Keyless start failure red "key"
 

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone knew where the keyless start system hooks up, I know that there are sensors around the car, but mine hasn't worked for a while. I changed my stereo about a year and a half ago and it stopped working 3 weeks after I did the swap. I have seen another rx8 same model and edition as mine with the same stereo and the owner said that his still worked. I really want this feature back and would appreciate any help.

The radio has nothing to do with the keyless entry. If you have the "red key" on there is a way of troubleshooting the issue in the factory service manual.

That's kinda what I figured, but when I first took it to a stealership to see if they could find out what it was, they said it had something to do with my removing of the stock radio, which I might have thought that the sensor behind the glove box connected to it.

I have removed my radio an the radios in other RX-8's a ton of times at least over the years and have never had a security related issue. The FSM details how to diagnose the light by its flashing pattern.

M A Z D A

Thanks for the link 9k, it's really informative, but I don't think it will help my issue with the keyless start, they only thing I can think of is the same problem others have had, Im going to have to remove my bumper and check to see if the rear sensor is dirty.

check out Normalexception.net - Home the .pdf's are there and may be easier to navigate but the number and pattern/duration of the security light should tell what the error is.

There is also a DIY Diagnostic test thread that has the immobililizer troubleshooting process.

Based on searches with the same issue and car model as mine, it seems that it's usually one of the sensors either failing, or just malfunctioning from blockage or loose wiring.

In case it matters, and I didn't post it, I'm talking about the keyless start with the card type key

The diagnostic tests doesn't seem like it'd work for me since I cannot place the plastic starter or whatever you want to call it in the ON position, I am forced to use my auxiliary key.

If you didn't know, it's the Advanced Keyless Entry, or A.K.E. for short.
It might narrow down your search some.

I did know, had forgotten, thanks for the reminder, unfortunately it doesn't really help my problem, I had taken it to the dealer for them to try and figure it out, but they told me that their test couldn't communicate with the system, and then proceeded to tell me some radio swapping nonsense.

Maybe the radio swap damaged one of the sensors? Or a wire leading to it? There's a keyless entry sensor right behind the glove compartment. You need to take out the glove compartment to see it. Most audio guys take off that glove compartment and try to squeeze in wires through there to the back of the radio because it's easy. Maybe something happened?

Did they fit new speakers? There are keyless entry sensors on the inside of the front door panels as well. One on each side. I'd check their connections.

Did you try changing the remote's battery? Does the red light on the remote light up when you press on a button?

That's one of the things I was wondering, he might have moved something, I didn't get new speakers, just a head unit. As far as I noticed he didn't take out the whole glove box, but did put some wires through it. The thing is, when I did it, the system still worked for a couple weeks.