im looking for some help as my 2005 mazda 3 wont start. when i go to start it, the radio, all the lights on the dashboard everything works fine, but there is a small red car with a key in the middle of it that is flashing and it will not let me start my car. it has happened a few times but if i just remove my keys let it sit for 15-20 mins and try again it started. today it wont start at all i have waited 3 hrs and tries 3 times and nothing. i called the mazda dealer ship and they couldnt help me at all. really looking for some help!! thank you all in advance!

 

that key blinking is the security system, it could be the transponder in the key (try a second key) or it could be the control unit that's around the ignition switch area. I know the RX8 had some issues with their control unit but I don't think there's an issue on 3's in general.

 

It could be a problem with your key ignition. If not so, try checking for the unusual sounds your car is producing. A faint clicking sound could be due to a faulty battery or alternator. Or it could be because of the gas level, or starter problem or might as well engine faults. If you prove the part to be faulty(try looking for autoparts online) replacing it is the only option.

 

The starter on my 2006 mazda 3 went last year... could be that. I had the same symptoms; sometimes it wouldn't start and if I waited a bit, I was able to get it started. This happened for about a week, and eventually it stopped starting. I was able to get a starter from the junk yard for $75 and it starts fine now. This is a job you can do yourself (only 2 or 3 bolts holding it in, I think?), but it is in a tight spot and will take a lot of feeling around to get to the bolts. We'll see how long this lasts since it is from a used car.

 

The little car w/ key icon is always flashing when the car is off. If when you put the key in the ignition it flashes quickly it means the car is not recognizing the transponder in your key and the immobilizer is disabling the starter.

 

Do you have an ATX? It's possible the park/neutral safety switch needs to be replaced. If an ATX try starting in neutral.