Mazda 3 Service Manual: Center Panel Removal/Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable..

2. Affix protective tape to the position shown in the figure.

3. Hold parts (A) shown in the figure with your hands and pull the lower edge of the center panel in the direction of the arrow (1), and remove clips A.

CAUTION:

• Be careful not to damage the center ventilator grille fins by touching them with your fingers. When holding the positions shown by the arrow (A) in the figure, be careful not to touch the fins.

4. Hold the cross-hatched areas in the figure with your hands and pull the center panel in the direction of the arrow (2), and remove clips B.

CAUTION:

• If the center panel is removed forcefully it could result in damage to the hazard warning switch connector wiring harness. Carefully pull the center panel until clips B are pulled out.

5. Remove the center panel.

6. Disconnect the hazard warning switch connector.

7. Install in the reverse order of removal.