Manual Transaxle Shift Mechanism Removal/Installation [G66 M R]
1. Remove the battery cover..
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the battery component. (ex: battery, battery tray and PCM component).
4. Remove the air cleaner component..
5. Remove the aerodynamic under cover NO.2..
6. Remove the tunnel member (rear)..
7. Remove the upper panel..
8. Remove the shift lever knob.

9. Remove the shift panel..
10. Remove the side wall..
11. Remove the console..
12. Detach the clip as shown in the figure.

13. Disconnect the drain hose connected to A/C unit..

14. Remove the cap and fastener securing the insulator (front) and set the insulator (front) aside.

15. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
16. Install in the reverse order of removal.
17. After installation, verify that the shift lever can be shifted smoothly into each position.

Clip
Grommet
Main shift cable
(See Main Shift Cable and Main Select Cable Removal Note.)
Main select cable
(See Main Shift Cable and Main Select Cable Removal Note.)
Shift lever component
Main Shift Cable and Main Select Cable Removal Note
1. Remove the both shift cable end and select cable end using a fastener remover.

Test yourself
A quick Mazda 3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.