Immobilizer Problem
 

So, finally putting the finishing touches after the rebuild, and go to turn the key and...nothing. I hear a relay click over with the key, but the starter doesn't engage. Then I look at the dash and the immobilizer icon (red car with key outline in it) is flashing rapidly. And I mean so rapid that it's not a flashing code. I've checked all the fuses, scanned for codes, nothing. Battery is brand new. The only thing kind of questionable are the keys. The complete key fob I got doesn't actually work, it won't even turn the ignition cylinder, the buttons light up when pushed but don't open anything. It is a Mazda key fob, but it almost seems like the dealership I bought the car from years ago just threw in the wrong fob by accident. The cut of the key isn't even similar to the one that will turn the ignition cylinder.

However, the other key is missing the rest of the fob. I did use it to start the car once before, probably around 4-5 years ago. I'm assuming the chip that the immobilizer needs to read is embedded in the key itself, and not the fob, but I could be wrong. I've tried holding the fob close to the ignition cylinder while turning with the other key, and that doesn't work either.

The only other thing I can think of that could be related would be that I installed BHR coils, and others have mentioned bad grounding. Now, I was unaware of the coils needing their own separate ground? And I'm not popping any fuses...

Not sure where to go from here, the car isn't really giving me any clues. I've searched and searched, and the consensus seems to be "You're fucked, flat bed it to a dealership." Appreciate any advice.




https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...681fa41072.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...234042ca02.jpg

I don't know if this will help but it's worth a shot.
Scroll down to the immobilizer section.
Good luck.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...utputs-155947/

Yeah, I saw that. The problem is the immobilizer light isn't throwing any codes, nor is the DTC system.

Disregard, found a key that works. I don't know how I ended up with this assortment of Mazda keys... but I'm happy I'm back in business.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...fb199bf35f.gif

Thanks for the update.

;)