Transaxle Range Switch Removal/Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the resonance chamber, fresh-air duct, and air cleaner component.
Disconnect the transaxle range switch connector.
Remove the clip and spring pin.
Remove the selector cable in the order shown in the figure.
1. Disconnect the selector cable from the manual shaft lever.
2. Pull out the selector cable from the cable bracket and remove it.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Selector Cable From Cable Bracket
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the manual shaft nut.
Remove the lock-washer and lever.
Remove the transaxle range switch.
Rotate the manual shaft to converter housing side fully, then return 2 notches to set the neutral position.
Turn the transaxle range switch so that the N mark is in line with the flat, straight surfaces on either side of the manual shaft.

Fig 2: Aligning Transaxle Range Switch Neutral Mark With The Manual Shaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Hand tighten the transaxle range switch mounting bolts.
Verify that there is continuity between terminals A and H of the transaxle range switch connector.

Fig 3: Testing Transaxle Range Switch Continuity Between Terminals A & H
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Tighten the transaxle range switch mounting bolts.
Tightening Torque

7.9-10.7 N.m {80-110 kgf.cm, 69.5-95.4 in.lbf}
Install the lever and spring washer.
Tighten the manual shaft nut using a torque wrench.
Tightening Torque

32-46 N.m {3.2-4.7 kgf.m, 24-33 ft.lbf}

Fig 4: Tightening Manual Shaft Nut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Verify that the selector lever range position and transaxle range switch are aligned; then connect the selector cable and install a new spring pin and clip.
Inspect continuity of the transaxle range switch. See CONTINUITY INSPECTION .
Connect the transaxle range switch connector.
Install the air cleaner component, fresh-air duct, and resonance chamber.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Inspect operation of the transaxle range switch. See OPERATION INSPECTION .