mazda. The engine should start.
This system works because even a mazda fob key with a dead battery still contains a passive RFID chip that can be read by a receiver located behind the push button start when placed in close proximity.
Why Do Mazda Fob Key Batteries Drain Quickly?
While mazda fob key batteries are generally designed to last for a reasonable period, some factors can contribute to a shorter lifespan. One potential issue, as some users have noted, is signal interference from electronic devices, particularly smartphones. It’s been suggested that certain phone signals might interfere with the mazda fob key‘s communication with the car, potentially leading to increased battery drain or temporary signal blocking.
If you consistently experience rapid battery drain in your mazda fob key, or intermittent issues with remote locking/starting when your phone is nearby, consider keeping your phone and keys separated as much as possible.
Conclusion
A dead mazda fob key battery doesn’t have to leave you stranded. Mazda vehicles are designed with backup starting procedures to get you on your way. Understanding whether your Mazda uses an auxiliary key slot or the NFC push-button method is key to a quick and easy start. As soon as you experience a dead fob situation, or even notice the early warning signs of a weak battery, it’s always best to replace your mazda fob key battery promptly to avoid future inconveniences. Consult your Mazda owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions specific to your model year.
