Mazda MX-5 Quiz
Knowing Your Mazda

Immobilizer System

In this manual: Knowing Your Mazda
A Word to Mazda Owners — 1How to Use This Manual — 1Your Vehicle at a Glance — 3Essential Safety Equipment — 17Knowing Your Mazda — 13Before Driving Your Mazda — 14Driving Your Mazda — 20Interior Comfort — 27In Case of an Emergency — 11Maintenance and Care — 22Customer Information — 22Specifications — 3
~4min read
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 the theft of your vehicle.

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

CAUTION. governed by laws in the United Radio equipment like this is
governed by laws in the United States. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. not: To avoid damage to the key, do
not:
Get the key wet. Drop the key.
Expose the key to any kind of Get the key wet.
magnetic field. Expose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.

temperatures on places such as Expose the key to high
temperatures on places such as the dashboard or hood, under direct sunlight.

 CAUTION. When starting the engine do not allow the following, as the engine may not start due to the electronic signal from the ignition key not being transmitted correctly.

A key ring rests on the key grip.
Metal parts of other keys or metal

objects touch the key grip. Metal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the key grip.
Spare keys or keys for other

vehicles equipped with an Spare keys or keys for other
vehicles equipped with an immobilizer system touch or come near the key grip.
Devices for electronic purchases, or

security passage which touch or Devices for electronic purchases, or
security passage which touch or come near the key. NOTE. - (U.S.A.). This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. - (CANADA). This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry CANADA. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. - 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, contact 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 Arming
The system is armed when the ignition

The system is armed when the ignition switch is turned from the ON to the ACC or LOCK position.

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

Disarming The system is disarmed when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position with the correct ignition key. The security indicator light illuminates for about three seconds and goes out.

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

NOTE. - If the security indicator light illuminates and stays on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the engine will not start. - Signals from a TV or radio station, or from a transceiver or a mobile telephone, could interfere with your immobilizer system. If you are using the proper key and your engine fails to start, check the security indicator light. If it is flashing, remove the ignition key and wait 2 seconds or more, then reinsert it and try starting the engine again. If it does not start after 3 or more tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer. - 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 you shut off the engine while the light is flashing you will not be able to restart it.

- Since the electronic codes are reset when repairing the immobilizer system, the keys are needed. Bring all the existing keys to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

 Modification and Add-On Equipment

Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer system's operation if the system has been modified or if any add-on equipment has been installed.

CAUTION.

To avoid damage to your vehicle, do not modify the system or install any add-on equipment to the immobilizer system or the vehicle.

Test yourself

A quick Mazda MX-5 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.