2014/Next-generation Mazda 3 mega-thread

[unknown]

@unknown gta_driver is correct. You don't need to remove it. It takes barely any force to pull the headliner down a bit to push the wire in. The A pillar is easy as well. I used a flat head screw driver to give it enough space to tuck it inside. No damage was done. The A pillar cover tucked nicely and did not leave any gap from the wire. I wired it outside to the rubber lining of the door. Just pull the rubber off the frame of the door and tuck the wire inside and push the rubber back on the frame. 99% of the wiring is hidden. Just choose the right fuse for your needs. I used the #11 fuse that turns on with ignition.

Thanks, I'll get that kit you linked to and a add on fuse tap and give it a try.

[Cyclic]

Thanks, I'll get that kit you linked to and a add on fuse tap and give it a try.

@unknown good luck! If you need help with pictures let me know. I wired it through the opening at the top where the dash meets floor fuse panel so that the little black box sits inside nicely instead of being exposed. You'll know what I mean once you take a look at it.

[ooltra]

I love it too. I was mostly worried about how easy it is to lose sight of it when moving your head, but it actually isn't that bad and you learn to work with it, and if anything it also promotes good head-up centered posture.
I find it ridiculous when people pan it without either trying it, or giving it more than an hour of driving to get used to it. I can't imagine wanting another car without a HUD in general now.

And most importantly, the reactions people have when I put on the salesman hat and ask them to sit in the driver seat and press Start and look forward is priceless. I've never had so much amazed reactions out of people than with this car's HUD. Leaves one helluva first impression.

I feel the same way. The HUD is fantastic and everyone I have put into the driver seat to check it out have been impressed by it.

@vcshox66 I hardwired my dashcam to my front driver side fuse panel. I always feel nervous about tasks I have never done before but was stupidly amazed at how simple and easy it was and thought who would waste money to pay someone else to do this?
This is what I ordered for my mini usb dashcam. If you are using a micro usb dashcam, get the 0803 kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-0801-Ca...item1c434115a4

I highly doubt that hardwiring a dash cam would void any warranty. It's a simple job of attaching the ground wire to the bolt and tapping the fuse. And fuses are used to protect the car so it's unlikely, if it's even possible, to damage your car to void warranty.

@Cyclic Thanks so much for posting this! I'm going to order one and attempt to install this myself. I might bug you for a few pics of how you routed the cord.

[gta_driver]

@unknown gta_driver is correct. You don't need to remove it. It takes barely any force to pull the headliner down a bit to push the wire in. The A pillar is easy as well. I used a flat head screw driver to give it enough space to tuck it inside. No damage was done. The A pillar cover tucked nicely and did not leave any gap from the wire. I wired it outside to the rubber lining of the door. Just pull the rubber off the frame of the door and tuck the wire inside and push the rubber back on the frame. 99% of the wiring is hidden. Just choose the right fuse for your needs. I used the #11 fuse that turns on with ignition.

There are 2 fuses in the fuse box that appear to be for auxilliary components. I don't recall which ones, but I believe they're both 15 A.

[Google]

Is there a new version of maps for the mazda3 now available to download? I also posted in another thread asking how do you transfer the maps onto a newer, larger SD card?

BTW, we got the Lukas 9500 Duo Pro hardwired (professionally) installed. No issues so far. If you hardwire to the fuse, behind the glovebox it will be pretty darn hard for Mazda to prove it screwed up something unless of course you're trying to claim a dead battery under warranty.

[unknown]

Is there a new version of maps for the mazda3 now available to download? I also posted in another thread asking how do you transfer the maps onto a newer, larger SD card?

BTW, we got the Lukas 9500 Duo Pro hardwired (professionally) installed. No issues so far. If you hardwire to the fuse, behind the glovebox it will be pretty darn hard for Mazda to prove it screwed up something unless of course you're trying to claim a dead battery under warranty.

There was a map update mid october. I replied to your post in the other thread about making a backup and restoring to another SD card (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...ard-2015/page2). Hope it works for you.

There's a fuse behind the glovebox? I thought there was only 2 banks of fuses, one in the engine bay and the other under the dash beside the driver's left foot.

[Google]

Thanks. I replied to your other post. I have another question on the restoring procedure.

I was told by the front desk guy at the installers that's where the fusebox is located. Although, I haven't seen it myself. He may be mistaken, he didn't do the install himself, at tech did.

BTW, the freaking Map update is still going on at 32% since 3 PM today. I have a 25 Mbps connection and damn Mazda is only giving me 800 Kbps max!

[unknown]

Thanks. I replied to your other post. I have another question on the restoring procedure.

I was told by the front desk guy at the installers that's where the fusebox is located. Although, I haven't seen it myself. He may be mistaken, he didn't do the install himself, at tech did.

BTW, the freaking Map update is still going on at 32% since 3 PM today. I have a 25 Mbps connection and damn Mazda is only giving me 800 Kbps max!

Oh, I did notice that the download cache folder is 4GB but for me it only took a few hours (pretty sure it was less than 8 hours though....)

[Google]

When I update my Garmin maps, which are 2 or more GBs in size, it doesn't take long.

If the download didn't take you long then it must be that their servers are congested. At this rate (I am at 37%), it won't be until tomorrow AM or afternoon until the download is finished.

[Victorminator]

Hey guys, for winter tires, I've looked at TireRack and seen that apparently GT owners can downsize to 16". Has anyone tried that? How do they get around the speed and ABS sensors being affected by the changes in size?
I'm planning to go to the south to get my tires given how ripped off we are up in the north, so I wanna make sure I get as much feedback and information as I need to make this worth it.
Also open to tire suggestions and places to shop for wheels.

[$lickology]

Hey vick I was gonna use my set of 205-55-16 winter tires on steelies, I'm pretty sure this is right size for our 14 GT's.

[CarLadyLisa]

Hey guys, for winter tires, I've looked at TireRack and seen that apparently GT owners can downsize to 16". Has anyone tried that? How do they get around the speed and ABS sensors being affected by the changes in size?
I'm planning to go to the south to get my tires given how ripped off we are up in the north, so I wanna make sure I get as much feedback and information as I need to make this worth it.
Also open to tire suggestions and places to shop for wheels.

Less rim, more tire. Works better for winter. Its not like the speed3. Those have larger calipers to contend with.

[unknown]

Hey guys, for winter tires, I've looked at TireRack and seen that apparently GT owners can downsize to 16". Has anyone tried that? How do they get around the speed and ABS sensors being affected by the changes in size?
I'm planning to go to the south to get my tires given how ripped off we are up in the north, so I wanna make sure I get as much feedback and information as I need to make this worth it.
Also open to tire suggestions and places to shop for wheels.

I've got 205-60-16 winter tires on steelies on my GT. I think that's the size on the non-GT models and it's the size listed in the manual (page 9-10). Though I'm sure other sizes work too. There's quite a few sponsors here that offer winter tire packages for our cars that you may want to check out though you might be a bit far being in Ottawa... or go wherever @$lickology goes for his tires I guess.

I suppose if the diameter is about the same then the ABS sensors are fine? I really don't know but I'm not experiencing any problems (i.e. no ABS warning light on).

[$lickology]

@Victorminator yes I have a place here in town where I get winter tires from pm me if you want further details.

[gta_driver]

Hey vick I was gonna use my set of 205-55-16 winter tires on steelies, I'm pretty sure this is right size for our 14 GT's.

That size will work, although it is the wrong size. It should be 205/60-R16.

[Firefox444]

I've got 205-60-16 winter tires on steelies on my GT. I think that's the size on the non-GT models and it's the size listed in the manual (page 9-10). Though I'm sure other sizes work too. There's quite a few sponsors here that offer winter tire packages for our cars that you may want to check out though you might be a bit far being in Ottawa... or go wherever @$lickology goes for his tires I guess.

I suppose if the diameter is about the same then the ABS sensors are fine? I really don't know but I'm not experiencing any problems (i.e. no ABS warning light on).

+1. I too ordered 205-60-16 winter tires (on steels) for my 2014 GT. Whether or not you believe that narrower/higher-profile tires are better for winter driving, it's worth it for the price savings alone. A set of Michelin X-Ice Xi3's for 18 inch wheels cost about 60% more than a set of the same tires in an equivalent size for 16 inch wheels.

This site has a useful calculator for comparing the total diameter of different tire/wheel combinations. For example, comparing 215/45R on 18" wheels to 205/60R on 16" wheels. Although the latter is significantly cheaper, the difference in total wheel diameter is less than 2mm.

[VanZoom]

16 steelies? Never. I'm having my Michelin X-Ice Xi3s (215 45R 18) that I purchased last winter put on tomorrow. Love 'em. I suggest finding a way to enjoy this great driving experience.

[Victorminator]

Thank everyone for the feedback!

[Display guy]

@$lickology thanks for the info. Let me know if you see any issues with it!

Anyone know how to do the Navigation update with a Mac? The website seems to only allow PC?

[unknown]

Anyone know how to do the Navigation update with a Mac? The website seems to only allow PC?

Only windows support so far. Nothing for Linux or OSX

"PLEASE NOTE:
– The Mazda Naviextras Toolbox is currently compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8. An OSX version will be available soon. If you do not have access to a PC, or you use a Mac computer or other unsupported platform, contact your dealer for more information."

[Victorminator]

Anyone know how to do the Navigation update with a Mac? The website seems to only allow PC?

Sadly yes it is limited to it. If you have VMWare Fusion or Parallels or BootCamp running then you can use the Mac's SD card input and the Windows VM/copy to do the updates.
I can never trust Mazda's website notices, so honestly the idea of a Mac version feels like a pipe dream for now. I just use my mother's laptop for now.

[ooltra]

Starting to get really pissed off with the infotainment system. I don't understand how it can still be this buggy after so many updates. My system went black, and then rebooted tonight while driving. everything started working fine (music from usb, bluetooth) except my button for voice commands on my steering wheel does not respond at all. all the other buttons work on the steering wheel. going to have to call the dealership tomorrow and set up an appointment to have it looked at. Anyone deal with this type of shit with the gen 3's recently? I want to go to the dealership and avoid as much of the run-around as possible.

[gta_driver]

Starting to get really pissed off with the infotainment system. I don't understand how it can still be this buggy after so many updates. My system went black, and then rebooted tonight while driving. everything started working fine (music from usb, bluetooth) except my button for voice commands on my steering wheel does not respond at all. all the other buttons work on the steering wheel. going to have to call the dealership tomorrow and set up an appointment to have it looked at. Anyone deal with this type of shit with the gen 3's recently? I want to go to the dealership and avoid as much of the run-around as possible.

I only use iPhone with Bluetooth audio streaming, and find it works really well. The system doesn't freeze (on v 33 IIRC), no black or blue screen. On occasion the system appears to restart when I start the car, but that's about it. Integration with iPhone / iPod is flawless, it manages playlists, does browsing by Artist, Album, Song, etc...

I do not use voice commands to interact with the infotainment system, I find it weird, especially with other people in the car.

[ooltra]

I only use iPhone with Bluetooth audio streaming, and find it works really well. The system doesn't freeze (on v 33 IIRC), no black or blue screen. On occasion the system appears to restart when I start the car, but that's about it. Integration with iPhone / iPod is flawless, it manages playlists, does browsing by Artist, Album, Song, etc...

I do not use voice commands to interact with the infotainment system, I find it weird, especially with other people in the car.

Its not so much that i use the function often (i do use it to make calls sometimes) but more that i want it to function as designed regardless.

[VanZoom]

I only use iPhone with Bluetooth audio streaming, and find it works really well. The system doesn't freeze (on v 33 IIRC), no black or blue screen. On occasion the system appears to restart when I start the car, but that's about it. Integration with iPhone / iPod is flawless, it manages playlists, does browsing by Artist, Album, Song, etc...

I do not use voice commands to interact with the infotainment system, I find it weird, especially with other people in the car.

I don't use it either. It's more trouble than it's worth finding new phrasing or words that will communicate with this computer idiot.