Changing the radio
 

Hi guys!
I've found out the built in radio coming with the Mazda 3 here - sucks! (No MP3, no CD-Text, only RDS which works poorly, but it does have AM radio:pfanndina ).

I have some question regarding the removal and change to an aftermarket radio:

1) I would like to leave the screen. I need it to use the Climate control. I would also like to keep the clock on the screen - working.
As I'm about to remove the panel having the 2 control buttons of the clock (it's not a problem to create 2 button like those two in a "hidden place" - I'm not updating the time very often).
Does anyone know whether the clock unit is inside the screen or is it located in the HU and the screen is used only to show the data? (So by removing the riginal HU I will remove the clock as well)

2) Using the Steering wheel controls. Have anyone replaced the original HU with an aftermarket one and saved the steering wheel controls working? If yes - how?

Thanks alot, Tal.

:pat:
Good Luck!

i tihnk in the pre '07's, the clock and temp gauge are built into the radio.

and ive beenthinking about replacing my HU with a really nice Alpine deck.
only cuz im getting some really nice alpine type R component speakers next week, and i want them to sound as good as possible...
that and an aftermarket HU pushes more power to the speakers/subs.

let me know wat u find out. altho i think i'd just get rid of the temp gauge/clock altogether....

In 07 it's a bit different
 

As far as I know - in prior to 07 models - it would be a real mess to change the HU as the A/C control (Climate control in sold here versions) is connected via the HU.
Starting from 07 models it has changed, and now all we have to do is remove the panel and connect the harness.

There is still a problem of Steering wheel control. It arrives encoded in two wires. (I managed to get some diagrams showing wich exact two).

I can't believe noone has ever done such a change... :-(

By the way, the HU to be installed is a Pioneer 7700...


Tal.