Notices
RX-8 Discussion General discussion about the RX-8 that doesn't fit in one of the specialty forums.

What does the an illuminated "key" symbol/light on the dashboard mean?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 10-28-2006, 03:39 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jkm215's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What does the an illuminated "key" symbol/light on the dashboard mean?

Hey guys, I have very little car knowledge. Anyway, I was out of the country for a month and my RX8 AT sat idle in the garage the whole time. I tried to start my 8 today but it didn't start, instead I just heard a faint pulsating clicking sound when I turned the key.

Nothing electrical works (no power locks, radio, lights, trunk release), but there is a small key symbol/light illuminated on the dashboard next to the RPM guage. This key symbol/light stays illuminated when the door is closed and locked. Occasionally all the needles of the guages on the dashboard start flickering for a few seconds.

Is the battery dead? I didn't leave the headlights on or door open. Would a call to AAA fix this or do I need to have it towed to the dealer?

-John
Old 10-28-2006, 03:58 AM
  #2  
Registered
iTrader: (5)
 
c41250n's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Daly City Ca.
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
your battery died!
Old 10-28-2006, 07:23 AM
  #3  
Rotary Public
 
Paul_in_DC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern Virginia near DC
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
The small key symbol is your Security Indicator Light (owner's manual, pp 5-37 & 5-44)

This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
from the ON to the ACC position and the
immobilizer system is armed.

The light stops flashing when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then goes out.

If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Old 10-28-2006, 11:16 AM
  #4  
Registered User
 
Barry Gross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Assuming you car is still under warranty, you should call Mazda for free towing to the dealership where they should replace your battery or do whatever is required to get you up and running.
Old 10-28-2006, 04:49 PM
  #5  
Rotary Wanker
 
Ericok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I guess putting a charger on the battery is out of the question?
Old 10-29-2006, 07:59 AM
  #6  
Rotary Public
 
Paul_in_DC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern Virginia near DC
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Sure, you can put a charger on it just to get going, but he really needs to have it replaced.
Old 10-29-2006, 09:00 AM
  #7  
Registered User
 
phroztbyt3's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
he might not need it replaced.. i mean he hasnt driven it for a month.. couldve just had something on in the car.. like if he has a radar.. or an ipod charging.. something small over a long period could do it.
Old 03-28-2010, 04:49 PM
  #8  
Nature vs. Nurture
iTrader: (5)
 
ganseg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I know this is old, but it just happened to a friends car. Once the battery is recharged, if this is still happening, what next?
Old 03-28-2010, 05:03 PM
  #9  
ಠ_ಠ
 
Socket7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Under the Dumbarton Bridge
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Originally Posted by ganseg
I know this is old, but it just happened to a friends car. Once the battery is recharged, if this is still happening, what next?
Push start it.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
talonhart2
RX-8's For Sale/Wanted
4
08-26-2015 04:14 PM
FirstTimeRX8Girl
New Member Forum
3
08-21-2015 06:51 PM
Stubbs
Series I Tech Garage
4
07-28-2015 09:23 PM
MP3Guy
RX-8 Media News
19
07-07-2004 04:55 PM
Lucozade
Europe Forum
4
12-11-2003 08:09 AM



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: What does the an illuminated "key" symbol/light on the dashboard mean?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:15 AM.