Error Messages and Warning Lights in Mazda Cars

Mazda vehicles are reliable Japanese cars that form a certain bridge between luxury cars and budget-friendly transport. They aren't extremely expensive yet offer a lot of wonderful technologies and premium options that their competitors often don't have.

But these vehicles aren't free of faults and problems. In this article, I will tell you about all the common messages and warning lights in Mazda cars that I've reviewed in detail in this blog. Also, each section of the article will have a link for further investigation and fixes.

I will also provide you with a short list of solutions and reasons as well as give some relevant information on each and every common warning on the dash.

"Keyless System Malfunction" message in Mazda

This is one of the most commonly seen messages on the dashboard of Mazda cars. The "Keyless System Malfunction" warning is very often connected to the power supply in the car itself or in the key fob.

This message means that the car can't communicate with the key fob at the moment when you press the push start button or try to enter the vehicle with the keyless system. And here are the solutions for this. Make sure the fob battery is OK - you may just replace it to be sure. Check the 12V battery - use a battery tender to charge it properly. If the battery is over 4-5 years old, just replace it with the new one.

Also, I would tighten the 12V battery cables as there have been several cases when this was the actual problem.

Keyless system malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:12V battery low, key battery low, 12V battery connections loose
• How to fix:change the key battery, charge the 12V battery, tighten the terminals
• Possible consequences:you may need to use manual key start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$250

"Engine System Malfunction" message in Mazda

When your Mazda is saying "Engine System Malfunction", it just means that there is some fault code in the ECU or in another important control module. It doesn't exactly mean that the engine is in trouble (but it can mean that, anyway).

So, to understand what's going on with the vehicle, you will need to read the codes. A cheap OBD2 scanner may or may not help. You may go to AutoZone or any other big parts store and they will be able to check the codes for free.

Alternatively, you can go to any repair shop and get a cheap inspection service. The codes will show you what exactly is going wrong with your Mazda. Usually, there is just some problem with a sensor or with the throttle controls.

Engine system malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:issues with any engine sensor or other electronics-related problem
• How to fix:read the codes to understand the issue
• Possible consequences:depending on the actual problem
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$100-$350

"Vehicle System Malfunction" message in Mazda

This is a tricky message that usually comes on after the SCBS Malfunction warning and may mean that your vacuum pump or oil pump is experiencing hard times.

There are a dozen other factors that can trigger the "Vehicle System Malfunction" message and scare you to death. It's not uncommon for such cases to also trigger the limp mode and limit the power of your Mazda.

In most cases, you will not catch any codes in the ECU. The message is based on the overall condition of the lubrication system and the vacuum created for the brakes. When you see this warning, it's important to immediately take your vehicle to a good mechanic. Driving further may be very unsafe!

Vehicle system malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:vacuum pump issues, oil pump problems, other engine-related things
• How to fix:there are no DIY fixes for this issue
• Possible consequences:engine may fail, you may lose brakes
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$250-$550

"Charging System Malfunction" message in Mazda

The charging system in your Mazda charges the battery. This is basically the alternator with the voltage regulator and wires. And the battery itself can also be seen as part of the charging system.

So, when you see the "Charging System Malfunction" message, it very often means that there are problems with the alternator. But it may also be the weak battery. If your 12V battery is old and dying, it will not take the charge, so you will most likely see this message, among other problems.

Also, the wires should be checked. The voltage regulator is a common culprit for a lot of issues in Mazda cars, so it should be verified to be in normal condition.

Charging system malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:alternator problems, battery issues, voltage regulator, wiring problems
• How to fix:check the voltage, find the reason for voltage dropping
• Possible consequences:if ignored, the battery may die and you'll be stranded
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$250-$750

"Brake System Malfunction" message in Mazda

Some vehicles are eligible for the Hydraulic Control Unit in the ABS system that will normally throw the "Brake System Malfunction" message without any serious reason for that.

But the message can also appear on the dash when there are problems with other braking system units. For example, low brake fluid, worn-out pads, issues with ABS sensors, etc. There is nothing you can do on your own but check the fluid and top it up if necessary.

Whenever you see the brake system error message, you should stop driving and tow your vehicle to a good mechanic. It's not worth the risk as your brakes may disappear any minute and this may cause severe accident.

Brake system malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:ABS system issues, low brake fluid, other brake problems
• How to fix:check brake fluid, take the car in for inspection
• Possible consequences:brakes may be gone
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$650

"Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" message in Mazda

When you see the SCBS problem message, it means there is something wrong with the electrical units in your Mazda. This may be just a random electrical gremlin that is super hard to find.

But the "Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" message is very often connected to the bad PCM. The modules are known to be extremely afraid of water or even of moist air. So, in some climates, they may malfunction. Even dealers will need a lot of time to dig into them but other checkups are still necessary.

I should say that the SCBS system itself almost never malfunctions. But it can often be the early signal of the engine problems - the vacuum pump and the oil pump issues known to hit several Mazda engines. So, be careful and don't ignore this message.

SCBS malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:PCM issues, vacuum pump problems, oil pump early issues
• How to fix:no DIY fixes for this other than disconnecting the battery and resetting the error codes
• Possible consequences:a lot of bad things may happen if ignored
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$250-$900

"System Disabled Due to Poor Outward Camera Visibility" message in Mazda

Modern cars have the opportunity to throw longer messages and manufacturers think this should help us understand the cry for help of our car much better. But sometimes, these messages are really misleading.

When you see the "System Disabled Due to Poor Outward Camera Visibility" message, everything seems to be pretty clear: the camera can't see the road.

The camera is located in the area of the interior mirror. It may not "see" the road when the sun shines directly in its lens. Also, when it's foggy, rainy, or snowy, the camera may refuse to work properly and will send this message.

Fogged windows will cause this problem and also the faulty camera is one of the possible culprits, but this doesn't happen that often with Mazda cars.

Poor outward camera visibility message highlights:

• Common reasons:camera fogged, weather conditions, camera broken
• How to fix:clean the camera area, wait for better conditions, defog windows
• Possible consequences:several functions won't work like ACC, collision prevention
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$300

"Your Mazda Is Not Equipped with a Navigation System" message in Mazda

This message may pop up randomly or after any self-made software updates. I know several cases when people tried to install Apple CarPlay on their own and they succeeded but the infotainment screen then kept saying "Your Mazda Is Not Equipped with a Navigation System".

It means that the software is damaged and you may want to return it back to OEM settings to get all the systems to work properly.

Alternatively, there may be a problem with the SD cars. It somehow acts this way if the SD card is in the RO mode (can't get the information on it, only send) instead of RW mode. You may try a different SD card or setting your SD card if it's possible.

Your Mazda is not equipped with a navigation system message highlights:

• Common reasons:software glitch, SD card problem
• How to fix:return to OEM settings, try another SD card
• Possible consequences:no serious consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$250

"Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction" message in Mazda

If your Mazda says "Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction", the problem is in the radar that's located in the front bumper area, mainly behind the front grille.

This radar is part of the adaptive cruise control and collision prevention and alert systems. The sensor detects vehicles and other objects on the road to automatically brake, keep a distance, or alert you about possible dangers.

This message means that the radar may be blocked or rather broken. It may also be disconnected. I would try checking the dirt on the grille, then checking the battery, and then going to the dealer for help.

Front radar sensor system malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:radar area dirty, radar disconnected, radar broken, software issue
• How to fix:clean the radar area, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:several smart functions won't be working
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$0-$550

"Battery Management System Inspection Required" message in Mazda

There was a service bulletin for this message displayed on several Mazda models and there was an update for the PCM to cope with the problem. So, you may ask your dealer if your car falls under the bulletin number 01-001/14.

Other than that, the message may also be displayed when the battery management control module has some problems. Another common reason for this issue to happen is the weak battery, Sometimes, it may cause lots of various glitches that are extremely hard to catch.

If you see this message, check the battery health first. Then, keep an eye on other warnings and lights to have a better understanding of what's happening with the vehicle.

Battery management system inspection required message highlights:

• Common reasons:battery management control module failure, low battery, issues with alternator
• How to fix:check the battery, check the alternator, verify your car is not in the service bulletin
• Possible consequences:battery may die
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$0-$350

"Oil Change Due" message in Mazda

Your Mazda is programmed to remind you about your oil change intervals. It says "Oil Change Due" and once you change the oil, you should reset the notification. For different generations of Mazda cars, there are various ways to reset it.

The best option is to ask your mechanic to do this because they have access to technical information and manuals. Otherwise, check your driver's manual or get the information in forums about your model.

If you do everything as said in the manual but the light won't reset, go to the dealer. There may be a software glitch that needs some care. But before you do so, disconnect the battery for some time to see if hard reset helps.

Oil change due message highlights:

• Common reasons:oil change interval
• How to fix:reset the notification, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:annoying message popping up
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$150

"Low Engine Oil Level" message in Mazda

While this message is made to pop up only when you have a low oil level, it may also mean that there is an internal problem with the engine. Mazda dealers are very bad at delivering information about the problems but as I understand, there is a problem with engines that don't have dipsticks to check the oil level.

The oil level sensor may malfunction. Also, there is a problem in the lubrication system - some solenoids don't do their job as they should. If ignored, this message can lead to the death of your engine.

Whenever you see the "Low Engine Oil Level" warning, it's not that safe to drive further. Till you are sure the oil is OK, you shouldn't even start the engine.

Low engine oil level message highlights:

• Common reasons:low engine oil, oil level sensor issues
• How to fix:check oil level, add 0.5 quarts of oil, take the car in for inspection
• Possible consequences:low oil can cause fatal engine failure
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

DSC OFF light in Mazda

DSC stands for Dynamic Stability Control. This is the system that controls the stability on the road for your Mazda and doesn't let the car go into skids.

If you turn off the DSC manually with the button, the DSC OFF light will illuminate. Alternatively, it may go on the dash when the DSC is deactivated due to other reasons. A lot of various modules take part in the DSC system operation, so it would be a wild guess on my side to try and catch the problem.

If you have the DSC OFF light on the dash in your Mazda, you may try disconnecting the battery. The hard reset sometimes helps you get rid of the problems.

DSC OFF light highlights:

• Common reasons:DSC button pressed, stability control system problems
• How to fix:press the DSC button, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:traction control and stability control won't be working
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$300

Security Indicator Light flashing in Mazda

When your engine is off and the car is locked, the security system kicks in. You may recognize it's already active when the security indicator light starts flashing every two seconds. So, when the alarm is armed, the flashing red light in your Mazda is completely OK.

But if the alarm is disarmed and the security indicator light is still flashing, there may be a problem with key recognition. The engine isn't likely to start when you press the start button, in this case.

If you notice the flashing security light when the engine is on, don't shut off the engine till you get to your destination. The engine may not restart after that. The problem may be with your key or it may be a glitch in the security system. The best option is to take your car directly to the dealer or repair shop.

Security indicator light highlights:

• Common reasons:key fob battery dead, issues with keyless entry
• How to fix:replace the battery in fob, disconnect the 12V battery for some time
• Possible consequences:you may not start the engine the next time
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$350

Tire Pressure Light in Mazda

If the tire pressure light keeps coming on the dash of your car, it may be that the TPMS sensor didn't have the chance to recalibrate after you added pressure to the tire where it was missing.

Alternatively, there may be a problem with one of the TPMS sensors or with the control module. Sometimes, simply disconnecting the battery will help you solve the problem. But, in most cases, you will need some help from a professional mechanic.

Driving with a malfunctioning TPMS system is not the best option as it may lead to a loss of traction or steering due to low pressure in a tire.

Tire pressure light highlights

• Common reasons:low tire pressure, TPMS sensor issues, TPMS control module problems
• How to fix:check tire pressure, drive some time
• Possible consequences:low tire pressure may lead to accidents
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$250

AT light in Mazda

Whenever you see the AT light on the dash of your Mazda, don't start panicking. Although it means that there are issues with the transmission, there is no way the computer may register problems with the gears or the torque converter. Usually, it's just about some minor electrical problem.

I'm not trying to tell you that it's going to be cheap and easy to solve. But the AT light doesn't usually mean that the transmission is faulty and will require replacement or serious repair.

The light may mean a ton of different problems that can be diagnosed by the sensors in your vehicle. For a better understanding, you will still need to have the vehicle inspected.

AT light highlights:

• Common reasons:issues with automatic transmission's electronics
• How to fix:take the car in for inspection
• Possible consequences:AT failure is possible but not inevitable
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$250-$4,000

Key with exclamation point light in Mazda

The light with the key and exclamation mark in your Mazda may mean two things: the key fob can't be detected, or there is a problem with the keyless entry and engine start system. Usually, it's just about the battery in your key fob.

Fortunately, there is a backup option. You will need to press the brake pedal and then press the engine start button with the key fob. Make sure you are pressing the button with the area where the Mazda logo is located. This is where the chip is mounted in the fob.

Of course, the best solution is to replace the battery in the fob and check if it is the problem. If not, you may need professional help.

Key with exclamation mark light highlights:

• Common reasons:low battery in key fob, bet keyless entry system
• How to fix:replace key fob battery, disconnect the 12V battery for some time
• Possible consequences:engine may not start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes, if it starts
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$350