Shift Cable: Removal

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 steering column covers. Remove the side panel. Remove the lower panel. See Fig 1 . Disconnect the immobilizer unit connector to remove the lower panel. Remove the front console. See Fig 2 .
Remove the heater unit. See HEATER UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION . Remove the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) bracket. See MAZDA - AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS. Remove components in the order indicated in Fig 4 .
Slide lock cover and disconnect the set button. See Fig 3 . Pull out the shift cable from the gearshift lever. Disconnect the shift cable from the manual selector lever on the transaxle, by pulling out the shift cable from the manual selector lever cable bracket. Remove manual selector lever cable. See Fig 4 .

Fig 1: Removing & Installing Lower Panel

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Removing & Installing Front Console

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Identifying Set Button & Lock Cover

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 4: Removing & Installing Shift Cable

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.