I tried a search but could not find this problem.

I returned from a 25 mile drive yesterday. When trying to start, I pressed start once - no response - again & panel lights, accessories turned on - pressed again & engine started. The DSC button is on as well as Check Engine Light and the shifter is stuck in park. I turned engine off multiple times and restarted - same sequence each time. Shifter still stuck.

Pod battery is new & it unlocked the doors. (Not to mention a f'ing tire keeps losing pressure - back to Discount Tire if I ever get out of the driveway.)

Manual says take it to the dealer. Righto. Any ideas before I call them?

 

Are your brake lights working?

 

Just checked this morning - brake lights not working. This suggests the &^%!!@ brake pedal switch is not functioning. I just replaced it with part from AutoZone maybe about four weeks ago. I will look for mfr approved part, but Mazda has a tendency to inflate prices.

Crazy how this acted up - right after returning from 25 mile round trip - glad I did not get stranded. I did find a video for releasing the shifter - but perilous driving with no brake lights.

Part 2 - I went out and tried moving the brake light switch around - tough to do with bad left shoulder (no cartilage) & screwed up hip (surgery went foul) - BUT, the $#@*! shifter released - so I'll check brake lights again. However, the TCS/DSC lamp remains lit indicating malfunction. Adjustment on the pedal switch?

Part 3 - I found a video to reset TSC light. Start car, turn wheel all the way to right, then all the way left, then center. Car back working fine. Will look closer to make sure plunger on brake switch is being depressed enough. Five circuits on the switch.

 

That must be a Mazda standard. My MX5 is the same. Thing needs to be reset whenever the battery is disconnected. An alternative is to drive the car and then shut it down and restart it. Just driving it a bit will usually sort it out even if you don't do the steering lock to lock routine; however, the lock to lock is faster and you're not driving around with it indicating that traction and stability control are off and who knows what the real status is.

 

I thought maybe plunger pedal contact was not depressing far enough & when I grabbed the switch to tighten, the car started first button push & shifter released.