Keyless entry / alarm for 96 M edition
Brian Paetzold
the "factory installed" keyless entry system.
My wife and I bought her a 1996 M edition about 3 months ago. About a month
ago I was trying to "clean up" some exposed wires under the steering column
and as I was pushing up the Mazda alarm/keyless entry system, a button in
the center of the alarm module was depress (the plastic module actually has
a hole under the Mazda paper label, which had been previously compromised).
This emitted a beep and rendered the remotes useless.
This was the start of what I would figure to be an easy fix for a technician
with the proper tech manual, who could simply reset the system with the
proper codes. WRONG...... I bought the car from one dealer and moved to a
new city, hence a new Mazda service shop.
Upon initial examine of the car by Mazda service tech, he stated what I had
originally had thought. A couple of button pushes and vola. Obviously this
was not the case. At this point I was informed that It would require a new
"keyless entry" module. I was surprised at this need, but didn't mind due
to the fact that this would be covered under the warranty.
Tech services continue. This time I was called by Mazda with you car is
ready for pickup. Arriving at Mazda we find out that not only is the
keyless entry system not working, but that in order get it to work I would
have to remove the "after market alarm system" which is preventing the Mazda
keyless entry system from working (they would perform the service...for a
fee). I insist there is no after market system installed in this car and
asked why they believed that there was. Very vague commits regarding poor
installation and factory wires being tapped into by the after market system
was the only explanation I received.
At this point I was becoming pretty upset. My options were to find the
after market system and remove it my self or go back to the original Mazda
dealer. The option of going to the original dealer would take time and
money for the trip (about 2 hours), but the main problem is that if this
dealer was telling me that this car has a after market system on it, why
wouldn't my original dealer do the same (keep in mind this is car is a
resell with past history not completely known).
As I thought about this situation, I realized that the Mazda tech stated
originally that the Miata didn't even have a keyless entry system. From
what I have come up with via newsgroups and web sites this was not a true
statement regarding the M edition and I informed him that it was included on
the M's. The service advisor immediately corrected himself to this fact, so
I believed that he could be wrong in other aspects (he is only human). Upon
viewing the Mazda "Security Module" it has all the proper input/outputs of
what I would expect to have on a typical alarm system, including a speaker
and ignition lockout outputs. With this information I feel about 95% sure I
was correct....there is NO after market system.
Next day. I go back to service advisor speak with him and ask for any
information as to why Mazda believes there to be a after market system. At
this point he was talking about a keyless entry system ( I guess w/o alarm
functions). And when asked why the there were outputs on the factory Mazda
security module, he drew a blank. But non the less, maintain there is a
after market system. So off to the service manager who also brings in the
actual tech who did the work. Upon confronting them with my beliefs, they
only points they could make that there is a after market system was the
little black switch on the steering column, opposite side of the key, that
is not part of the Mazda system (why do they know this so well, when they
didn't even know that this little Mazda security module has alarm
functions...not just keyless entry.
That is were I stand now. If anybody give my information as to the function
of this 3 position switch on the steering column is (my belief is a shock
sensor for the ignition key) and if it is installed on any other M's,
especially 96's. Or just any information regarding the keyless entry or
alarm system that is supposed to be installed on the 96 M edition.
Many thanks in advance,
Brian Paetzold
Fellow Miata admirer
Clyde Boykin
I just purchased a 96 M and it has a module on the steering column & it is
opposite the key. It also has a module with Mazda markings under the dash
and security Mazda stickers on the windows.
I just went to my local Mazda dealer an asked for a transmitter and to set
the code, after looking at it he said it would cost $85.00. I should get it
back in a day or two and can let you know how it turned out.
I also took it to two aftermarket alarm companies and the said they could
not sell and set-up a transmitter. They told me to go to Mazda.
There is a possibility that this is the same alarm that they put on a
Protege.
Hopes This helps a Little
Clyde
Brian Paetzold <pae...@lightspeed.net> wrote in article
<xkQE1.8722$o%6.25...@news.giganews.com>...
Dave Timoney
>
> Need help from anybody having information the details of what compromises
> the "factory installed" keyless entry system.
>
> That is were I stand now. If anybody give my information as to the function
> of this 3 position switch on the steering column is (my belief is a shock
> sensor for the ignition key) and if it is installed on any other M's,
> especially 96's. Or just any information regarding the keyless entry or
> alarm system that is supposed to be installed on the 96 M edition.
>
> Many thanks in advance,
>
> Brian Paetzold
> Fellow Miata admirer
Hi Brian
The '96M edition comes with remote entry and an alarm. The "fob"
(remote) is black - you should have two of them - and has Mazda stamped
on
it. There are 4 buttons: (Blue: headlights up), (Red: Panic, trigger
alarm),
(Black: UnLock), and (Grey: Lock).
On the right side of the steering column (in the US) is the ignition
key slot.
On the left side is a 3-position rocker switch that turns On and Off the
shock
sensor (motion sensor) and turns off the alarm. There's also a red light
on the
box. Normally, if you leave the car
the alarm will beep and set the door alarms in about 60seconds. If you
press
the grey Lock button on the fob it will set the alarm and also lock the
doors.
From what I've read on the net, most dealers aren't even aware of the
features
of the M-editions or (more likely) don't have the equipment to diagnose
alarm
problems so they try not to. There is no information about the alarm in
the
1996 Miata shop manual, for example. I just had one of the fobs go bad -
I'm
not looking forward to trying to get it replaced.
The alarm should be listed on your invoice, I'd think (mine's at home).
Or
get an Edmunds Car Guide. Even their web site lists the M edition with
an alarm
(http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/used/Mazda/1996/MazdaMiata199673519.html,
the
Standard Equipment category). Not that this tells you if _your_ car's
alarm
has been replaced or not.
Good luck
Dave
Humongous Entertainment
Alan Reynolds
Dave Timoney <humo...@davet.com> wrote:
> The '96M edition comes with remote entry and an alarm. The "fob"
>(remote) is black - you should have two of them - and has Mazda stamped
>on it.
Dave is right. My 96M has the same alarm. In fact I received a
Mazda manual for it as well with the car. It was slipped into the
owners packet. It dosen't say alot...but, it does say Mazda on it.
Let me know if you need a copy to show to the dealer.
-Alan
--
|~~ |~~ |~~ SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS - Former Employee page
|~~|~~ |~~|~~ |~~|~~ SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS - Gone, but not forgotten Rides
| |~~ | |~~ | |~~ - www.jump.net/~alanr/sfot.html -
Alan Reynolds
>In article <35E473...@humongous.com>,
>Dave Timoney <humo...@davet.com> wrote:
>> The '96M edition comes with remote entry and an alarm. The "fob"
>>(remote) is black - you should have two of them - and has Mazda stamped
>>on it.
>Dave is right. My 96M has the same alarm. In fact I received a
>Mazda manual for it as well with the car. It was slipped into the
Okay, following up my own post here... I just ran out to my car.
There is an 800 number on the back of the manual (800) 451-9245. I
haven't verified if it's a working number. It says "For Operation
or Technical Assistance", so give it a shot. Also the manual is
mazda publication 609-7002 dated 1/26/96. Hope this helps.
We Starlight Mica (the most beautiful Miata color) owners need to
stick together. :) <duck>
-Alan 96M
DeLiseJP
dealer and the module had to be replaced. At the shop, it seemed only one
mechanic knew how to program it. Since the M edition is relatively rare,
adequate service on these special items seems to be hard to come by. What is
worse is when a dealer won't admit they can't fix it and try to anyway. I now
bring my Miata to a dealer further away from my home for service, in a more
affluent neighborhood, where they sell more Miatas and have more experience
servicing them.
.. and in my humble opinion, the Starlight Mica and tan combination is the most
beautiful, but I admit am prejudiced! It is impossible for me to drive the car
without a stupid grin onmy face!
Jon
96M
