Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Mazda 3 L4-2.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Solar Sensor: Service and Repair
SOLAR RADIATION SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [FULL-AUTO AIR CONDITIONER]
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Removal and Replacement Removal and Replacement
2. Remove the following parts:
a. Upper panel Upper Panel Removal/Installation
b. Shift lever knob (MTX) Manual Transaxle Shift Mechanism Removal/Installation [G35M-R] Manual Transaxle Shift Mechanism Removal/Installation [G66M-R]
c. Selector lever knob (ATX) Automatic Transaxle Shift Mechanism Removal/Installation
d. Shift panel Shift Panel Removal/Installation
e. Side wall Side Wall Removal/Installation
f. Center panel Center Panel Removal/Installation
g. Console Console Removal/Installation
h. Front scuff plate Front Scuff Plate Removal/Installation
i. Front side trim Front Side Trim Removal/Installation
j. Dashboard under cover Dashboard Under Cover Removal/Installation
k. Glove compartment Service and Repair
l. Lower panel (passenger-side) Lower Panel Removal/Installation
m. Hood release lever Service and Repair
n. Lower panel (driver-side) Lower Panel Removal/Installation
o. Shower duct Removal and Replacement
p. Center panel Center Panel Removal/Installation
q. Audio unit Audio Unit Removal/Installation
r. Climate control unit Full-Auto Air Conditioner
s. Driver-side air bag module Two-Step Deployment Control System Standard Deployment Control System
t. Steering wheel Steering Wheel And Column Removal/Installation - Without Advanced Keyless Entry And Push Button Start System Steering Wheel And Column Removal/Installation - With Advanced Keyless Entry And Push Button Start System
u. Column cover Service and Repair
v. Combination switch Removal and Replacement
w. Instrument cluster Removal and Replacement
x. Center cover Center Cover Removal/Installation
y. Dashboard upper panel Dashboard Upper Panel Removal/Installation
z. Hole cover Hole Cover Removal/Installation
aa. Information display Information Display Removal/Installation
ab. A-pillar trim A-Pillar Trim Removal/Installation
ac. Ventilator grille Service and Repair
ad. SIRIUS satellite radio unit Service and Repair
3. Remove the passenger-side air bag module installation bolt.
4. Disconnect the passenger-side air bag module connector.
5. Remove the screws and the panel of the dashboard.
6. Remove the dashboard wiring harness and clips.
7. Disconnect the solar radiation sensor connector.
8. Remove the solar radiation sensor.
9. Install in the reverse order of removal.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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