2021 Mazda 3 BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Selector Cable Removal/Installation (Us): Notes

  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION (US) .)
  2. Perform the following procedure to remove the selector cable (transaxle side).
    1. Remove the following parts as a single unit. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN 7 & VIN L) (US)] .) (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN M) (US)] .) (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN Y) (US)] .)
      • Air cleaner cover
      • Air cleaner element
      • Fresh-air duct
      • Air cleaner case
      • Air hose
      • Resonance chamber (Except VIN Y)
    2. Remove the battery. (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN 7 & VIN L) (US)] .) (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN M) (US)] .) (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN Y) (US)] .)
    3. Remove the battery tray and PCM component as a single unit. (Except VIN Y) (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN 7 & VIN L) (US)] .) (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN M) (US)] .)
    4. Remove the battery tray. (VIN Y) (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN 7 & VIN L) (US)] .) (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN M) (US)] .) (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(VIN Y) (US)] .)
    5. While pressing the bracket tab in the direction of the arrow (5) shown in the figure, lift up the cable outer end (transaxle side) in the direction of the arrow (6) shown in the figure to detach the bracket tab from the cable outer end (transaxle side).
      G12233203Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    6. Disconnect the cable outer end (transaxle side) from the bracket. (See CABLE OUTER END (TRANSAXLE SIDE) INSTALLATION NOTE .)
    7. Disconnect the clip from the selector cable end (transaxle side). (See SELECTOR CABLE END (TRANSAXLE SIDE) INSTALLATION NOTE .)
      CAUTION:
      • Pull the clip within the range shown in the figure. If the clip is pulled excessively, it could deform and no longer function.
      G12233204Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
      G12233205Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    8. Disconnect the selector cable end (transaxle side) from the manual shaft lever.
      G12233206Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  3. Disconnect the clip as shown in the figure and remove the nut.
    Fig 1: Selector Cable, Clip And Nut With Torque Specification
    G12233207Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  4. Perform the following procedure to remove the selector cable (selector lever side).
    1. Remove the selector lever knob. (See SELECTOR LEVER COMPONENT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
    2. Remove the shift panel. (See SHIFT PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
    3. Remove the front console box. (See FRONT CONSOLE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
    4. Remove the cup holder. (See CUP HOLDER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
    5. Remove the side wall. (See SIDE WALL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
    6. Remove the rear console. (See REAR CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)
    7. Remove the rear console bracket No. 1. (See REAR CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)
    8. Move the safety lock in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and release the safety lock.
      G13176987Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    9. Press the tabs of the adjuster case shown in the figure in the directions of arrows (1) shown in the figure.
      G13176988Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    10. Press out the lock piece in the direction of arrow (2) shown in the figure and release the lock. (See SELECTOR CABLE (SELECTOR LEVER SIDE) INSTALLATION NOTE .)
    11. While pressing the cable outer end tab (selector lever side) in the direction of the arrow (3) shown in the figure, lift up cable outer end (selector lever side) in the direction of the arrow (4) shown in the figure to detach the cable outer end tab (selector lever side) from the selector lever component.
      G12233200Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    12. Disconnect the cable outer end (selector lever side) from the selector lever component.
    13. Disconnect the selector cable end (selector lever side) from the selector lever.
    G12233201Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  5. Disconnect the grommet as shown in the figure and remove the nuts.
    Fig 2: Grommet Nuts With Torque Specification
    G13176991Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  6. Pull out the selector cable from inside the cabin and remove it.
  7. Install in the reverse order of removal.
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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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