Column Cover Removal/Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lower the steering wheel to the bottommost position.
Press the shaded area shown in the figure using your thumb, lift the upper column cover in the direction of the arrows, and detach the pins, tabs, and guides.

Fig 1: Lifting Upper Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
While pressing the tabs in the directions of the arrow (1) shown in the figure, press them up in the direction of the arrow (2) and detach them from the upper column cover.
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 the tabs one by one from the upper column cover.
Fig 2: Pressing Tabs Of Upper Column Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the screws.

Fig 3: Removing Lower Column Cover Screw
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Open the lower column cover in the direction of the arrows (1) shown in the figure, move the lower column cover in the direction of the arrows (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: Adjusting Lever To Bottommost Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- If the adjusting lever is pulled down to the very bottom 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 detaching the guide.

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