Column Cover Removal/Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Pull down the steering wheel.
Press the shaded area shown in the figure below, lift the upper column cover in the direction of the arrow, and detach the pins, tabs, and guides of the upper column cover from the lower column cover.

Fig 1: Lifting Upper Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the hooks from the meter hood.
CAUTION:
- If the cover of the meter hood No. 1 is deformed, it may not return to its original condition. When removing the cover of the meter hood No. 1, detach hooks one by one from the upper column cover.
Fig 2: Hooks From Meter Hood
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pull up the steering wheel.
Remove the screws.

Fig 3: Lower Column Cover And Screws
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Open the lower column cover in the direction of arrow (1) shown in the figure below, move the lower column cover in the direction of arrow (2), and detach the tabs of the light switch and the wiper and washer switch from the lower column cover.

Fig 4: Opening Lower Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Lower the adjusting lever to the bottommost position.
CAUTION:
- If the adjusting lever is pulled down to the bottommost position and the lower column cover is removed while the steering wheel is not secured, the lower column cover will interfere with the driver-side lower panel and could cause damage to the lower column cover and driver-side lower panel. Secure the steering wheel when removing the lower column cover.
Fig 5: Lower Column Cover And Adjusting Lever
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Move the lower column cover in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure below and remove it while pulling out the guide.

Fig 6: Moving Lower Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install in the reverse order of removal.