TheLastPriest

I hope this hasnt been covered before, have used the search function all morning addressing things that are even similar to the issue I am having but to no avail.

Problem: I turn the key and the dash comes on and the security indicator light blinks fast, the motor doesnt crank and it makes no attempt to start. The kicker is there have been a couple times that in testing since last night to see if it starts it fires right up, drive it around for a bit turn it off, and you are back to no start land

Leading up to this, I pulled out the center console to paint the silver trim pieces, in the process I tried to move the seat forward and it wouldnt budge, with all the center console pieces disconnected I turned the key on, instinctive reaction to see if it wouldnt budge because it had no power(The logic center of my brain screams that the security system was tripped because half the internal electronics were disconnected at the time, however that wouldnt explain the random starts)

Recent repairs
Plugs
Wires
Coils
Eshaft sensor
Starter

Any help would be greatly appreciated

(turned out it was a coin in the power seat track, I pulled the seat and retreaved the coin, all movement has returned)

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Seems like a security system issue but I don't understand why it would be random. What year is your car?

TheLastPriest

2004 hp

TheLastPriest

so small update, if i turn the key quickly between on and acc, back and forth a few times then rotate fully to turn it on it seems to go with much more reliability

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Sounds like an ignition switch issue. Could be the key as well, do you have an extra key?

TheLastPriest

I dont, bought it used, dont even have a key fob

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

What color is your key?

TheLastPriest

black top, mazda logo, silver key

TheLastPriest

frankly I jumped into the RX8 world not knowing all the things wrong, wouldnt take back my decision but might have looked for specific telltale signs on which to buy and which to avoid. I think this one was turbo'd in its past life, when I got it there were non operational guages on the pillar, wires cut at the gauges themselves, a defi d-link not hooked to anything sitting in the trunk and during my latest venture into the car I found a Greddy turbo timer still wired in tucked behind the center console plastic pieces

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Oh, a turbo timer huh?

Does your key look like this?

TheLastPriest

yes

so I figured out how we got to this position, when the seat wouldnt move forward, I was testing to see if I could even drive the car from how far back it was, in the process I lowered the steering wheel. I just raised the wheel back up, now it will start just about every time however it still requires that I push the key in while turning

TheLastPriest

this is whats wired under my dash

HiFlite999

iTrader: (2)

Dumb question, but are you depressing the clutch when you try to start? If not, it won't turn over ...

TheLastPriest

no stupid questions, having worked IT before I understand the need to eliminate all variables, no matter how simple. But yes I am depressing the clutch

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Okay that is the right key, but you need to get another programmed by the dealer because if you lose that one you are screwed. It could very easily be shoddy wiring due to the turbo timer. You do understand what a turbo timer does right?

TheLastPriest

I absolutely do not, never had a turbo`d car before so i never had to learn. I do want a new key, I've heard you can get one of the switchblade type keys, which would be cool because it would be nice to add some keyless functionality, any idea how much a dealer charges for such a thing?

rickeo

iTrader: (1)

You don't need to get them from the dealer. They are all over Ebay for ~$30. I got mine cut at Home Depot for free (the guy there was skeptical that it was even going to work) and you can program the fob with instructions on this site.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

You need two keys to program IIRC, you can get a switchblade and key blank. The dealer in my area charges like $180.00 for the programming and then you need the key blank cut. The switchblade is too cumbersome IMO.

I have this:

Advanced Keys - AK-104B Smart Key with Push Start System

Anyway, the turbo timer is hooked up to the ignition and keeps the car running after shutdown for a set amount of time to allow the turbo to cool down. It is wired into the factory ignition so it could be an issue.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Another option for the reprogramming is to call locksmiths in your area. Many of them are fully aware of how much the dealer gouges on price, and will obtain the hardware/software to do the programming and undercut the dealer's price.

When I needed a 2nd key, I got a FOB for $25, a blank for $5, the locksmith cut the key for free and charged me $30 to program the key to the car. Took less than 10 minutes too. Worked perfectly.

TheLastPriest

In the short term is it possible to get a fob and program it myself? For a key I'm not too worried, the hardware store by my house can do RFID Mazda keys for $100 flat, that being said i have around $150 store credit at orielly so anything i can pick up there like a fib etc would be ideal

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

If you have only 1 key, then you can not add additional keys to the car without the Mazda programming hardware.

If you have 2 or more keys, you can add additional keys without any additional hardware/software.

This is true of all Mazda key FOBs starting around 2004 (depending on which model, not every model started it the same year)

TheLastPriest

Not so much talking about additional keys right now but remotes to add the ability to lock and unlock at a distance, its that possible with a single key and its there a specialized fob/remote required, i will have to wait until next check to go get the key made.
also, knock on wood the problem seems to have resolved itself(for now at least), no more fast blinking no more needing to push and turn simultaneously

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yes, a single key programmed to the car should have full functional use, locking and unlocking without the key, disables the immobilizer, triggers the panic alarm, pops the trunk.

If you have a single key that is correctly paired with the car and these functions do not work, then the options are:
- Dead/weak FOB battery
- Fried FOB internal board
- Receiver antenna connections loose
- Receiver antenna connections dirty
- Faulty Keyless module

umm... i think that's it?
- outside interferrance in the environment

TheLastPriest

But i only have the key, no remote, so no buttons, so no keyless anything, so with a single key could one but an aftermarket remote and program out to the car

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Ah, understood.

No, any ONE key can not add additional keys, no matter the type of key you have or the type of key you want. You need the programming done.