Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Immobilizer System

Mazda 3 Owners Manual / Before Driving / Security System / Immobilizer System

The immobilizer system allows the engine to start only with a key the system recognizes.

If someone attempts to start the engine with an unrecognized key, the engine will not start, thereby helping to prevent vehicle theft.

If you have a problem with the immobilizer system or the key, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

CAUTION

Radio equipment like this is governed by laws in the United States.
Changes or modifi cations not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
To avoid damage to the key, do not:

Drop the key.
Get the key wet.
Expose the key to any kind of magnetic fi eld.
Expose the key to high temperatures on places such as the dashboard or hood, under direct sunlight.

If the engine does not start with the correct key, and the security indicator light keeps illuminating or fl ashing, the system may have a malfunction. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE

The keys carry a unique electronic code.
For this reason, and to assure your safety, obtaining a replacement key requires some waiting time. They are only available through an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Always keep a spare key in case one is lost. If a key is lost, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
If you lose a key, an Authorized Mazda Dealer will reset the electronic codes of your remaining keys and immobilizer system. Bring all the remaining keys to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has not been reset is not possible.

Operation

NOTE

The engine may not start and security indicator light may illuminate or flash if the key is placed in an area where it is difficult for the system to detect the signal, such as on the dashboard or in the glove compartment. Move the key to a location within the signal range, switch the ignition off, and then restart the engine.
Signals from a TV or radio station, or from a transceiver or mobile telephone could interfere with your immobilizer system. If you are using the proper key and the engine fails to start, check the security indicator light.

Arming

The system is armed when the ignition is switched from ON to off.

The security indicator light in the instrument cluster flashes every 2 seconds until the system is disarmed.

Disarming

The system is disarmed when the ignition is switched ON with the correct programmed key. The security indicator light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then turns off. If the engine does not start with the correct key, and the security indicator light remains illuminated or flashing, try the following: Make sure the key is within the operational range for signal transmission.

Switch the ignition off, and then restart the engine. If the engine does not start after 3 or more tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE

If the security indicator light flashes continuously while you are driving, do not shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If the engine is shut off while the indicator light is flashing, you will not be able to restart it.
Because the electronic codes are reset when the immobilizer system is repaired, the keys are needed.
Make sure to bring all the keys to an Authorized Mazda Dealer so that they can be programmed.

Modification and Add-On Equipment

Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer and the theft-deterrent systems' operation if the system has been modified or if any add-on equipment has been installed. CAUTION To avoid damage t ...

Theft-Deterrent System

If the theft deterrent system detects an inappropriate entry into the vehicle, which could result in the vehicle or its contents being stolen, the alarm alerts the surrounding area of an abnormali ...

Other materials:

Constant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag systems are monitored by a diagnostic system: Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit) Front air bag sensors Air bag modules Side crash sensors Air bag/Front seat belt pretensioner system warning light Front seat belt pretensioners Rel ...

Floor Mat
WARNING Make sure the fl oor mats are hooked on the retention pins to prevent them from bunching up under the foot pedals: Using a fl oor mat that is not secured is dangerous as it will interfere with the accelerator and brake pedal operation, which could result in an acc ...

Overheating
If the high engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates, the vehicle loses power, or you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is probably too hot. WARNING Switch the ignition to off and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to work near the co ...