Hey guys, I've got a 2006 mazda 6 and I'm looking for a guide for taking apart the dash. Anyone know of such a guide anywhere?

 

I know of such a guy......I launched that Instrument Panel here in the US....I've seen the inside too much.

What are you trying to get to?

If I don't respond in this thread, send me a PM.

 

Okay, I bought a TomTom GPS unit, and basically I'd like to mount it in the little compartment on the top of the dash. I'd like to remove the top cover of that compartment, and also drill a hole in the bottom of the compartment to run a power cable for the unit. I'll need to get behind the stereo to run the power cable as well.

Thanks

 

You'll need to start at your cupholder panel in the center console and work your way forward.

Unscrew your shifter handle counterclockwise (either manual or auto)

Cupholder panel - pull straight up towards the roof, I found pulling with 1 hand squeezing the thin bar @ the brake handle and the other on the opposite side of the cupholder panel worked best. If you have a cupholder with the lid, don't pull up on the lid.

Once this panel pops up, it should also pop up the PRNDL bezel/ashtray panel. There are 2 clips between the ashtray panel and the cupholder panel, I believe the tabs push rearward to disengage. (Look at the tab using aflashlight and you should be able to see the tab.) Separate the cupholder from the ashtray panel and remove. (This can be a pain on the earlier cars.)

PRNDL bezel/ashtray panel- there are a couple of harnesses to run lights that attach to this panel, I always pulled the bulbs from their sockets/etc to release the PRNDL/ashtray panel as an assembly. You also have to disconnect the wire harnesses to the ashtray part of the panel (cig lighter, etc.) Again, panel pulls straight up at the rear and back at about 45 degree angle at the front edge.

Radio - Remove visible screws along bottom edge of radio, once out, pull on bottom edge of radio (carefully) and radio unit shouldpop out of IP opening, the fit is tight and it may resist a little. Avoid tugging on the faceplate too much. Disconnect any harnesses you need to from behind radio to remove.

Once radio is out there should be a couple of screws holding the bottom of the top panel in, once those are out, the panel pulls toward you to come out of the hole.

That should do it.

 

I think you may have missed some screws. I also have an 06 6s.

If you have the non-automatic HVAC controls (aka you don't set it to 70 degrees and the thing does the rest), there is a screw behind each of the ***** (temp, fan, vent). Just pull these straight off.

The other screw is purty stupid to get at, you have to pop the glove box out (pull straight out if I remember), and then to the left of it is one more screw that you have to get out. It sucks.

Edit: Now that I have time (not rushing off to class), I can link to mazda6clubs photo guide for dissassembling the center console. This doesn't cover removing the center compartment, but oh well. The only thing to remember when using it is that it doesn't mention the screws behind the HVAC controls (see above).

Hope that helps.