Hi gang:

I'm trying to install the stock 6-CD player but have come across something I've never experienced on a Mazda before: a roadblock. Usually these cars are very intuitive to work on, but in trying to remove the stock audio module from the center console, I can't get it to pop free and am worried about breaking the face plate.

The Mazda-supplied instructions indicate that there's a bolt holding the unit in the console on the right-hand side, but I can't locate any such bolt. I can get the right side of the unit to pop free, as well as the top and bottom tabs - at least partially - on the left side. But it appears stuck about half-way up on the left-hand edge.

Anyone with soome first-hand experience to guide me here? Any help appreciated...

Click on the mp3 link in my sig, should help you pull out the center console.

Originally posted by boothguy
The Mazda-supplied instructions indicate that there's a bolt holding the unit in the console on the right-hand side, but I can't locate any such bolt. I can get the right side of the unit to pop free, as well as the top and bottom tabs - at least partially - on the left side. But it appears stuck about half-way up on the left-hand edge.That's because the bolt is on the left-hand side on LHD cars such as yours. Read through the thread referenced by brothervoodoo - you'll find all sorts of useful hints, tips and photos from folks who have "been there, done that, got the scars to prove it."

yup the bolt is on the driver side for the LHD cars. I found it helpful to remove the kick panel and the support underneath it to get enough room to work.

I looked on both sides -- really extensively. Obviously the key to solving the mystery is removing the metal bracket below the steering wheel -- it's undoubtedly blocking the view of the bolt. Thanks to both you guys and everyone who posted so extensively on the MP3 install thread for providing such excellent information.

Mazda tries really hard with the instructions, and most of the time, as I said, the cars are usually really intuitive and tinkerer-friendly. But I suspend that judgment when it comes to the electrical connectors in the center concole area in ANY of them.