i don't know how long did you have this ****, i've been with 2 of these already, they are very easy to broke, especially the wire. and make sure everytime when you go reverse, don't push the top, the top part will come out too cuz it's just glued there. so be very careful with it, cuz it cost $$$

 

If you wrapped the wire around the stick too tightly then it wouldn't have enough length to go into first gear, either that or when you were screwing it down you allowed the wire to enter the machined threads of the shifter.

 

Does the illuminated shifter's lights stay on all the time, or does it come on when you turn lights on.

 

Just when you turn on your headlights.

 

Hello, I will be installing the illuminated shifter. But I do have one question. I know it says pull tab...

But how do I take it out, do I just use my fingers and pull it away from the console? and it will snap out?

I noticed that there is a spot for a screw driver at the bottom of the tab, and I just want to make sure I am doing it right before I proceed.

After that I am clear about lifting the console ect and it looks pretty simple.

Thanks
Doug

 

Is there a way to change the color of the stitching of the illuminated ****? I wanna try and get it to match my shift boot.

 

The stiching on the shift **** is white, but all I did was get a red marker and colour it in, it looks good!

 

mine didnt come with a peice of insulation...do i still need one?

 

I didn't use insullation on mine but I replaced the wire with some that is more flexible.

A tip that might help someone else out removing the console plastic shift plate.

I found that once the stock shift **** is removed pulling straight up on the shift boot unclips the shift console plate with consistant pressure to all clips. No breaking clips. (I have done this on 3 RX-8s so far and with great results).

 

I've done the same on 2 shifters now, its sort of a complicated DIY for anyone who hasn't soddered before, but if you guys want to:

1) Take a dust buster can turn it upside down and use the liquid CO2 to freeze the top of the shifter, this make the glue less effective.
2) Ducktape the top of the now really cold shifter and pull up, the center piece should fall out, if not repeate.
3) You'll see a microchip and LEDs held by a hex screw, unscrew and pull the microchip and attached wires through.
4) Cut the wires near the the base of the microchip, strip wires and sodder comparable diameter copper wires and fish back down though the shifter.
5) Reassemble

 

What did you use to reattach the top?

I was referring to the wire that is used to clip into the shifter.

 

The TINY TINYEST amount of testerosos (sp.) model glue, 1 dot on the diameter of the circle not the bottom.

O.

 

do your **** still lights up?
mine is xxxx up already.........

 

does any1 know where i can buy the gear ****? the site doesnt work anymore

 

I know this forum vendor sells it:

http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1151625285

 

thanks for the info - waayy to much $ for me. that sucks I really want one.

 

Is there a difference between the JDM and Euro shift *****?

If not, there is a dealership in the UK that will ship them to the US.

Click Here

 

wonder how much shipping is...

 

wonder if I can use the same thing to illuminate the + and - in an auto. I really want to light that stuff up.

 

it was 12 GBP to 73013.

 

Wow, that is a nice find...

 

Just got my ****. It is confirmed that the site posted above does sell them and they are the Mazda OEM part. Comes with instructions, wiring, ****, and shift boot. Installation was SUPER easy and only took about 10-15 minutes if you know how to get your center console and ashtray/change holder out. The wires connect to the lighter power connector and are direct plug n play. Great deal for anyone who wants this. I will post pics of it tonight for those who want to see what it looks like. The leather on the **** is also WAYYYYYY nicer than the **** from the US model. Hope you guys take advantage of this.

 

Today I got my shift **** and I just tried to install it...

But I stopped because I noticed something: There is no screw thread inside the new ****... There is supposed to be an screw thread in there, right? There is one in the old ****...
Or is there some kind of trick to attach the thing?

 

Ouch -- Almost $300!

 

Is there an update for the illuminated shift *****. I'd like to get one, eventually.