How to Start the Mazda 3 When the Key Fob Battery is Dead?
2 Answers
You can pull out the mechanical key by releasing the safety latch on the back of the key fob to start the car. The Mazda 3 key fob mainly consists of a transmitter and a receiver. To replace the battery in the Mazda 3 key fob, follow these steps: 1. Locate the button on the back of the key fob and pull out the mechanical key. 2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to separate the key fob cover along the middle seam. 3. Replace with a new battery, ensuring the positive side faces upwards, then reattach the protective cover. 4. Press the outer cover back into place by squeezing the top and bottom parts together.
Last time when I was driving the Mazda3 (Axela), I encountered a situation where the key fob ran out of battery. I panicked a bit at first, but resolved it quickly. The solution was simple: just take out the key and press it directly against the start button, then push the button to ignite and start the car. The manual calls this the 'emergency start function,' which works by sensing the magnetic field through the chip inside the key. I recommend checking if the key's indicator light flashes green before each drive to prevent issues. Also, keep a spare battery in the car just in case—replacing the battery isn’t hard and can be done yourself. This experience taught me that while smart keys are convenient, maintenance shouldn’t be neglected, especially in winter when the cold weather drains the battery faster. Driving safety comes first—don’t wait until you’re stranded to deal with it.
