Column Cover Removal/Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Mazda CX-5. 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 using your thumb, and lift the upper column cover in the direction of arrow (1).

Fig 1: Lifting Upper Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pull the upper column cover in the direction of the arrow (2) and remove it while detaching pins, tabs and guides.
Remove tabs from the meter hood.
CAUTION:
- If the cover of the meter hood is deformed, it may not return to its original condition. When removing the cover of the meter hood, detach tabs one by one from the upper column cover.
Fig 2: Detaching Tabs From Upper Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pull up the steering wheel.
Remove screws.

Fig 3: Pulling Up Steering Wheel
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Open the lower column cover in the direction of arrow (1) shown in the figure, 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: Moving Lower Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Lower the adjusting lever to the bottommost position.

Fig 5: Identifying Lower Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- If the adjuster 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.
Move the lower column cover in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure 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.