I have a 2013 Mazda CX-5; 16 K miles. Yesterday on freeway the alarm system went off and the car completely shut down. The power steering ceased working and it was very difficult to maneuver to shoulder of road. A few minutes later a Highway Patrolman came and advised we move car off freeway. I restarted, the patrol car followed and we ramped off to a street . I called and had car towed to a Mazda dealership. Their diagnosis was the key fob battery was so weak it caused the previous mentioned scenario. They replaced battery and charged me $145 stating the diagnosis was not part of factory warranty.

Question: How could a weak key fob battery possibly cause the car to completely shut down while in motion? Has anyone had a similar experience?? Should I take the car to another dealership for review?

Thanks in advance..

 

I have a 2006 Mazda 6 and have never changed the battery in my key.

 

Batteries in our Toyota key fob need replacing about every 3 years. If you store them near a cell phone they'll be drained quicker.

 

Key fob/remote battery should cause any problems once the car is started. You can start the car, remove the remote/fob from the car and drive forever - until you run out of gas or turn the ignition off. I cant see any reason why it would cause the car to cut out / turn off.

I would have a word with the service manager, maybe use my comments. If no luck contact Mazda direct. ( I don't know where you are )

 

I had a very combative conversation with the service manager. Further research I discovered the dealership has a very poor service reputation. I am going to take the car to another dealership. I was charged $145 for diagnostics which you pointed out could not have caused the car to shut down. Therefore the problem still exists..

 

You mean shouldn't

I too have had problems at a dealership and switched!

 

Since last post this is what I discovered. When I originally purchased the car in 2012 I purchased an alarm system from the dealer. I discovered after the purchase when the alarm would go off for no reason that it was NOT a factory alarm but an after market alarm. The dealer still took responsibility at the time for the alarm and fixed the alarm from going off. When I towed the car in I discovered the dealership was sold and the new regime washed their hands of the alarm system and gave me a toll free number for the after market company. What a nightmare..

 

So you think the alarm may of killed the car?

 

Yes I do. I am not sure who to approach. Mazda customer service? As I stated the current dealership takes no responsibility for the alarm system even though they know I paid Mazda not the aftermarket company for the alarm system and even after the former owners troubleshot the system when it malfunctioned. Any advice??

 

Let us know the name of the dealership please, so we can avoid it.