Just got our CX-5, have few questions
Tell you what why don't you look into the company you are using and give the model number on your own strut as a reference then start a thread and we all will talk about hood strut quality!!
simply put if you are so sure about them than you have nothing to worry about ... LOL
Otherwise, I will say again those struts are not unique for your Mazda and are not the best choice to use on anyone's Mazda! Looking at the limited available technical information that I can find
Last edited by Callisto; Jan 12, 2023 at 06:17 PM.
I hate to agree with Calisto, but he's correct in that you can't just slap a prop rod on the hood. It's not designed to have one. Oh, it may work for a bit, but you risk bending the hood. GM had that problem with their pickup trucks in 1973. That's why there were bracing beams for the hood. Unlike the '72 models where you just pulled it down, you had to push back and down. GM didn't tell anybody that for a long time.The CX-5 is the same way. It's designed to just drop down, not have resistance in the middle. Your hood will bend there.
Mazda spent a lot of time and money designing the CX-5 and had a lot of people with letters behind their names doing it. I thought about putting one on mine when I got it, but the hood is too light to hold up and stay straight. 3+ years on, it looks like the day I bought it.
Hi everyone, we just got our CX5 Turbo in Soul Red Crystal, and we have few questions, and hoping that they are not stupid questions..
Navigation: I saw some links discussed in earlier threads that we can buy the SD card online, but I am having trouble finding one for 2023, is it same as 2022 model? Does it come with a license from Mazda or is it just maps in the card, if so can the maps be downloaded/bought digitally to save costs of SD card?
Android Auto: A little surprised that Mazda was thoughtful enough to include wireless charging, but requires Android Auto to be wired. While it's definitely more reliable than wireless android, since there is already a wireless charging pad, I wanted to know if anyone tried 3rd party wireless android auto adapters, if so which ones is recommended?
Interior accessories: We are looking for better floor mats (for winter) and cargo liner, as well as cargo cover and maybe the shelf that was included with few other CX5s we saw, but not the one we bought. Haven't had much luck with Amazon, is there a Mazda original accessory seller or maybe a dealer that offers them at discount prices?
Paint protection: We live in Suffolk county, if anyone is in the area and familiar with paint shops offering paint protection/coating or other services at reasonable prices please let us know. I don't want this beautiful color to lose it's luster. It just looks amazing right now.
TPMS: I can't seem to find where to access the TPM to read the psi. I checked information screen and it doesn't show that.
Dashcams: Any recommendation for Dashcam, and any wiring suggestions? I am thinking of getting a dashcam as soon as possible, and use the 12V charging port until I learn more about fuses or hard wiring options, for now I rather not touch anything sensitive at least for first 3 months until we make sure everything is good with the CX5.
Any other suggestions?
Navigation: I saw some links discussed in earlier threads that we can buy the SD card online, but I am having trouble finding one for 2023, is it same as 2022 model? Does it come with a license from Mazda or is it just maps in the card, if so can the maps be downloaded/bought digitally to save costs of SD card?
Android Auto: A little surprised that Mazda was thoughtful enough to include wireless charging, but requires Android Auto to be wired. While it's definitely more reliable than wireless android, since there is already a wireless charging pad, I wanted to know if anyone tried 3rd party wireless android auto adapters, if so which ones is recommended?
Interior accessories: We are looking for better floor mats (for winter) and cargo liner, as well as cargo cover and maybe the shelf that was included with few other CX5s we saw, but not the one we bought. Haven't had much luck with Amazon, is there a Mazda original accessory seller or maybe a dealer that offers them at discount prices?
Paint protection: We live in Suffolk county, if anyone is in the area and familiar with paint shops offering paint protection/coating or other services at reasonable prices please let us know. I don't want this beautiful color to lose it's luster. It just looks amazing right now.
TPMS: I can't seem to find where to access the TPM to read the psi. I checked information screen and it doesn't show that.
Dashcams: Any recommendation for Dashcam, and any wiring suggestions? I am thinking of getting a dashcam as soon as possible, and use the 12V charging port until I learn more about fuses or hard wiring options, for now I rather not touch anything sensitive at least for first 3 months until we make sure everything is good with the CX5.
Any other suggestions?
Dash cams. I'm assuming your 2023 is similar to my 2016, but it may be different. I got a Cobra brand for my car and it plugs into one of the USB ports. It comes on when I start the car and goes off when I shut it off. A lot more than some of the cheapies, but it's easy to use and has the capability to link with your phone. I don't know what glue they stick it to the glass with, but when I sold my previous truck and tried to move it over, I took it off the mount and ordered another as the mount would NOT come off. Even with piano wire or razor blades. If I get another one, I plan to get one that has a rear recording camera. I have cheapies on my truck and beater car, but the Cobra is much easier to use.
TPMS. Unless Mazda is doing it differently, your TPMS doesn't have sensors. I picked up a nail once and it let me know right away. I had it into the dealer for service and asked about the battery replacement intervals. That's when they told me it doesn't have sensors but reads the ABS sensors on each wheel. It notified me of a 5 psi loss.
Paint protection. I don't run my car through mechanical car washes but I use the wand and brush. I'll add the clearcoat protection each time and when it's clean, it looks the same as when I bought it as a CPO used car.
For dashcam, I checked the old one I have which was pretty reliable, so I went with same brand Viofo, whatever they are offering now. I am now looking for ways to power it while parked so I can get protection from hit and run while we are not in the car. Maybe I'll look at those battery back up options, or connect to fuse box. There are some other options like OBD Port power adapters which seems better than trying to mess with fuse boxes. For now it will be on cigarette lighter port, unless it can be powered with USB.
We just realized rear seat power adapters are in the center armrest, which will be occupied by middle passenger, this means no access to heated seats or USB ports. Interesting the way Mazda went with the heated seats.
I ordered the SD card with maps, will keep you posted. I also ordered one of those key fob skins since I realized keyfob was getting scratched easily.
We just realized rear seat power adapters are in the center armrest, which will be occupied by middle passenger, this means no access to heated seats or USB ports. Interesting the way Mazda went with the heated seats.
I ordered the SD card with maps, will keep you posted. I also ordered one of those key fob skins since I realized keyfob was getting scratched easily.
Dash cam 100%. Not only will they protect your car when you are not in them (if set up that way ) but should some butt head decide they own the road and hit you it can be undisputable proof who was at fault!
This was yesterday... LOL sorry for the language! Hey but the music is great! My cams are REXING.
This was yesterday... LOL sorry for the language! Hey but the music is great! My cams are REXING.
Callisto, that made me jump too! What was that guy thinking.. Sometimes it's actually better to crawl all the way up because some people don't even see the lane marker, especially the ones like in this intersection, but either way it does sound like a narrow turn and a dangerous intersection.
I read more about dashcams, now I will be looking for fuses that are powered all the time and the ones that are powered only when car is running. I am sure there are threads on this, if I can't find I'll come back and ask
I read more about dashcams, now I will be looking for fuses that are powered all the time and the ones that are powered only when car is running. I am sure there are threads on this, if I can't find I'll come back and ask

Callisto, that made me jump too! What was that guy thinking.. Sometimes it's actually better to crawl all the way up because some people don't even see the lane marker, especially the ones like in this intersection, but either way it does sound like a narrow turn and a dangerous intersection.
I read more about dashcams, now I will be looking for fuses that are powered all the time and the ones that are powered only when car is running. I am sure there are threads on this, if I can't find I'll come back and ask
I read more about dashcams, now I will be looking for fuses that are powered all the time and the ones that are powered only when car is running. I am sure there are threads on this, if I can't find I'll come back and ask

Dash cam installation hard wire: I looked but I can't find it but I am sure I posed how I wired mine??? Good finding it should you view my thread?

Mazda3 Things I like to do - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums
Dash cam installation hard wire: I looked but I can't find it but I am sure I posed how I wired mine??? Good finding it should you view my thread? 
Mazda3 Things I like to do - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums

Mazda3 Things I like to do - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums
I'll take my time and check those things even if I can't find the dashcam install.However, found this gentleman explain how to hard wire, although he did a lot of ripping up of the panels and covers, a bit nerve wrecking if you ask me.
He used #18 for Yellow Wire (Always On) and #11 for the Switched/Accessory.I hate to agree with Calisto, but he's correct in that you can't just slap a prop rod on the hood. It's not designed to have one. Oh, it may work for a bit, but you risk bending the hood. GM had that problem with their pickup trucks in 1973. That's why there were bracing beams for the hood. Unlike the '72 models where you just pulled it down, you had to push back and down. GM didn't tell anybody that for a long time.The CX-5 is the same way. It's designed to just drop down, not have resistance in the middle. Your hood will bend there.
Mazda spent a lot of time and money designing the CX-5 and had a lot of people with letters behind their names doing it. I thought about putting one on mine when I got it, but the hood is too light to hold up and stay straight. 3+ years on, it looks like the day I bought it.
Mazda spent a lot of time and money designing the CX-5 and had a lot of people with letters behind their names doing it. I thought about putting one on mine when I got it, but the hood is too light to hold up and stay straight. 3+ years on, it looks like the day I bought it.
I hate to agree with Calisto, but he's correct in that you can't just slap a prop rod on the hood. It's not designed to have one.
It's a 'single point' support. Struts support the hood from two widely separated points, and they work pretty well regardless of
"brand".
My 2¢


