Your Mazda key fob is a tiny device that makes owning a car more convenient. It comes with a built-in chip that’s programmed to work with the receiver in your car. This way, you can use the key fob to open the doors of your car. Also, you won’t have to worry about someone else with the same brand of key fob opening your car doors.
There are just a handful of reasons that would cause the key fob to stop working. Also, it is possible to fix it with no extra costs but in some cases, you will have to get the key fob replaced.
Mazda Key Fob Not Working: Likely Causes
Before we dive down into the possible fixes to apply, you should first confirm that the key fob is faulty. If you notice any serious damages to the key fob exterior, then it should be pretty obvious. However, if the key fob fails to work and you can’t find any dents or signs of damage on the exterior, you should try out another key fob.
Try using the backup key fob to open the car. If it does, the main key fob would be faulty. However, if the backup key fob fails to get the car doors open, then the fault could be from your car.
There are chances you could be dealing with an electrical fault or a mechanical fault. To confirm any of both, you will need a physical key.
Try getting the car open with a physical key. If that works, then you’ve ruled out the possibility of a mechanical problem. It could also be an electrical problem. Try using the car’s primary control to open the door.
If that works too, then you would have to get your mechanic to investigate further. If using the car’s primary control fails to open the door, you should get your mechanic to inspect the system.
With that out of the way, here are the possible reasons why your Mazda key fob is not working.
- Not well-programmed
- Dead Batteries
- Damaged Key Fob
Mazda Key Fob Not Working: How to Fix It
Check the Battery
If the backup remote works, then this should be the first step to take. That’s if, you didn’t notice any dents, loose buttons, or signs of damage on the key fob. If the batteries are dead, then they would have to be replaced. Key fobs are designed to last so the battery could go for a year before needing to be replaced.
Changing the batteries is just as easy as changing those of your TV remote so you shouldn’t have any problem with the process.
Reprogram the Key Fob
There is also a likely chance that the key fob was not programmed properly and would have to be programmed again.
To do this, you would have to get the driver’s side door open.
- Use the lock button to lock and unlock the door. Ensure you leave it open.
- Place your car key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position.
- Wait for about three seconds, then turn it off. Repeat this process up to three times and end up in the off position. Do not remove the key.
- Shut the driver’s side door and then open it. Do this a total of three times.
- Now to program the key fob into the car computer, you would have to press the button on the key fob. In some models, you will have to program a transmitter code into the engine’s computer.
Reprogramming the key this way should be easy and won’t require you taking your car to the shop. You can actually get a friend to handle the process for you. With the key fob reprogrammed, you can go ahead to check if it will respond to commands. If it does then everything is solved. If not, you would have to get the car to a mechanic.
Replace the Key Fob
There are chances that you have damaged the key fob or somehow the key fob has been damaged. The damage could be internal or external but both can still stop the key fob from working properly.
To check if the key fob is damaged.
Check the exterior for any signs of dents and inspect the buttons to see if they feel loose. The buttons could be put back in place.
Also, open the key fob and check the buttons internally. You would want to take a look at the battery terminals. Ensure they’re properly placed and then try the key fob to see if it works.
If it doesn’t then you might have to shop for a replacement.
Perhaps replacing the key fob is the wisest decision if you notice any signs of damage on the exterior or that the buttons are loose. You won’t want the key fob malfunctioning while you’re out shopping for groceries or on your way to work.
Getting a replacement shouldn’t cost much. If you have it replaced, you would have to program it to respond to your car’s receiver.
You can do this on your own but if you’re not familiar with the process, it is best to allow the salesperson to handle it while you watch. This should prevent any future problems that would require you to reprogram the key fob.
Final Thoughts
Key fob issues aren’t really much of a big deal and won’t require much technical skill to fix. However, it is always best to let a professional handle the programming part. If you’re not very good with vehicle systems, allowing the salesperson or a mechanic handle this might save you a lot of stress later.
Going by the fixes, you should always start with a battery change after inspecting the exterior. If the battery change doesn’t work then you can go ahead to inspect the internal part of the key fob. If there is nothing amiss, then you can go ahead with reprogramming and finally get a replacement. This order should ensure you try out the easy fixes before the ones that would cost you extra.
