Car doesn't start. Turning key in ignition doesn't do anything.

340

Asked by Eytic Jun 17, 2016 at 01:14 AM about the 2004 Mazda MAZDA6 4 Dr i Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Alright, so I went out to my car and when I opened the door, all the lights
were working. I even checked the headlights, and they worked as well. As
soon as I turn car in ignition, everything goes black and nothing works
anymore. A red light on the dashboard is the only visible light (Besides door
open if door is open) and the light has a key symbol in it. Anyway, I
checked my spare key and the same thing happened. I have no idea
what's causing this, and I can't take the car anywhere to get it checked out.

25 Answers

157,465

Have the battery tested it may be bad. Also check the battery cable connections. They need to be absolutely clean and tight.

21 people found this helpful.
340

I took out the battery and hooked it up to my grandfather's battery charger and let it sit for a few hours until it was fully charged. I put the battery back, making sure the cables were tight and correctly in place. I tried to start it and again, nothing happened.

34 people found this helpful.
200

I am having the same problem after replacing a battery in 2015 MX- 5. I was told that replacing the battery resets the key recognition chip in the computer on board the car. Dealer fix? I don't know at this point as I am still in the process of solving problem. Luckily I did pay for the extended warranty which should cover cost.

20 people found this helpful.
290

I am working on one of my customer Mazda it is not starting. I have check the distributor it is good, for now I don't know where the problem is can someone please help me.

29 people found this helpful.
230

If you have a factory alarm on the car there is a small black button under the dash about where your left knee is when sitting in the seat. It is the alarm reset button. Its there believe me. Push this button and your good to go.

23 people found this helpful.
760

As a temp fix if you just want to start the car, turn the key to Accessory mode and put the gear to Neutral and then try to start. Works for me every time. Still looking for the permanent solution.

38 people found this helpful.
110

I have 2007 Mazda 6 same problem but i wait little and start happens to me couple time possible alarm system ship problem who knows

11 people found this helpful.
760

So my 2012 Mazda 6 has been starting good for about a week now and no issues with a security lock. I read somewhere else that if you disconnect the batter and the get back in the car and press and hold the brake for a few seconds (I also pressed a couple times without holding) that will reset the security lock immobilizer. Try this before buying any replacement parts, a simple reset might be all you need bofore spending money. Worked for me.

20 people found this helpful.
150

2006 mazda tribute 2.3l wounld'n crank and stall sometimes: I replaced ignition switch( electrical part that is connected to the interlock) without doing anything else and the problem has gone for good, guys. It cost about $30.00 plus . Good luck!

11 people found this helpful.
80

Hi I'm having 2007 mazda6 so tried to start this morning n it didn't start. Radio is play BT when I switch on headlights the radio just went off. When I start, the ref count even speedometer just on to the limited. It was OK yesterday BT now this. Weather was cold yesterday. What must b problem? I will appreciate ur respond

8 people found this helpful.
90

Ok so it happen to me right now, is not a battery problem, the thing is that the gas pump didnt start when i put the ignition key in the on position, what i did is... leave the key on the start position for a good 10 seconds (you should hear a click coming from the engine bay) then when you put it in the on position and the gas pump should kick in the on the start position and it should crank

9 people found this helpful.
760

2012 Mazda 6 2.5, earlier I posted couple messages on this thread, one for trying to disconnect the battery - that worked for about a week but the issue re-appeared. The second post was how to temp bypass the start problem by turning the key to accessory and then put the gear in neutral and turning the key to start. I've been doing this for about 6 months and finally got tired of it and took my car to the Mazda dealer. Turns out it was a simple fix, they said that the Transmission Neutral Switch and parking cable needed to be reseated/adjusted. The tech explained, the reason I was having the starting issue with immobilizer flashing is because this switch was out of place and was not able to communicate to the on-board computer the proper gear the car was in. In any case, I've been good for 3 weeks now. There were no parts needed and the dealer charged me for 1/2 hr of labor which came out to $69.99. If anyone is having the same issues, it might be worth taking a look at this Transmission Neutral Switch and parking cable to see if that is the problem.

15 people found this helpful.
70

GuruBJ72J can you please send a picture of that hidden car alarm underneath the dashboard? I've looked everywhere underneath the dashboard and could not find it. I've also showed your posting to a couple of my family members and they could not find that factory alarm underneath my dashboard either? Is this alarm on a 2011 Mazda 6 model?

7 people found this helpful.
20

2013 Mazda 6 2.5, the car is starting in Neutral for me as you said @RK , should we go to fix this with the dealership and tell them about the parking cable and Transmission Neutral Switch?

2 people found this helpful.
760

@MazdaFanBoi786 I would suggest to take to the dealer and mention the parking break switch. Mine has been fine since and i have not had any issues. It should not cost much, for me it was 1/2 hr of labor at the dealer and no parts were needed. Also maybe you can lookup or research the parking break switch and maybe its something you can do on your own. Good luck.

3 people found this helpful.
30

After doing an engine overhaul on a Mazda 6 it refused to start it was misfiring so i changed the plugs but it is not starting.....what could be that

3 people found this helpful.
110

What causes my 2009 mazda 6 push start not to start, red key on dash, and when i go to start it , it acts like it wants to do something but everything goes off.. could it be starter? Push start switch ? Key ?

9 people found this helpful.
110

At first we couldnt go to acc or on, no dash lights, till we had a locksmith come out, and he checked the key, and got everything like the dash lights on, able to switch to acc and on. Still wouldnt start then.

2 people found this helpful.
20

hay i got 2009 mazda with pust start lost the key and car had out market keystart system i remove the keystart system but now the problem is the locksmith cannot connect the scaner any body can help y is that happening?

2 people found this helpful.
10

I got a 2006 mazda 6 and lost my main key and only have the spare. i replace the battery for the spare fob and reprogrammed it but my car still will not start. The anti theft light is still popping up when i put the key in the ignition. what is my next step???

1 people found this helpful.

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