How do you fix your 2003 Mazda MPV when the ignition key can only be removed if you disconnect the battery or the 60 amp key fuse?

Answer 1

Mazda MPV key/electrical problem

Had the same problem with my 2003 MPV. It took the dealer a week to determine there was an underlying electrical problem and to correct it. At one point the mechanics were blaming a bad solenoid, but I never got a straight answer to the cause or what all was done. In the end, it sounded like it was a known problem and ultimately it was covered 100% under warranty.

Had the same problem with my 2001 MPV. I would like to know what the underlying electrical problem was and find out the cost to correct it as mine is no longer under warranty and spending a lot of money to diagnose and fix the problem was not an option for me. My solution involved purchasing a device from Canadian Tire. I apologize I can't find the box giving me the exact name and model. However it is a device designed to protect your battery from discharging and work as an alarm. It comes with an electronic Fob which allows you to electronically disable the battery. Designed for theft deterrence the power interuption allows the solenoid to disengage and for you to remove the key. The annoying part is that you lose your clock and radio settings each time. The upside is that it only cost $45 +tax or so and you get the security benefits. For me it beat the cost of the diagnostic alone. I also used it on another old vehicle which had some kind of short that would keep discharging my battery eventually killing it and rendering it unchargeable. It solved this problem for me as well. Diagnosing electrical problems tends to be very expensive and I don't think most mechanics really have the skill or experience to do it well. If they do, it is extremely expensive and cost prohibitive.