Mazda Security Indicator Light Flashing When Car Is Off - Why?

The Mazda security indicator light varies from model to model. You might have a small red key, a car with a padlock on it, or some other variant. Regardless of how it looks, it is a part of your vehicle's immobilizer system which is designed to prevent theft.

Security indicator light highlights

• Common reasons:key fob battery dead, issues with keyless entry
• How to fix:replace the battery in fob, disconnect the 12V battery for some time
• Possible consequences:you may not start the engine the next time
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$350

How Does The Mazda Security Indicator Light Work?

The Mazda security light indicator is a part of the vehicle immobilizer system. But what exactly is the vehicle immobilizer system? As the name suggests, the vehicle immobilizer system or also known as an immobilizer anti-theft system is a security system that is designed to prevent theft. It works by disabling the engine starting system unless the authorized key fob is used.

The vehicle immobilizer system works using a small transponder chip planted inside your key fob or your key. This transponder chip communicates with the immobilizer system when in range or when the key is inserted into the ignition.

Then the immobilizer system checks the authenticity of the key or key fob, and if the key passes as authentic, then the immobilizer system sends a signal to the engine to allow the engine to start.

If you try to enter with an unauthorized key fob or if any tampering is detected, the immobilizer system will not allow the engine to fire up, making it impossible to start the car. 

Should The Mazda Security Indicator Light be Flashing?

In most cases with your warning lights, if it lights up or if it starts blinking, it is a sign that something is wrong with your car. But that is not the case with the Mazda security indicator light. Unlike your check engine light or your ABS warning light, your Mazda security indicator light is supposed to flash.

So when exactly should it light up? The Mazda security indicator light should start flashing when the system goes from 'ON' to 'OFF', that is when you switch off your engine. This instantly arms the immobilizer system, which is shown by the flashing Mazda security indicator light.

This light should flash every 2 seconds as long as the system is working properly. The exact frequency of the flashing light could vary according to the model and make of the car.

The system is disarmed when the ignition is switched on with the appropriate key for your ride. When you start your car, the Mazda security indicator light should light up for about 3 seconds and then switch off. At this point, the immobilizer system is successfully deactivated.

What If The Mazda Security Indicator Light Doesn't Blink?

As mentioned earlier, the Mazda security indicator light should start blinking once you switch off the engine. So, what does it mean if the security indicator light does not blink? It could be caused by one of many reasons.

1) Immobilizer System Not Activated

Obviously, when the security indicator light doesn't blink, it is an indicator that your immobilizer system is not working. If this happens, try starting your car and switching it off again. This might activate your immobilizer system. Even a faulty key fob could cause your immobilizer system to not activate.

So try using your spare key. If all else fails, you are going to have to take your Mazda to an authorized technician to get your immobilizer system looked at. The problem could be a loose connection or a communication error within the system, which will require further investigation.

2) Weak Or Dead Battery

The immobilizer system is powered by the battery in your car. So if it is unable to power your immobilizer system, the system will not activate and your Mazda security indicator light will not blink. So, you need to make sure there is enough juice in your battery to power the immobilizer system and of the battery is indeed alive and connected in the first place. If this is the case, try jump-starting your car or replacing the battery to get the immobilizer working again. 

If your immobilizer system does not work, and the Mazda security indicator light does not blink, you won't be in any immediate trouble. Without the immobilizer system functioning, you should be able to get in and out of your car without any problems. But keep in mind that the immobilizer system is there for a reason. So, it is wise to get it fixed as soon as possible if you are experiencing any issues with the immobilizer system.

When Should You Be Worried About The Mazda Security Light Indicator?

Anything out of the ordinary is a reason to be concerned when looking at the Mazda security light.

For example, if the light keeps blinking even when you are driving, do not switch off the engine of the car. If you do switch off the engine, you might not be able to restart your car. Take your car to an authorized Mazda technician immediately.

Similarly, if your Mazda security light stays lit or blinks in a different pattern, it indicates a problem within the immobilizer system. It is best if you get your Mazda checked up as soon as possible. 

It is advisable to keep your key fob protected at all times to avoid complications with your immobilizer system. The keys carry a unique electronic code that allows you to access your car by disabling the immobilizer system. The key fob and the immobilizer system are interwoven, and if either of them fails, you won't be able to move your car. 

In order to avoid any trouble with your immobilizer system, try not to damage your key. Dropping your key, getting it wet, exposing it to powerful magnetic fields or even constant exposure to direct sunlight could damage your key fob. This will result in the inability to deactivate your immobilizer system using your key fob. 

Even a problem with the key fob could cause your Mazda security indicator light to go haywire. If the key is placed in a position where the signal from the key fob doesn't go through like the glove box or if the key fob is out of range, you could end up seeing an anomaly in the security indicator light. If this happens, get your key fob back in range and try restarting your car. As the battery in your key fob weakens with time, its range will also shrink.

How To Avoid Trouble with Your Immobilizer System

• Your key is what allows you to deactivate the immobilizer system, so avoid mishandling your key or key fob and keep it protected at all times. Even exposing your key fob to extreme temperatures, hot or cold can affect the functionality of the transponder chip.
• Have a spare key in your possession, even if it is not in your pocket at all times, at least have one stored in a safe place.
• If you lose your key, don't ignore it even if you have a spare. The key that you lost could have actually been stolen. So, if you lose your key, go to an authorized Mazda repairer and get your key replaced. It will ensure that your immobilizer system is deactivated by a brand-new set of code rendering your old key, or the key you lost worthless.
• If you own multiple key fobs, don't keep them in the same key chain, even if it is not a vehicle key. The presence of electronic devices that emit radio waves or other transponders near your Mazda key could interfere with the signal that is sent to the immobilizer system.
• Properly maintain your battery. That is both your car battery and the battery in your key fob. Both contribute to keeping your immobilizer system functional.
• Avoid unauthorized modifications to the immobilizer system or your vehicle's electronics as it might mess with the Mazda immobilizer system.
• Familiarise yourself with the user manual which offers ample information about the immobilizer system and Mazda security indicator light.
• Never ignore or postpone repairs if you find an issue with your immobilizer system or your Mazda security indicator light. In the US alone, a car is stolen every minute, and your vehicle immobilizer system is the best defense against car theft.

Conclusion

A blinking Mazda security indicator light is often mistaken as a problem with the vehicle's security system by most Mazda owners. But in reality, your Mazda security indicator light is supposed to blink when it is working properly.

Bear in mind, the security indicator light is supposed to blink only when your engine is switched off. If your light blinks while driving, flashes in a different pattern, or stays lit, it is an indicator that your immobilizer system is not working as it should, and you should get it fixed as soon as possible.