To operate the anti-theft systems—the immobilizer and the theft-deterrent alarm—on the 2022 Mazda3, it’s important to have your transmitter key on hand.

Keeping a brand-new vehicle safe is very important. You can follow best safety practices, but you’ll also want to have a vehicle with a built-in security system like the one Mazda has installed in the Mazda3. This anti-theft system is made up of two main components, a theft-deterrent system (basically an alarm) and an immobilizer.

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison app, has taken a look at Mazda’s anti-theft systems and put together a guide for you on what to expect and how to disarm them. We’ll also tack on some tips for finding the right

Mazda3 insurance cost

Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds

Find Savings!

4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars

4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

How to reset the 2022 Mazda3 anti-theft system

There are two anti-theft features in the 2022 Mazda3: the theft-deterrent system and the immobilizer system. The theft-deterrent system is designed to set off an alarm alerting the surrounding area if it detects inappropriate entry into the vehicle. The immobilizer adds an extra layer of prevention by preventing the engine from being started unless the correct key is used.

The alarm system is armed automatically 20 seconds after you’ve closed all windows and doors and pressed the lock button on your transmitter. To disarm it, you need to unlock it and push the start button with the transmitter.

If you or something else has set off the alarm inadvertently (this could happen for a number of reasons), pressing the unlock button, trunk button, or starting the engine can turn off the alarm.

The immobilizer is also automatically armed the moment you switch the ignition off. You’ll know it's armed because the security icon (which looks like a lock placed on a car) will flash every two seconds until the system is disarmed.

To disarm the system and start your engine, use the correct, programmed key that came with your Mazda3. The security light will illuminate for three seconds and then turn off.

If the car still doesn’t start, Mazda suggests you switch the ignition off, make sure the security light is still flashing, and try to restart the engine. If the transmitter is on the dashboard or glove compartment, there may also be an issue with the transmitter signal not being received.

Moving the key to a better location could fix the problem—you should also use the spare transmitter to make sure it’s not a problem with the key itself. If none of these actions work and you are using the correct key, the problem lies within the security system or transmitter. You’ll need to bring the car to an authorized Mazda dealer to get the problem looked at.

MORE:

The best car anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

What does the anti-theft system on a Mazda3 do?

The Mazda3 anti-theft system is passive; it arms itself the moment the key is taken out of the ignition or the car is locked.

Two very important components make the immobilizer system work: the transmitter and the signal receiver. The transmitter is programmed with a unique electronic code that the system recognizes as the appropriate key, allowing you to start your car.

This means that if the key is damaged, it may not be able to properly emit the signal, leaving you with a car that doesn’t start. Also, if you recently got a new key from a dealer and it hasn’t been programmed properly, your electronic code will not be recognized by the system and the car will remain immobilized.

How to program a new transponder key

If you need a replacement key, it will need security validation so your immobilizer can recognize it. Unfortunately, this is a highly technical solution that you cannot do by yourself.

To properly program a new key, you’ll have to get one through an authorized Mazda dealer, who will perform the required security validation. This means it will take some time to get a replacement key.

If you lose a key, you should go to a Mazda dealer and get both the codes of the immobilizer system and remaining keys reset. That way, someone won’t be able to get a hold of your original lost key and access your car.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Mazda anti-theft system?

At its core, the anti-theft system is designed to keep your car safe, so any unauthorized attempts to enter and start the car will trigger the system. The following actions may initiate the theft-deterrent system:

Unlocking a door with the auxiliary key or an inside door-lock knob

Forcing open a door, hood, or trunk lid

Opening the hood by operating the hood release handle

Switching the ignition ON without using the push button

Your immobilizer is triggered automatically, and any attempt to use an unauthorized key will prevent it from being disabled. Similarly, if your key has been dropped, gotten wet, been exposed to a magnetic field or high temperatures, or damaged in any other way, chances are you won’t be able to disengage your immobilizer using it.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

Can the 2022 Mazda3 anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

Insurers are always interested in making sure your car is at the lowest risk of getting damaged, vandalized, or stolen. So a car with a comprehensive anti-theft system or aftermarket anti-theft additions could reward you with a lower rate or even a discount.

On top of factory-issue anti-theft systems, you can enhance your car’s security by using aftermarket anti-theft measures like steering wheel locks or electronic alarms. Things like emergency GPS trackers can help you track down a missing car, too.

How to save on 2022 Mazda 3 insurance

A good anti-theft system can go a long way to reducing the risk of theft or damage to your car, but it won’t eliminate your risk entirely. This is why it is very important to get

comprehensive coverage

on your car insurance policy, which will protect you in a variety of non-collision events like vandalism, theft, and fire.

But the best protection doesn’t have to break the bank. The

Jerry

app can help you make sure you’re not overpaying for your car insurance in just a few minutes.

Just download the Jerry app, enter some information about you and your car, and sit back and watch as Jerry finds customized quotes in real time from top name-brand providers. If you find a policy you like and want to switch over, Jerry can help you with that as well. Jerry’s customers save over $800 a year on average.