When I first bought my 2017 cx5 I could open the hatch using the rear hatch button on the hatch. Now I need to use either the key fob or the in cabin switch.

Something changed the settings. Can anyone describe how to set things up again so that the button on the hatch opens it up? I looked in the manual and am aware of several optional settings, but I don't know which one is supposed to enable the button on the hatch to open it.

The hatch lowers fine using the button on the hatch.

 

Mazda CX-5 Owner's Manual

 

Nope. That doesn't help.
I depress the button on the rear hatch. In less than a second it beeps once and the light flashes once. But the hatch does not open. Light is supposed to flash twice, right? The button press is LOCKING the hatch instead of unlocking. Tried the hatch button with vehicle locked and unlocked. Same result either way.

 

You may have a faulty rear hatch switch and/or control.
My 2020 had a recall for a faulty control, which I had replaced, though I never experienced any issue.

 

I recall that when I got a new battery a year or so ago is when the hatch button no longer worked as before. I wonder if there is some sort of RESET or FACTORY DEFAULT setting in the center dash settings to bring things back to the way they were. The button on the hatch itself seems to be working well otherwise.

 

So just unlocking the doors and holding the liftgate button from inside is not working?

 

The cabin lift gate button and the key fob lift gate buttons work as they should. It's just the exterior rubber hatch button that does not UNlock/open the hatch. The manual says when it unlocks there are 2 beeps/light flashes. There is only one beep/flash when hatch button is pushed, keeping it locked.

This anomalie might have started after my engine battery was replaced, leading me to believe there may be a way to reset the system.

 

Ah I see. Mazda recommends this. Not sure if it''ll work but it's definitely worth a try.

"Open the liftgate. Press the power liftgate close switch for about seven seconds. A beep sound is activated three times to indicated that the reset has been completed."

If that doesn't do anything, try to disconnect the negative battery cable for a few mintues and reconnect it. Sometimes that can help the car realize there's enough power to operate the tailgate.

I forgot to ask, are you using the hatch handle above the license plate to open it, or the little rubber button to the right that is meant to lock the car's doors?

 

Thanks for the possible fixes. I tried both the multi-second button push and disconnecting the negative battery cable. No go. I also did a reset of the locking system at the center console. Still the same.

I might just drop by the dealer who may have a quick goodwill fix. I'll report results.

 

Yah that's probably your best bet. It's just one of those things that is hard to tell what's wrong. Apparently if the car thinks there isn't enough voltage from the battery then it can cause the issue you're having.