Changing the Battery in Your Mazda 3 Key Fob
There's nothing more annoying than stepping into your car after a long work day and discovering that the key fob battery is dead. This is a simple fix that is easily done at a major box retailer or hardware store.
A spare key fob for your Mazda 3 is an inexpensive alternative to not having to take it to a dealership to have them reprogram the keys.
Battery Replacement
You can replace the battery on your Mazda 3 keyfob at home. It is recommended to replace it if the battery goes out or if you see a message reading "Low keyfob battery" on the multi-information display. Replace battery."
To open the key fob case it requires a tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver and a bit of patience. Place the head of the flathead screwdriver into a notch, or gap on the bottom metal of the Mazda 3 key fob to take off the lower portion. Repeat the procedure for the top piece of metal, but be sure not to scratch the rubber ring on the bottom of the case.
There's a slot each side of the case that houses the battery. Make use of the tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver to gently the case open, starting on one side before moving to the opposite. Remove the old CR2025 and replace it with a new one, making sure to place it face-up to ensure the correct the polarity. Finally, put the cap back on and reconnect both sides of the key fob's case. Continue pressing until you hear them click.
After replacing the battery Lock and unlock your doors to ensure whether the fob works. If everything seems to be in good order then your Mazda 3 remote features can be used again.
Pairing Issues
This could indicate that the transmitter in your car has been damaged. It is typically a need for an expert to repair it and may need a new key fob.
If you have tried replacing the battery and reprogramming the key fob, but did not resolve the issue it is possible the chip inside the key fob might be defective. This can happen if the keyfob has been dropped or exposed to saltwater or the touch of dirty fingers.
You'll need to find an extremely small "key", which is built into the seam, in order to remove the circuit board and identify the problem. You will then be able check for any damage or corrosion on the chip. It is best to use a clean towel to keep the microchip from being damaged.
It is also possible to inspect the battery connector's terminals to check if they're damaged or cracked. If mazda key programming is the case, then carefully attaching them back can usually restore the function of the key fob. In the same way, you can examine the buttons to see whether they are worn out or damaged. If the buttons are loose they can be soldered back into position, unless they've physically snapped.
Interference Signals
There are few things more difficult than trying to start your car and seeing the message "No Fob Detected". It can happen at the most unfavorable situations, like when you're late for work or you're trying to collect your children from daycare/school. The good thing is that there are steps you can take to investigate the issue and determine what is causing it.
Interference signals can affect the remote key fob signal from the vehicle which causes it to not function correctly. This can be caused by things such as weather conditions, buildings, and transmitters that use the same frequency. Interference may occur if your vehicle has aftermarket equipment that transmits at the same frequency as your key fob.
Additionally, if the key fob is exposed to salt or water the water, it might be damaged. The rubber seals on the electronic chip could be shattered by water, particularly in the event that it is submerged for an extended period of time, like in a pool or at the beach. This could cause the chip to stop working and may require replacement of the key fob. If you have a programmable key, you can clean the chip using isopropyl alcohol or an electronic cleaner to help it come back to normal. If this does not work the chip, it's likely to be damaged and needs to be replaced.
Locking or Unlocking the Doors
The buttons on the key fob transmit electronic signals to a solenoid in the car, which transforms the signal into a mechanical action that locks and unlocks doors. If your door lock isn't working it could be due to an issue with the solenoid. This will require professional auto repair shops to examine.
A dead 12 volt battery could also prevent the fob from working effectively. This could happen if your battery is not charged or if the contacts become corrosion-prone. This issue can be solved within a few minutes using a new battery.
If the key fob isn't working after you change the battery or reprogram it then the problem may be in the receiver module. The device receives radio frequency signals from the key fob and interprets them to control the vehicle's functions. It could be a costly repair if it becomes faulty.
To determine if this is true, put your spare key in the key slot. Then turn the ignition ON. Press the key fob button two times within 10 seconds, without removing it. The Mazda 3 system synchronizes the key with the vehicle and you can use it as your primary driving remote. This allows you to program up three keys.