Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter
This is a security system sold by Mazda a few years back that was allegedly for Miatas and MPVs. It is a dealer installed accessory (not factory) that has a shock sensor and starter disable. It comes with just one key fob, which is black with a blue face and "Mazda" in white lettering across the front. Each key fob has two buttons so you can control two different cars (for those of us with two Mazdas in our garage).
I had the Mazda dealer install this for me about 3 years ago (I'm not technically inclined). Although it has an alarm speaker that goes under the hood, it doesn't make much noise when the alarm is tripped, so the horn honks too. It is annoying that the alarm arms itself automatically--I wish there was a way to override it besides turning the whole thing off. After about one year my car starting having intermittant starting problems which I am 99% sure is caused by a defect in the alarm. Furthermore, the key fob's blue surface flaked off, then the thing stopped working altogether. Therefore, I now have to disarm the alarm by sticking the key in the ignition and turning it before the delay ends. I really don't use the alarm much anymore because I don't want to have to struggle to get the car started (the car seems to start better when I disable the alarm completely).
I bought this alarm because I wanted my car to look as stock as possible, but I'm really sorry I wasted my money. Not only is it plagued with problems, but more knowledgeable people have told me that this alarm doesn't offer much protection and would be relatively easy for a thief to overcome. I am going to have the whole system removed in the next few months.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
| Back to Product Reviews | 17 February, 2002 |