Haze

Hi All -

I hope that everyone is feeling good.

I've got a small non-engine related issue that I don't know what to do about, if anything. Basically, the PAD security light on my car flashes manically and prevents me from starting the car about five out of ten times, but it only seems to happen when my wife's key [BMW Mini] is in the car. Who do I blame, or is this not something that I should blame anyone for. I mean the key can be in her purse in the back of the car, and it still does it. It is pretty annoying, and I did take it to the dealer who told me that they were unable to reproduce the problem without the Mini key, and that compatibility problems weren't Mazda problems. I don't really know whether that answer is right or wrong, and even if Mazda were to replace the receiver or whatever, that might not fix it, and then I could try getting BMW to replace their keys, but that probably wouldn't fix the problem either.

I guess what I am asking is is this a problem that can be repaired or do I just have to make sure that every time I take my wife anywhere that she leaves her keys behind? Could there be some cause that I could address? Any thoughts appreciated.

Gambit

does the mini key have some sort of transmitter attached?

It may be f'ing up a signal somewhere

Haze

Totally possible. The Mini key has a combined key fob transmitter that if you push the buttons on it opens the trunk and unlocks the doors and such then it also has a passive security transmitter like the one in our cars. They Mini key also has a rechargeable battery that is charged off of the ignition lock unit. Still, it seems to me that the Mini should not interfere with the Mazda security system.

Gambit

they SHOULD be on completely different frequencies, but you never know what happened

one time my gf hit the unlock on her corolla and it set off an Olds' alarm. We played with it a few more times just to make sure it was her doing it

zoom44

• When starting the engine, do not let
the following materials touch or
come near the key grip. The engine
may not start:
• Spare keys.
• Keys for other vehicles equipped
with an immobilizer system.
• Metal objects that touch or pass
through the hole in the key.
• Devices for electronic purchases,
and security passage.

that said- the FCC has rules governing interference. it could be the BMW is out of code or it could be perfectly fine in which case you can only blame the government. part of the code is that devices must ALLOW the outside interference

Haze

Yup, I know the rules about not getting anything near the key especially another pad device, but I'm talking about in the back seat of the car. I never had a problem with it for the first two years of ownership then another six months with the Mini key on my key ring was fine, and when it started having problems, I put the key in my pocket which helped things for a while then it started again, then I got rid of my key to the mini altogether, and now I have problems when my wife's key is in the car in the back seat in her purse. I guess that I can lock her purse in the trunk and see if that helps, but this is becoming a pain.

What do you mean by "devices must allow the outside interference"? Does that mean that it is supposed to work even though there is outside interference or that it is acceptable under government regulation for the device to be disrupted by outside intereference? This compatibility problem stuff is sort of beyond me. My mechanical knowledge ends at the beginning of electronics.