Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMAZDA1998626 LX L4-2.0L DOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISRELAYS AND MODULESRELAYS AND MODULES - POWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTRELAYS AND MODULES - COMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSENGINE CONTROL MODULETECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSALL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSANTITHEFT SYSTEM - ENGINE NO START AFTER PCM REPROGRAM
1998 Mazda 626 LX L4-2.0L DOHC
Antitheft System - Engine No Start After PCM Reprogram
1998 Mazda 626 LX L4-2.0L DOHCSECTION Antitheft System - Engine No Start After PCM Reprogram
T01298
NO START AFTER REPROGRAMMING IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
APPLICABLE MODELS
All 1998 626 vehicles equipped with immobilizer system.
DESCRIPTION
After replacing the transponder equipped key, immobilizer unit, and/or PCM, the immobilizer system requires reprogramming as outlined in the Workshop Manual. The reprogramming procedure in the Workshop Manual inputs a valid ID number and code word into the system components which then allows the vehicle to start.
If the vehicle does not start after reprogramming the system, do not replace any immobilizer system components. There is a possibility that the resistance in the immobilizer circuit has increased due to a poor contact or corrosion in the wiring/connector. This resistance causes the system operation voltage to drop during the crank mode of the reprogramming procedure, and the valid ID number/code word not to be inputted into the immobilizer components.
NOTE:
Do not unnecessarily replace immobilizer components. This is not a component failure. If this concern exists, use the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify concern.

2. Connect a jumper wire between the positive battery terminal and terminal J (power supply) or (L back-up power supply) of the immobilizer unit. Refer to the arrows in the illustration
NOTE:
Voltage must be 5.5 volts or more when reprogramming the ID.
3. Connect a jumper wire between terminal C of the immobilizer unit and ground.
4. Proceed to reprogramming the immobilizer system. See Workshop Manual 09-14 IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM REPROGRAM PROCEDURE.
^ IF the vehicle starts after reprogramming the system, locate and repair the area of high resistance using the wiring diagram above.
^ If the vehicle does not start, proceed to the diagnostics in the Workshop Manual.
5. Verify repair

Disclaimer
NO START AFTER REPROGRAMMING IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
APPLICABLE MODELS
All 1998 626 vehicles equipped with immobilizer system.
DESCRIPTION
After replacing the transponder equipped key, immobilizer unit, and/or PCM, the immobilizer system requires reprogramming as outlined in the Workshop Manual. The reprogramming procedure in the Workshop Manual inputs a valid ID number and code word into the system components which then allows the vehicle to start.
If the vehicle does not start after reprogramming the system, do not replace any immobilizer system components. There is a possibility that the resistance in the immobilizer circuit has increased due to a poor contact or corrosion in the wiring/connector. This resistance causes the system operation voltage to drop during the crank mode of the reprogramming procedure, and the valid ID number/code word not to be inputted into the immobilizer components.
NOTE:
Do not unnecessarily replace immobilizer components. This is not a component failure. If this concern exists, use the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify concern.
2. Connect a jumper wire between the positive battery terminal and terminal J (power supply) or (L back-up power supply) of the immobilizer unit. Refer to the arrows in the illustration
NOTE:
Voltage must be 5.5 volts or more when reprogramming the ID.
3. Connect a jumper wire between terminal C of the immobilizer unit and ground.
4. Proceed to reprogramming the immobilizer system. See Workshop Manual 09-14 IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM REPROGRAM PROCEDURE.
^ IF the vehicle starts after reprogramming the system, locate and repair the area of high resistance using the wiring diagram above.
^ If the vehicle does not start, proceed to the diagnostics in the Workshop Manual.
5. Verify repair
Disclaimer
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.