How to remove Gen 2 tech package head unit

[ejb2112]

EDIT: I JUST FOUND OUT THIS ONLY REFERS TO THE 2013 MODEL. PREVIOUS GEN 2'S DO NOT HAVE THIS SETUP.

If you have a 2013 Speed3 with the technology package (which includes the touchscreen head unit), here’s how to remove it. It’s not hard, but it’s more involved than removing the regular Mazda3 radio. I hope the pictures help; photography is not my strong suit.



The only tool you need is a medium Phillips screwdriver.

Step 1: Pull straight out on the vent panel above the radio. Don’t pull on the vent grilles. Instead, grip the top edge with your fingernails and the bottom of one of the vents. It comes out pretty easy.

Flip it up and either push it out of the way or remove the tweeter wiring harness to take it off completely.

Remove the two screws holding the top of the radio in place. Do not attempt to remove the radio at this point.

PLEASE NOTE: I took this picture when I was putting it back together; that's why the radio is pulled out.



Step 2: Remove the passenger side scuff plate (not the one that says Mazdaspeed) by pulling it straight up.

Step 3: Remove the passenger side lower trim piece by pulling out the one plastic fastener, pulling back the rubber seam, and popping it straight out.



Step 4: Pull straight down on the dashboard undercover beneath the glove compartment. There are only two clips holding it on.



Step 5: Open the glove compartment. On the right side, you will see one guide (foreground) and just below it, the stay damper. Unclip the stay damper from the glove compartment door. Then, pull up on both the left and right guides so as you lower the glove compartment door, they will pull straight out.



Step 6: Pull straight out on the passenger side lower left panel. It will just pop off.



Step 7: Remove the glove compartment. Unscrew the upper and lower screws and pull straight out toward you. Remove the glove compartment light so you can set the whole assembly aside.









Step 8: Stick your head inside the gaping hole and look to your left. You will see two silver Phillips head screws connecting the radio to a bracket. Use a magnetized screwdriver to remove them. If they drop down, you’re going fishing.





Step 9: In step 1, you removed the two screws at the top of the radio. Now that you have removed the bracket screws, you’re ready to pull the radio straight out toward you.

Once you get it out far enough, you can remove the wiring harnesses and antenna.



And that's it. Follow the instructions backward for reassembly/install.

Please let me know if I need to make any edits.

[Dommo14]

Damn that looks like a lot!!!

[ejb2112]

Originally Posted by Dommo14 Damn that looks like a lot!!!

That's because I'm really anal about capturing all the detail. Everything in the how-to will take you maybe 15 - 20 minutes to do. It's very easy and straightforward.

Wait...I just saw your location and it says Decatur. Me too (city of). More than happy to get together with you and go through it if you want.

[g00s3y]

Only the 13's with a tech package came with this unit. 10-12 have the regular headunit. Pop off the vents, take out 2 screws, done.

Seems they made it more of a pain to take this one out for some reason.

[Dommo14]

Originally Posted by ejb2112 That's because I'm really anal about capturing all the detail. Everything in the how-to will take you maybe 15 - 20 minutes to do. It's very easy and straightforward. Wait...I just saw your location and it says Decatur. Me too (city of). More than happy to get together with you and go through it if you want.

Ok cool I will hold you up to that.. but it will be a little while before i do this... im in the process of moving.... so when i get settled again ill see if we can sync up...

[ejb2112]

Originally Posted by g00s3y Only the 13's with a tech package came with this unit. 10-12 have the regular headunit. Pop off the vents, take out 2 screws, done. Seems they made it more of a pain to take this one out for some reason.

Well, shoot. Thanks, g00s3y. I couldn't edit the title but put a big disclaimer at the top of the thread.

[MS3Shadow]

Very helpful since I have the 2013 model with Tech.

Sent from my HTC M9

[CHUNKYBOWSER]

Originally Posted by VaporOnly I have a question, I have an 2011 ms3 if i replace the headunit with an after market unit will I lose function of the compact navigation screen? What about the other info displayed on the screen like average mpg info n stuff?

Navigation, average MPG, etc. will all still work. The only thing that won't work is the display music information.

[tom clement]

Thanks I am going to be installing the backup camera and this will be a great help!