Mazda3 Beeping Noise

MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 09:56
Last edited 03/01/2023 - 10:09

Hi, I have a mazda3 2005 sedan that has suddenly started to make a beeping sound from the console.

The beeping sound is similar in sound to the rear sensors going off when something is behind it.

Initially the beep seemed quite random while driving. Just a single loud beep. Sometimes it would skip a day with no beeps. Now it seems every day.

After washing the car it now only double beeps when I apply the foot brakes, and a single softer beep when I release the foot brakes.

Side note: occasionally the driver or passenger electric windows don’t work until I restart the engine. Not sure if this is related

Things I have checked:

No console warning lights
No engine warning codes on scanning
Fuses ok in engine and passenger side
Checked hand brakes are released on driving
Doors are properly shut
Tire pressure ok
Brake fluid level ok
Car cleaned and rear sensor cleaned

Automotive Car Mazda

Comments

  • MS Paint on 03/01/2023 - 10:07

    Have you owned the car a while?

  • dwillia on 03/01/2023 - 10:20
    +2

    do you have or know anyone with an OBD2 scanner?

    they are quite cheap to buy and it will scan the engine and body control modules for any faults

    quite a handy thing to have in the glovebox

    edit: sorry I see you've already tried scanning :)

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 10:30

      Yeah no error codes coming up on scan.

      There is some buildup on the negative battery terminal which I will clean today.

      • dwillia on 03/01/2023 - 10:31
        -2

        cut a lemon in half and use the terminal like a juicer :)

        • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 10:39
          +9

          Pointless, unless your end goal is just adding sticky lemon juice to your battery.

          A warm cup of water with a spoon of bi-carb mixed in works much much better if you are looking at cleaning the battery terminals.

          • dwillia on 03/01/2023 - 10:53
            -1

            @pegaxs: it works a treat, simply hose off after

            • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 12:44

              @dwillia: Not sure if you’re joking but I did find a site that suggested it’s perfectly fine to spray hot water over terminals while it’s still connected!

              • dwillia on 03/01/2023 - 12:51

                @MuddyClear: not joking and you can put whatever liquid you like on the terminals while its connected with no electrical ramifications

            • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 13:33
              +3

              @dwillia:

              it works a treat

              No it doesn't. Here is why… A car battery is full of "acid"… a lemon is full of "acid". Lemon "acid" does nothing to neutralise battery "acid". Using a lemon does nothing except cover the terminals in lemon juice that you then have to "hose off".

              simply hose off after

              In your scenario, if you are going to just hose it off with water, you can skip the "lemon" step, as water has "no acid" or "sugar" in it that requires a "hose off".

              Bi-carb is an "alkaline". This is the opposite of an "acid". When you add an alkaline solution to an acidic solution (that white, powdery, crystally looking crap on terminals), they "neutralise" each other. The other thing that bi-carb does not contain is "sugar", so there is no "need" to "simply hose off after".

              • MS Paint on 03/01/2023 - 13:38
                +1

                @pegaxs: But Scotty Kilmer says to do the lemon trick 😉

                • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 15:39

                  @MS Paint: (fropanity) moron that guy… his "recommendation" is scratch it off with the wrong end of a battery terminal cleaner and then spray it with some "electrical cleaner"… Good job, Scotty. Two thumbs up… (fropanity) head.

                  Tell me that he doesn't sound drunk in every one of his videos…

              • dwillia on 03/01/2023 - 13:40

                @pegaxs: the car battery is FULL of acid but the corrosion on the terminals is a BASE

                vinegar
                coke
                lemon juice

                are all acidic and will clean off the terminals as if they were new

                even google knows:

                After making sure the device is powered off, use a cotton swab to apply a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar to the affected area. The whitish, crusty discharge should start to fizz and disintegrate.

                • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 15:13
                  +4

                  @dwillia: Nah, you're right. Cant believe I've been wrong for 30+ years… I'll go to work tomorrow and throw all our battery cleaning stuff out and just throw a box of lemons, coke and vinegar on the shelf. Surprised you didn't add "piss" to the menu of things that work…

                  even google knows:

                  Let's test that;

                  First up: "best way to clean car battery terminals" On the first page, nearly every single link said bi-carb… 1 mentioned vinegar. And even under that link it says "you may have to pair vinegar with baking soda to clean." Which is stupid, because we all know from Yr7 chem class that bi-carb and vinegar just neutralise each other, so, adding vinegar to bi-carb before adding to your battery just means you are adding a weaker bi-carb.

                  Next up; "what is the white powder on car battery"

                  Lead Sulphate (PbSO4) or Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) is the white powder.
                  Anhydrous Copper Sulfate (CuSO4), is the bluish tinge portion of the powder…
                  Notice how these "sulphates" have very similar make up to battery "acid" (H2SO4).

                  This powder is usually caused when the battery acid (H2SO4) leaks from around the post seal and attacks the lead post or the copper/zinc coated terminal clamp to create these "sulphates".

                  Lead sulphate is actually "insoluble" in water, but is highly soluble in high concentration sulphric acid (not weak citric acid in lemon juice).
                  The other thing Lead Sulphate is soluble in is… alkali mixtures (which makes sense if it's acidic) such as bi-carb mixed in warm water.

                  So, adding a weak acid in a very small quantity (smooshing lemons on the terminal) and washing it down with water (that it's not soluble in) is pointless.

                  Mixing it with an strong alkali, makes it soluble, converting it closer to a neutral and the ability to now be soluble with water and washed away. I mean, it is soluble in HCl and H2SO4 as well, but I dont fancy washing my battery down with MORE acid… And using Bi-carb is to neutralise the initial issue of the acid leaking from the post and coating the top of the battery… THAT stuff is acidic… Adding "lemon juice" to sulphuric acid does "(fropanity) all"

                  Now I'm confused… Do I still swap all our battery cleaning stuff out for lemons?

                  • terrys on 04/01/2023 - 09:32

                    @pegaxs: "because we all know from Yr7 chem class that bi-carb and vinegar just neutralise each other,"

                    Small point, they form sodium acetate which is a soap - but your point still stands as one usually uses the bi-carb first as the weak alkali will usually either help dissolve the contaminant or do little whereas the acid has a higher probability of leaving insoluble residue if it doesn't work.

              • DashCam AKA Rolts on 03/01/2023 - 13:40
                +1

                @pegaxs: +1 for sound chemistry.

        • dwillia on 03/01/2023 - 14:15

          https://youtu.be/BadRc3KmRcE

          • MS Paint on 03/01/2023 - 14:24
            +2

            @dwillia: You could also try a reliable source like ChrisFix

            YouTube link here

            Go to 4m20s

            • dwillia on 03/01/2023 - 14:42
              -4

              @MS Paint: my eyes are quite reliable thanks

              its clear to anyone that lemon juice dissolved that buildup in the video I posted

              • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 15:28
                +2

                @dwillia: LOL… That is the most ratchet video ever. It dissolved nothing. He may have used the word "dissolved" in the video, but that is not what is going on there. It's just the lemon juice mixing with the powder, that is it, nothing more. The wiping with the paper did most of the work.

                This is like one of those shit TikTok videos of misleading shit to get people to do dumb shit to their car…

                If you want top see what a "real" reaction looks like, try this video and see just how reactive bi-carb is with this powdery shit compared to Mr Ratchet's lemon juice "hack".

                • MS Paint on 03/01/2023 - 16:28
                  +2

                  @pegaxs: You know the new saying….

                  When life gives you lemons make battery terminal cleaner

  • Gravy on 03/01/2023 - 10:28

    If the parking sensors are on a separate fuse, remove it for a few days and see if the beep persists. Naturally take more caution when parking if you rely on sensors normally.

    Do you have a bike rack mount on a towbar? remove it and see if sound persists.

  • Gravy on 03/01/2023 - 10:30
    +1

    Also, from a quick google, perhaps handbrake related (ie: handbrake not completely released or malfunctioning sensor.) Does a handbrake light flash momentarily on the dash during the beep?

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 10:34

      I have tried driving with the handbrakes on when on days where I was not getting any beeps and could not replicate the beep sounds

      • Gravy on 03/01/2023 - 10:38

        If your car has a passenger sensor in the seat and it is failing, it may cause seatbelt warning to beep even if no-one is sitting in the seat (I know of some friends who had an issue when carrying anything at all in the passenger seat as it was too sensitive and thoughts there was a passenger). Do any lights come on at all on the dash when the beep occurs?

        • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 10:46

          There is no passenger sensor afaik.

          There are no persistent warning lights on console when engine is running…

          • DrSwag on 03/01/2023 - 11:30

            @MuddyClear: This was my thought too. Maybe give it a go with all the seat belts plugged in

  • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 10:35
    +2

    Can you reliably replicate the issue? If so, take it to a local mechanic and get them to listen to it. Asking about a sound a car makes on a text based forum is all but pointless. It could be anything from an electrical fault, to a sticky brake pedal to a worn out serpentine belt or pulley. What sounds like a beep to you might be a squeak to someone else.

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 10:37

      As per post the beep sounds like that of rear sensor being triggered but as a double beep when brakes are pressed

      • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 10:43
        +1

        Can you reliably replicate the fault? Does it happen every time or can you force it to happen? If so, you stand a much better chance of tracing the issue. If it is intermittent, or you cant force the issue to occur, then you are chasing your tail.

        Remove the fuse for the parking sensors if you think it is them and see if it still does it. If it does still beep, then your issue isn't related to the sensors.

  • Pelicannn on 03/01/2023 - 10:39
    +6

    If it were a BMW I’d have guessed you’d be hearing the indicators for the first time.

    Perhaps auto-electrician can help but it might cost a lot just for diagnostics alone if they can’t find it quickly.

    • Mechz on 03/01/2023 - 13:49
      -2

      Interestingly in a lot of other countries, indicators are optional and people seem to get by just fine. I actually prefer it because you tend to concentrate on all the other cars a lot more unlike Australia where everyone just stares at the speedo and looks for cameras.

  • Aust on 03/01/2023 - 10:40

    Heap of things on line from GPS to hand brake not disengaging fully to something heavy on the seat triggering the seatbelt buzzer.
    Suggest your vehicle servicer if you cant narrow the issue down,

  • Gunnar on 03/01/2023 - 10:46

    I just looked up that noise and there’s a ton of stuff it could be.

    One of the easiest and cheapest things to check for is if your ashtray or glovebox light is gone/going (scroll down the page in the link below and a guy from australia does a detailed write up):
    https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/mazda-3-bee…

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 10:48

      The glovebox light is gone but not sure how long it has been that way.

      • Lord Ra on 04/01/2023 - 01:02

        I thought mine was gone too. I have a 2012 Mazda 3.

        Turns out that it only activates when the park lights are turned on.

  • Gravy on 03/01/2023 - 10:51

    Not sure if it's related to your model or a later model but some forums mention trying to turn down your dash illumination, seems bizarre but some of these issues are really weird.

    Does the beep happen on extremely light braking immediately? or only when you brake harder?

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 10:53

      Hard brake.

      I will also try replacing the glove box light

      Thanks for your help so far, much appreciated!

  • Jazza87 on 03/01/2023 - 10:57
    +2

    Hi
    I had the same problem. Hopefully the same solution for you.
    Check your boot off your car and where the cables go from your car into your boot check if they are pinching (tail lights sensor ect) just move the black protector stuff up and see if you have any pinched wires.
    Mine were the sensors and brake lights were pinched and touching.
    Simple cheap fix if it’s the case

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 23:25
      +4

      It’s looking like this is the case. I have moved some stuff around to take weight off the cables and it seems the beep sound has gone for now… fingers crossed. Thanks!

      And who said it was pointless to be asking for help on here with my beep issue?

  • zonra on 03/01/2023 - 11:00
    +3

    This probably won’t apply to your case but I had a similar issue (funnily enough, also a Mazda3). Scratched my head for the longest time trying to figure out the cause as no signs or warnings anywhere, just single beeps every once in a while.
    Turns out it wasn’t the actual car but the lead-acid jump starter I had in the car (low charge beep indicator).

  • kevmev12 on 03/01/2023 - 11:16
    +1

    I have a 2009 model Mazda3 which I bought new from the dealer, and I don't have a rear parking sensor; so I'm wondering if your parking sensor is an after-market install? If so, perhaps that device is failing and screwed around with the electronics inside the car?

    Not a mechanic nor am I a car person but just thought I'd ask.

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 11:29

      Rear parking sensor came from Mazda3 dealer but yes it could be failing. Will also check by removing fuse for that part.

  • Ocker on 03/01/2023 - 11:31

    Have you thought of ringing your local Mazda dealer's service dept.? It may be an issue they have encountered before.

    • MuddyClear on 03/01/2023 - 11:57

      Yes but not ready to make that call yet until I’ve done my own checks.

    • MS Paint on 03/01/2023 - 12:55
      +2

      The person that answers the phone won't know shit.

      The person she transfers you to also won't know shit and will suggest you bring the car in and pay a $xxx diagnostics fee.

      • spackbace on 03/01/2023 - 13:15

        Well, it's the same as here. Without anyone hearing the beep and trying to narrow it down, it's pointless conversation

        "Yes hello, my Mazda 3 is beeping, do you know what the issue could be?"
        silence

        • MS Paint on 03/01/2023 - 13:18

          A minute later….

          Have you tried ozbargain?

          And here we are. 😉

        • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 15:47

          Asking about a sound a car makes on a text based forum is all but pointless.

          Source: Me

          The amount of "sounds" I get asked about over the phone… "It sounds like a cow mooing" or "It's like a rattle snake when I …" or "It makes a sounds like a puppy crying…" and what someone thinks is a "beep", someone else will hear it as a screech, chirp or a squeal.

      • Lord Ra on 04/01/2023 - 01:03

        +1 @Muzeeb

  • Euphemistic on 03/01/2023 - 11:47

    Check your brake lights?

  • randomusername2017 on 03/01/2023 - 12:31
    +4

    Identity crisis… thinks it's a Barina.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2023 - 22:30

    After washing the car it now only double beeps when I apply the foot brakes, and a single softer beep when I release the foot brakes.

    Youre not on the bad side of Jeremy or Richard are you?

  • GangGang on 04/01/2023 - 08:12
    +2

    Do you have a heavy object on any of your seats besides yourself when driving?

    It happens to me a few times when I have a heavy object. The sensor thinks its someone sitting on the seat without a seatbelt on. Have the belts clipped on next time to see if it goes away.

    • BlipBlipBoo on 12/01/2023 - 15:43

      yeah same - the wife rang up the dealer about this beep, turned out a bag with something in it was on rear seat causing a beep.

  • Pip Y on 04/01/2023 - 09:18

    take it to a garage and let them sort it out??

    also I second the advice above - sometimes if I have a heavy bag i.e. with my laptop in it and place on seat - the car thinks it is a person

  • backpaqer on 04/01/2023 - 09:21

    Maybe you've been on Top Gear?

  • yzha3917 on 04/01/2023 - 12:09

    The stupid mistake I previously made was not cleaning the spiderweb on my rear sensors. A simple hose down sometimes won’t do the trick.

    Check both front and rear sensors maybe?

  • MuddyClear on 04/01/2023 - 12:23

    The issue is resolved. Read thread for the answer.

  • BuyOrNot on 04/01/2023 - 15:50
    +1

    Couple of months back, I started getting beeping noise somewhere behind the console. The weird part is the beeps came when I was driving above 80 kms (speed limit was 100) when the speed dropped below 80 the beeping stopped. It was just bizarre. This happened for couple of days and now I dont hear the beeps anymore even if I go above 80.

    Mazda 3 2009. I recorded a video of the beeps, it somewhere in Google Drive but can share if anyone is interested.

    • MuddyClear on 04/01/2023 - 17:07

      Sounds like a blown light bulb. The broken filament touching the side metal when the vibrations are big enough ie over 80kms. It’s possible that the filament has broken off completely so no more beeps.

    • Poor Ass on 05/01/2023 - 10:15

      I would like to see

    • zonra on 05/01/2023 - 14:10

      There is an option on the onboard computer where you can set speed limit alert (where you see fuel consumption etc.). This sounds like someone may have set yours to beep at or above 80.

  • Sinnerator on 05/01/2023 - 08:29

    It bangs it's fists against the posts and still insists it sees the ghosts.
    BEEP BEEP Richie.

  • jatbinks on 05/01/2023 - 09:42

    Common wiring issue usually seen in older cars where wires have been damaged or nibbled off by rats. Check the wires in the trunk that run to the sensors and see if the insulation has been exposed, clean off any terminals feeding into the sensors. If that doesn't work get a new car, preferably a 2009 Corolla. Simples.

    • That Guy on 05/01/2023 - 10:13

      Whilst i agree with this… in my experience, chasing electrical gremlins in old cars is rarely simples lol!

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