Weird push button start issue, car won't turn off

[Mazda3Blog]

Hey guys,

I have a weird push button start issue that started happening a few days ago.

The car starts and runs perfectly. Shutting off is the issue, press the button and nothing happens.

I now have to do the emergency stop procedure of pressing the button 3 times quickly or pressing and holding the button to shut the car off. This leaves the car in ACC mode and means I have to press the button two more times after that to put the car in the off position.

I figured it might be the 2 year old battery in the key fob, but changing it didn't fix the issue. I reset the ECU with my accessport and I still have the issue.

If I start the car and shut it off within a few minutes, it shuts off properly with 1 push. If I go for a drive it then refuses to shut off normally and needs the long hold or 3x push.

Anyone ever seen this before? I searched and couldn't find this issue listed in any of the forums.

Car is a 2010 Speed3 with 101,000 miles.

Thanks for your help!!

[Dmurray06]

Does it still do it with the key in?

[Mazda3Blog]

Yes I tried that, same deal with the key in there, doesn't turn off normally.

[makjur]

Originally Posted by Mazda3Blog Hey guys, I have a weird push button start issue that started happening a few days ago. The car starts and runs perfectly. Shutting off is the issue, press the button and nothing happens. I now have to do the emergency stop procedure of pressing the button 3 times quickly or pressing and holding the button to shut the car off. This leaves the car in ACC mode and means I have to press the button two more times after that to put the car in the off position. I figured it might be the 2 year old battery in the key fob, but changing it didn't fix the issue. I reset the ECU with my accessport and I still have the issue. If I start the car and shut it off within a few minutes, it shuts off properly with 1 push. If I go for a drive it then refuses to shut off normally and needs the long hold or 3x push. Anyone ever seen this before? I searched and couldn't find this issue listed in any of the forums. Car is a 2010 Speed3 with 101,000 miles. Thanks for your help!!

cars been driven... my 2010 is my daily and i'm not at 50k yet

My first thought is that something has a crappy connection once the car is warmed up enough

[Mazda3Blog]

Originally Posted by makjur cars been driven... my 2010 is my daily and i'm not at 50k yet My first thought is that something has a crappy connection once the car is warmed up enough

Yeah for sure this car has been well used, I'm constantly driving places for work. Enjoyed every single mile!

Worst part is my extended warranty just expired at 100,000, I might go see the dealer and see if they can hook me up one last time before the pants come off.

I'll check fuses/relays/battery connections tomorrow.

[Mazda3Blog]

Checked all relays and fuses, still same issue. Anyone else have ideas?

I will update the thread if I find the solution.

Thanks!

[ibcrusn]

Do you have a manual? In it there should be a troubleshooting guide that should offer some guidance on the keyless system.

If you don't have a copy I believe the downloadable PDF manuals (shop, wire diagrams and more) are in the VIP section but are certainly worth the price of admission alone.

[Mazda3Blog]

Originally Posted by ibcrusn Do you have a manual? In it there should be a troubleshooting guide that should offer some guidance on the keyless system. If you don't have a copy I believe the downloadable PDF manuals (shop, wire diagrams and more) are in the VIP section but are certainly worth the price of admission alone.

UPDATE!!! Solution found!

@ibcrusn; gets the assist on this one.

The dealer was totally stumped about this as well. Never seen it before.

My friend at the dealer was nice and they looked at it for free. After an extended test drive hooked up to their computer, they couldn't figure out what was causing the issue.

Quoted me $100 for further diagnostics with no guarantee that they would find the issue. They said it was either the push button ignition switch or the keyless control module. Either a $200 or a $400 repair including parts and labor.

I read the service manual and went over every troubleshooting step for a malfunctioning push button start. One of the steps mentioned testing for faulty wheel speed sensors but the ABS light should be on indicating a malfunction. No CEL or ABS lights on for me.

The only other reference to malfunctioning push button start has been people coming off a dyno run not being able to shut off their car, with the ABS light on from the wheel speed sensors detecting a malfunction (only front wheels turning). Some people thought it was because the car was too hot.

Turns out, our cars do not like their wheels spinning at different speeds!! On the rear of the car I had 1 snow tire that was 215 50 17 and another that was 215 45 17. I got an awesome deal on a used set of X-Ice and I didn't think a slightly different profile on one of the rear tires would mess with my push button start. LOL

What is strange is that it took 2 months for the car to start having this issue, and it went away instantly now that my summer tires of equal sizes are back on.

Glad I waited to see if the tires made the difference, it was a long shot!


TL; DR: Tire sizes! Make sure your tires are all the same size. Otherwise check your wheel speed sensors.

[ibcrusn]

Glad to hear you found the solution and it didn't really cost you significant money.

[Yatta]

good to know... not likely to encounter it with wrong sized tires, unless air pressure or wear is a serious issue but still good.

[kyle5131]

Originally Posted by Mazda3Blog Hey guys, I have a weird push button start issue that started happening a few days ago. The car starts and runs perfectly. Shutting off is the issue, press the button and nothing happens. I now have to do the emergency stop procedure of pressing the button 3 times quickly or pressing and holding the button to shut the car off. This leaves the car in ACC mode and means I have to press the button two more times after that to put the car in the off position. I figured it might be the 2 year old battery in the key fob, but changing it didn't fix the issue. I reset the ECU with my accessport and I still have the issue. If I start the car and shut it off within a few minutes, it shuts off properly with 1 push. If I go for a drive it then refuses to shut off normally and needs the long hold or 3x push. Anyone ever seen this before? I searched and couldn't find this issue listed in any of the forums. Car is a 2010 Speed3 with 101,000 miles. Thanks for your help!!

Had this similar issue, however it wasn't the same outcome. happened to get subs installed a while back and decided to remove them before hitting the drag strip. After running the car that night I couldn't shut the car off and it was stuck in ACC mode. couldn't figure it out and after looking into the fuses I found that the signal wire was tapped into one of the fuses on the internal fuse box under the dash. after removing the fuse the car turned right off. Very strange.