04GT 6spd (sunlight silver of course)

My wife and I are at the beach, 450 some odd miles from home. I left the 8 with my folks. Dad gets the great idea to take it for dinner last night with mom. They get the restaurant fine. Come out at 10:30 and the car won't start. I get a phone call at 10:31

I first I thought it might be flooded but it wasn't cranking over. I had him move the key to the accessory position and try the radio, no luck. Same with the lights. I was thinking dead battery but then he said the rear break lights were flashing. Not the turn signals but the brake lights. They would only flash if they key was inserted into the ignition. If it was the turn signals my thoughts would turn to accidently bumping the hazard button and leaving the car.

Now obviously I wasn't there to see this but I'm pretty sure that based on the questions I asked the rear brake lights and only the rear brake lights were flashing. Is this a function of the security system? I've searched under the terms "security", "security systems" and "start" all with no luck.

They're going to try one more time this morning before I call Mazda roadside. Any input as to what the heck is happening or those with a similar experience is greatly appreciated.

 

Most of that sounds very strange, but one thought....by chance did he not push in the clutch before trying to crank it over?

 

was thinking the same thing

 

but no light tho, even he didnt start the engine, there should still be lights!

 

Push Start it...

 

It's an 04 with the cheap battery.

Replace it!

 

Dead battery. A quick jump fixed it. Somehow he hit the hazard lights as he was exiting the car.