Hey everyone,

I have run a search on the forum trying to find clues that might help me in my tinkering adventures with my Mazda6 and I haven't found any specifics that would help me. I know it is not proper to just start a thread asking for help without first browsing and/or searching. However, I was hoping that in the very least I would gather information and/or clues that might relate to my tinkering needs. But it was to no avail.

On to the core of this topic: I have a 2010 Mazda6 i Touring (US Spec). The car has the 2.5 MZR w/ 5-spd Auto. The sound system is the standard in-dash 6 disc changer w/o Bluetooth. That last bit is what I'm trying to tinker with. The car came with no module and no harness/plug to a module, so that clearly shows that from factory it wasn't spec'd w/ Bluetooth.

As such, I have managed to source 2 versions of the Bluetooth module together with vehicle wiring diagrams in the hopes that simply latching the module to the harness would suffice and/or unlock the Bluetooth functionality that comes from the Audio unit at least for a start. Alas, it ended up as if I haven't added anything to the vehicle audio system. Everything runs normally except the "Bluetooth Setup" option is not appearing in the "settings" menu as per the owners manual that says it might if spec'd with the Bluetooth option. I checked powers, grounds and CAN Hi+Lo, all of which come out favorable (I only have a DMM but that can still be useful).

At this point I guess my failure hinges on one of two things:
1) The head unit needs to have a Bluetooth enabled "firmware". (ie It needs to be programmed, if it can be programmed, or maybe the module itself does)
2) The Bluetooth module disables itself if the clock spring connection is down/missing. I doubt a missing mic would just shut the whole Bluetooth subsystem off.

I imagined that the Bluetooth module would still function in the case the clock spring is faulty/missing, or the mic is missing. Both of which are the case since I am only latching the Bluetooth module to the standard audio system that is w/o Bluetooth from factory. The head unit does have the BT/SAT button on it but it seems all of them of this type do have the markings with or w/o bluetooth modules from the factory.

I appreciate anyone reading this far and I would like to emphasize my hacking adventure is beginning by just enabling one way communication between the phone and the vehicle's sound system (audio playback only). As such, and for the moment, Plan Z would be to consider electronics outside the Mazda parts bin. The AUX connection just isn't doing it for me.

Does anyone know if indeed headunit and/or module programming should be the way to go? Or do I need to source a Bluetooth steering wheel w/clockspring? Or both? Or am I missing something else entirely?

I look forward to any information you may have on this.

Regards,
Tamer