SM RX-8

Sorry this is long, but it's a simple problem that seems to be complicated. I know there is a stud out there that can help me. Mazda wouldn't help me...

I have an 04 '8. For awhile now I have NEVER gotten a DOOR ajar light, ever. I used to way back when. It does not respond to any door, hood, etc being opened. I also do not get the warning beep when leaving the lights on and the key in the ignition and opening the drivers DOOR. I also never get the ignition light (lights up the key slot) to light up, which also requires the drivers DOOR open/close switch in that circuit. The interior lights don't respond to opening the DOOR (though they do respond to the key removal from the ignition and actual door lock/unlock switch). And finally the main reason I care is I have no keyless entry ability- the key fobs don't work. That's because I cant do the key fob program sequence of opening/closing the DOOR (door doesn't lock/unlock during the program mode while pushing the door switch 3 times (which I've done before and know how to do). So I'm stuck using the manual key in the door lock.

So all these symptoms are clearly tied to the car not recognizing a (?driver) door open/closed circuit. I bench tested both door switches in the doorwells and they both work. And since I never get a door ajar light, I’m assuming every door switch on the car is not broken, so I assume they are not the problem but something more generally with a door switch circuit that is limiting all those functions above.

I've run the diagnostic tests on the instrument cluster and everything works EXCEPT for the door light test (test 04). Big surprise there. I took off the instrument cluster and everything looks OK. I even tested it according to the repair manual under "INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INPUT/OUTPUT CHECK MODE". I don't get battery voltage when checking the right leads, but I didn't get battery voltage at several of the other leads that the manual said I should have, even in the ones that worked perfectly like the seatbelt light, easy to test and definitely worked, and I had a good ground because it did work for some of them. So that made no sense to me. Everything on the cluster works perfect except for the door ajar light.

I've scoured the electrical diagrams/connections. To the best of my ability the actual door ajar led light on the dash (if dead) would not in and of itself be an open in wherever my problem circuit is. I think the fact that it doesnt light up is also a byproduct of a lack of signal to it/ground located somewhere else. My best guess is the keyless control module?? However the security alarm system works, the car interior light illumination system works with the key opening and closing doors and removing from ignition, and from door push button lock/unlock, just not from the doors being open or closed) and the hazard lights light up with locking/unlocking the car with the key and arming the car, suggesting it otherwise seems to be working.

I’m at a loss of where to start. If it is the keyless control module, as I understand I have to let the stealership reset one to the car for probably thousands of dollars.

If anyone has had this door ajar light NOT lighting up problem please fill me in! I'll owe you one. Such a stupid problem causing a big nuisance...thanks for reading.

slipz1622

id triple check the fuses / wiring make sure you have good continuity to the switches before you start replacing anything, corrosion can be a real bitch with electrical so its always a good thing to rule out

i can give you extra diagrams from alldata if you want / need em / think theyll help.

SM RX-8

Sure I'll take any diagrams you have. I don't know where to look other than at the keyless control module connections, the instrument cluster connection and the two obvious door switches, which all looked good to me. There are probably some intermittent connections under the rugs, I just don't know where or would at least like a decent starting point so I don't have to pull apart my entire interior. Thanks!

slipz1622

if those arent big enough once posted just pm me your email and i can send em to ya

slipz1622

er shoot thats for an 07, ill double check and make sure they are the same

slipz1622

they look the same, the 04 diagrams just arent color coded at all, i can grab shots of those as well if youd like to be 100% sure on it. only takes a few sec.

SM RX-8

Thanks, from my pics DR3 (pink in the 1st pic you sent above) seems to be the harness that has the drivers side door switch in it, which is the one that gets tested under the diagnostics when checking that door ajar LED light in the instrument cluster.

Do you have another pic or a blow up of that DR3 harness? I just see a little pink line somewhere in the back left seat. Thanks

slipz1622

thats the best i have atm, ill see what i can get from other sources tomorrow after work though. gotta be up in 6 hours lol.

slipz1622

im no expert when it comes to the software i have access to.... but i cant seem to find a better pic, it looks like there are 3 door switches per side though, 2 on the rear door harness and 1 on the front door harness. not sure if that helps at all

SM RX-8

Thanks slipz1622, late getting back, I'm pretty busy too. If you're interested, I'm going to try and check out the x-9 and x-16 connections, a part of that DR3 line you sent me. They seem to be the only harness connections that could be the problem. Then again I'm probably way off here...




x-9 and x-16 connectors between instrument cluster door ajar led and door switches




x-9 bottom pic x-16 right pic

slipz1622

np man, hope what i could give you at least somewhat helps.

SM RX-8

Is there anyway someone could do me a favor and run this diagnostic test on their instrument cluster- only takes a minute or so. The only one I need for my issue is the 04 door test. What I need to know is whether the the 'door ajar' warning light comes on/off when you do the 04 test (as well as the on/off that gets displayed). Mine doesn't, I think it's supposed to. Appreciate the help

Insert key into ignition, but do not turn
Hold down trip reset button (on upper right of tach). This might clear your current trip meter, but i cant be sure because mine was already at zero.
While holding trip reset, turn key to the 'ON' position where the instrument cluster lights up
Continue to hold trip reset until the word "TEST" comes up in the odometer display.
Release trip reset.
Use the trip reset button to cycle through the series of diagnostic tests summarized below.
At any point, turn the car off and then back on to exit the diagnostic mode.


Template:
[Mode]
[Display]
[Functionality]
- [Comments]

01
On/Off
Driver's Side Seatbelt Engaged/Disengaged (on if not clipped, off if buckled)

04
On/Off
open and close Driver's Side Door (on if open, off if closed)

etc...

SM RX-8

I know this seems like a lame problem, but not having the door ajar issue keeps me from being able to use my remotes.

I gotta test my instrument cluster before blowing big money on having a used one synched to my car. The step I'm stuck on out of the repair manual with testing it is:

"Verify that the voltage of the instrument cluster terminal 2E is 1.0 V
or less."
If the voltage is as specified, replace the instrument
cluster.

Has anyone tested these pin terminals at the back of the instrument cluster before?

There are two terminals on the instrument cluster, '1' and '2', and a harness that connects to each one. the harness connector to terminal '1' provides power. So I believe I can hook up '1' only to give the instrument cluster juice and test pin 2E on '2' without harness 2 connected. (Can't test a pin terminal with the harness connected to it blocking the terminal!) I'm just afraid of giving the instrument cluster power without BOTH harnesses connected, don't want to screw it up big time. I know basic electronics, but this is basically a computer circuitboard. Just making sure before I do something stupid, any advice would be awesome...