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.
2021 Mazda 3 BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Push Button Start Removal/Installation
WARNING:
- Handling the knee air bag module improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the knee air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .)
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION (US) .)
- Remove the following parts:
- Shift lever knob (MTX) (See SHIFT LEVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [C66M-R] .)
- Selector lever knob (ATX) (See SELECTOR LEVER COMPONENT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Shift panel (See SHIFT PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Front console box (See FRONT CONSOLE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Cup holder (See CUP HOLDER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Side wall (See SIDE WALL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Rear console (See REAR CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)
- Driver-side front scuff plate (See FRONT SCUFF PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Driver-side front side trim (See FRONT SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Driver-side decoration panel (See DECORATION PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Passenger-side decoration panel (See DECORATION PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
- Hood release lever (See HOOD RELEASE LEVER AND RELEASE CABLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)
- Driver-side lower panel (See LOWER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)
- Driver-side knee air bag module (See KNEE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .)
- Center lower panel (See LOWER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)
- While pressing the push button start tabs in the direction of the arrows (1) shown in the figure, and push out the push button start in the direction of the arrow (2) shown in the figure to detach the push button start tabs from the center lower panel.
- Remove the push button start.
- Install in the reverse order of removal.
Factory Service Tools
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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.