I have a 2005 Mazda3 and while driving last week the radio just went silent and dark. I've checked the fuse at the fuse panel and it's good. Any ideas? I understand that the dash is a b@#*h to get into.

 

Anything else go out? Double check the room fuse... can't remember it's position off hand but it'll be in the manual.

Oh and the dash of the 3 is basically the easiest dash to take apart of any car I've owned. The dash trim strip is held on by four tension clips and a hook. Pull the strip back to release the clips and gently flex the strip to disengage the hook on the far right. Remove two phillips head screws holding the stereo in and then pull (the stereo, not the face) to pop it loose. You're done, should take less than 2 minutes to get out.