Key with Exclamation Point in Mazda – What's This?

Is your Mazda displaying a red flashing key warning symbol? You are right to be concerned. Only reckless drivers ignore their dashboard warning lights. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about your current predicament.

Key with exclamation mark light highlights

• Common reasons:low battery in key fob, bet keyless entry system
• How to fix:replace key fob battery, disconnect the 12V battery for some time
• Possible consequences:engine may not start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes, if it starts
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$350

What Does the Green Key With an Exclamation Point Mean?

When you start up your Mazda, your dashboard lights up green as various symbols give you the thumbs up to drive one. One of these symbols is the key with an exclamation point through it. Whenever the light illuminates green, this means that your keyless entry system is functioning flawlessly. If you notice that the light is green, but flashing on and off, this simply means that you need to replace the battery in your key fob before it becomes completely drained. 

What Does a Red Key With an Exclamation Point Mean?

If your key with an exclamation point symbol is flashing red, it could be trying to warn you of various problems. We will discuss them all below. Most of them revolve around problems that cause your vehicle's computer to fail to recognize your key and grant it access for remote starting. your vehicle failing to detect the key. The red key with an exclamation point symbol is classified as of medium urgency. 

This means that if your Mazda can start, it is safe to drive to the nearest dealer or mechanic. If your vehicle cannot start, your best option is to have it towed to a professional for accurate diagnosis and expert repair work. If you would rather avoid the hefty towing fees, we offer a few options that will help you trick your Mazda into starting. 

Reasons Your Mazda is Flashing a Red Key With An Exclamation Point On It

As mentioned above, almost all causes of these pesky problems cause your Mazda key and computer to fail to find each other. 

1) Your Key's Battery is Dead

A dead battery is the most obvious culprit behind the flashing red key with an exclamation point. The key simply cannot be detected. You should have noticed the green key with an exclamation point flashing green to warn you that the battery is almost exhausted. If you aren't sure that this is the problem, check whether your spare key works correctly. If the spare key doesn't work either, chances are high that your problem has nothing to do with the battery.

Solution 

If you conclude that a dead battery is behind the key with an exclamation point in your Mazda, all you need to do is replace it. Next time, keep an eye out for the green flashing key with an exclamation point, so you can replace the battery before the symbol turns red. 

2) Your Key Fob is Faulty or Physically Damaged

It could be that your key fob's battery isn't dead. The fob itself may be the problem. As key fobs age, they suffer programming problems, looser wiring, water damage, or damage to the buttons due to physical damage from the other items in your pocket or bag. 

Inspect your key fob and ensure it does not have any buttons that are broken or stuck in place. These problems will affect your fob's ability to properly send signals to the ECU and operate effectively. 

Solution

Try your spare key, and if it works, ensure you fix the damaged key or replace it. Sometimes, all you need to do is take the fob apart and ensure everything is back in its right place. This will ensure the fob can be detected by your Mazda's ECU. 

3) Your Mazda is Detecting a Similar Key From a Different Manufacturer

Another common cause of the red key with an exclamation point in Mazda's is the computer detecting a key whose programming resembles yours. The computer may fail to detect your key and detect the other key instead. The red symbol will then be displayed because the computer wants you to know that it has detected an unrecognized key. 

Solution

The problem should fix itself once your Mazda is no longer within the foreign car's range. Try restarting your car to check whether the key with an exclamation will go back to light up green. Easy peasy right? It also helps to ensure that your key has a strong battery that helps it emit a strong signal. 

4) Your Key is Beyond the Operational Range or is Having its Transmitters Blocked/Interfered With

At times the red key with an exclamation mark could indicate that your key transmitters are not reaching your Mazda's computer. This could be due to the key being beyond the recommended range. Another likelihood is that the key's transmitters are facing interference from other wireless signals. It could also be that the key is in a part of the car where its signal is not effectively reaching the computer. 

Solution

Try restarting your car once you are certain that your key is not having its signal physically blocked or interfered with. If your car restarts, then the interference should/ blockage must have gone. 

5) Your Key is Outside the Vehicle Yet Ignition is On and All Doors Are Locked

The safety features that are hard-baked into your Mazda's keyless entry system prevent it from opening and closing with the key still in. This will cause your Mazda's ECU to display the red key sign with an exclamation mark. 

Solution

Avoid leaving your car idling, (even if you are just dashing out for a quick errand. Not only is terrible for the environment, but it also doesn't do your gas bill any favors either. 

6) You Had a New Key Fob Programmed by a Non-Dealership Locksmith

The newer your Mazda is, the more crucial it is to ensure your keys are programmed at the dealership. The advances in technology have helped car manufacturers use security programming that gets more complex each year. This means that locksmiths are having a tougher time programming key fobs accurately even when copying an original one. 

Solution 

Though the key fob will grant keyless access and remote starting capabilities, if it causes a red key with an exclamation point to pop up, the dealership may be your only hope. Though they will likely charge more to tow and program the key fob than a locksmith, it will afford you the peace of mind of knowing your car is secure. 

Some shady locksmiths make extra copies and slip them to car thieves who will later swipe your precious Mazda with little effort. Some drivers opt to ignore the red light, especially where the key works just right otherwise. 

7) Your Keyless Entry Antenna Has a Loose Connection 

A commonly overlooked cause of the key with an exclamation point in your Mazda is a security antenna for your keyless entry system coming loose. Unfortunately, the only way to be sure that a loose connection is behind your woes involves taking off your door panels. However, a telltale sign is when the key with an exclamation point is accompanied by a failure of the exterior condor access buttons. 

Solution 

Consult your Mazda's owner manual to figure out where the keyless entry antenna is located. Take off the panel and tighten your connection. Start and your Mazda, behold, the red key with an exclamation mark should now be a comforting green color. 

What to Do When Your Mazda Won't Start Because of a Red Key With Exclamation Point Symbol

A car that won't start is enough to drive anyone up the wall. Luckily there are a few handy hacks that have worked for other Mazda drivers in a similar pinch. 

• Consider towing your car to a qualified and experienced mechanic.
• Attempt starting the vehicle by emergency procedure. This involves having the key in the car, depressing your brake pedal for automatics and clutch for manual vehicles, and then holding down the engine start button.
• Should your Mazda fail to start, you will have to pop the hood and try disconnecting your negative battery terminal and starting your Mazda. This is said to drain any charge stored in your electrical components (the ECU and its minions) and may allow your vehicle to start up.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Mazda Key Fob?

The cost of replacing your key fob depends on the location, model, and age of the vehicle, and whether you opt for the dealership or a local locksmith. On average, customers reported paying between $300 to $500 per key. A few paid slightly higher prices. When looking to save money, it is best to drive to a busy dealership. They are less likely to fleece you if they have enough business. 

Conclusion

If your key is no longer been recognized by your Mazda's ECU, you should take appropriate action as soon as possible. Even if you have a spare key, ensure you order a replacement as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to find yourself without any key because the replacement costs will go through the roof.