Why is the car key flashing on the Mazda 6 dashboard?
2 Answers
Anti-theft system activated. The flashing key icon on the dashboard is the anti-theft system indicator. When this light is on, the car cannot be started. Repeated attempts to ignite may lock the engine, also known as engine immobilization. Components of the car dashboard: 1. Indicator and warning lights: Timing belt indicator, exhaust temperature warning light, brake warning light, ABS warning light, etc. 2. Oil pressure gauge: The sensor of the oil pressure gauge is a piezoresistive sensor. It is fixed to the engine oil pipeline with threads. The oil pressure pushes the contact piece to move on the resistor, changing the resistance value, which affects the current flowing through the gauge to the ground, thus turning the pointer. 3. Water temperature gauge: The sensor of the water temperature gauge is a thermistor sensor. It is fixed to the engine cooling pipeline with threads. The thermistor determines the current flowing through the coil winding of the water temperature gauge, thereby driving the pointer to swing.
I dealt with a similar situation just last week. When the Mazda6 key light flashes, it's usually the key system signaling an issue. Try holding the key close to the start button and then pressing to ignite – this trick solves about 80% of such problems. Most likely, the key battery is running low; simply replace it with a CR2025 coin cell battery, available at any convenience store. If the light keeps flashing, check for signal interference – things like phone chargers in the car or metal keychains can easily block the signal. Once, I encountered this issue in a hospital parking lot and later found out it was caused by a nearby signal jammer. As a last resort, use the spare mechanical key to open the door and hold down the start button for emergency ignition, but don't delay too long as it might trigger the anti-theft lock.
