How to Start the Car When the Mazda6 Key Battery Dies?
4 Answers
When the remote key runs out of battery, you can insert it into the hidden slot to start the car. Here is some knowledge about using car remote keys: 1. When approaching the car: As the driver brings the key in their pocket close to the car, the key and the car begin exchanging preset command information via radio waves. Subsequently, the car's locking system, security system, and engine control system are all activated. 2. When opening the door: As soon as the driver touches the door handle, the sensor detects this pressure, and the servo motor unlocks the door while the turn signals flash twice. Then, the seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors automatically adjust to the preset positions for the owner.
I also drive an Atenza and have experienced a situation where the key fob battery died. Later, I discovered the car's induction zone feature is incredibly practical—just place the key next to the push-start button, and the car usually detects the signal within about 3 seconds. That time, I found an area marked with a key icon below the start button; pressing the key fob directly against that spot while stepping on the brake and hitting the start button made the engine roar to life. It's really important to monitor the key fob's battery level, as the dashboard gives a warning about half a month in advance—flashing red light means an alert. The emergency trunk slot is even more hidden, located inside the left rear wheel liner; it took me a while to find it. Keeping a spare CR2032 coin battery in the glovebox is essential—they're available at convenience stores. To replace it yourself, just press the groove on the side of the key and pry it open.
The keyless system in the current Mazda Atenza is quite smart, allowing you to open the car even when the key fob battery is dead. I remember one time my key fob completely stopped responding, so I simply pried open the small notch on the side of the key fob shell to access the hidden mechanical key. Insert it into the square cover beneath the driver's door handle, pry open the panel, and you'll find the keyhole. Once inside the car, don't rush to press the brake pedal—first place the key fob against the induction area on the steering column, where the radio signal booster antenna is located. I learned from the manual that this design is for anti-theft purposes, as the system only recognizes the key chip within a one-meter range. I even tried wirelessly charging the back of the key fob with my phone for ten minutes, and it temporarily restored the signal. In the end, replacing the battery with a new one is the safest bet—Panasonic or Sony models tend to last longer.
Tested and effective for older Mazda6 models: Simply place the depleted key fob against the start button. There's a key symbol on the right-side decorative panel of the steering wheel - that's the induction zone. After using the mechanical key to open the door and sitting in the driver's seat, press the key fob near the steering column adjustment lever for about 30 seconds until the system detects the electronic chip to start the car. I later discovered that the remote control app on my phone can also emergency-start the engine, provided the vehicle system was pre-registered. Keeping a spare key in the office drawer proves very practical, as each battery replacement lasts approximately three years.
