Mazda 323 (2000) completely dead... immobiliser issue?

fyfe79 · 25-04-2013 7:58pm #1

Hi lads,
I have a 2000 Mazda 323 (1.3l) which is completely dead. When the key turns, absolutely nothing happens; no sound, no lights at all on the dash.
I thought the battery was dead so I bought a new one, but the problem still exists. The fuses look ok etc.
I'm just wondering could the key fob have something to do with this. If the battery in the fob dies, can that cause the car to immobilse? Or is it something more serious... ignition barrell? starter?
The car's in general good nick, and passed the NCT only about a month ago.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Bpmull · 25-04-2013 8:04pm

We had a similar car a few years ago 323 2000. And one of the keys was just used to open the doors wasnt chip and if you put it in the ignition the lights would all light up on the dash the car would start and cut out a split second later. So it's unlikely it's anything to do with the immobiliser. Is the connections to the battery good possibly bad earth / bad connection.

fyfe79 · 25-04-2013 8:10pm

Thanks for the reply. The connections at the battery are fine. How can I check for a good earth?

I actually removed the old battery last week and put it into an Accord (for the Accords NCT), and when I got back from the test, I removed the battery again and put it back into the Mazda. From then on the car was dead. Thats when I bought the new battery, thinking I'd messed up the old one. But no difference.

It would be a coincidence if something else was wrong, but I just can't visibly see anything wrong with the battery connections.

colm_mcm · 25-04-2013 8:24pm

I'd be checking the main fuse

Here:

In the fuse box beside the battery.

fyfe79 · 25-04-2013 8:28pm

Cheers Colm. Yeah, took a look earlier and it visibly looks ok. I guess no harm buying a new one and checking. I'd imagine they're cheap?

colm_mcm · 25-04-2013 8:33pm

Have you definitely got the terminals the right way round, Is the battery definitely not flat? Are the terminals on the battery clean and tight?

Things like the horn and lights would work regardless of the ignition being on.

fyfe79 · 25-04-2013 8:39pm

I'm no car expert (obviously enough) but I'm 99% sure the answers to all 3 questions are 'yes'.
The horn and lights do indeed work.. just checked.

colm_mcm · 25-04-2013 8:42pm

Are they working properly or just barely?

fyfe79 · 25-04-2013 8:45pm

They're looking good, full blast. I guess that rules out the battery or its connections then?

Mazda 323 (2000) completely dead... immobiliser issue?

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