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View Full Version : Remote Keyfob busted?



dbear
02-15-2015, 05:17 PM
So I think my remote keyfob might be running out of juice or something. A couple of months ago, I noticed the range was a bit shorter when I unlock my car. Once I drive for about 10 minutes or so, I get out and hit the lock button but it doesn't seem to work. The red light on my fob key blinks, but doesn't lock my car. Just a few days ago, I can't even seem to use any of the functions on the fob key other than seeing the red light blink.

I have theory.... and It could be the cold weather. Doesn't really make sense since it worked for the last 3 years. I noticed that when the fob key is warm in my pocket, it'll unlock my car. When its in the ignition while I'm driving for a short period of time, I figured the car isn't warmed up yet that probably the circuit or something is freezin up inside. Thats when I can't use it to lock. Its been a little annoying lately especially trying to figure out these patterns for when it works. Its super cold today and it didn't seem to do anything other than faded red blinks when pressing all the buttons.

Oh and the spare that I have is brand new which is always in my house. I took that out a couple of times and it doesn't make a difference. Strange.

Anyone experience this problem before? I'm thinking batteries are probably fading even if its brand new sitting in a shelf at home. Or could it be something silly like sensors frozen on car?
And would it be best to have it repaired or even replaced at a local Mazda dealer?

Thanks and any help is appreciated.

Mr Wilson
02-15-2015, 05:58 PM
Batteries. Replaced both of mine (08), mother's main (10) and wife's main (11). All work now even in the cold. Took 5 min for all 4.

dbear
02-15-2015, 06:08 PM
Batteries. Replaced both of mine (08), mother's main (10) and wife's main (11). All work now even in the cold. Took 5 min for all 4.

Where did you go to replace them? whats the cost?

Aitch
02-15-2015, 06:44 PM
Where did you go to replace them? whats the cost?

+1. Need to do mine.

Mr Wilson
02-15-2015, 07:28 PM
Battery is a '1620' I believe. Canadian Tire has them. YouTube Mazda3 key fob battery and the video is a pretty good tutorial.

Canadianbacon
02-15-2015, 07:51 PM
Yup easy to do battery like $5 and takes minutes to change

The Wolf
02-15-2015, 11:36 PM
fun prank:

The PCB in the FOB is symmetrical (first gen anyway), so prank your mazda friends by flipping it. That way when they press lock, they actually hit panic.

dbear
02-17-2015, 10:57 AM
Confirmed keyfob fixed. I bought a 1620 Battery at Bestbuy and replaced it with the old and it works like brand new. Also thankful for youtube videos on how to do it. Thanks guys!

Aitch
02-17-2015, 11:35 AM
Buying batteries tomorrow. Mine would barely lock the car today even standing at the hatch.

For the lazy:


http://youtu.be/bla9weWF_W0

Raxor
02-17-2015, 04:36 PM
I just replaced mine today. Better range and will work in the cold.