Dashboard Switches — checking and replacing (Mazda Capella GF)

Warning. The models described in this manual are equipped with an airbag system. Before working in the immediate vicinity of shock sensors, steering column, or control panel, disconnect the negative battery cable, then the positive battery cable. then wait at least 3 minutes. Accidental deployment of the airbag could cause injury (see paragraph 28).

Front panel illumination switch

Examination

1. The switch for the instrument panel lights is located to the left of the instrument panel, next to the steering wheel. By rotating the dimmer knob you can change the brightness of the backlight lamps.

2. Remove the switch, then reconnect the wiring connector and turn on the headlights (the ignition key must be in the Off position). Measure the voltage between the orange and red wires of the connector. This voltage should be equal to the battery voltage. If so, connect the test lamp to the green wire with yellow stripes (for the Probe model) or to the gray wire (for the Mazda model) and the car body. The brightness of the lamp should change when you turn the control knob. If this is not the case. replace the switch. Before installing the switch, disconnect the electrical connector from it and make sure there is contact between the black wire of the connector and the ground.

Replacement

3. Remove the trim panel with the switch (see chapter 11). On the back of the panel, detach the clips and remove the switch from it (figure 9.3).

Hazard warning switch

Examination

4. On the Probe model, the hazard warning switch is located in the multi-function switch on the steering column (checking and replacing the switch is described in paragraph 7). On the Mazda model, this switch is located on the front panel. To check the switch, it must be removed (see below).

5. Make sure there is contact between the switch terminals (figure 9.5). If the switch is faulty, replace it.

Replacement

6. Remove the instrument panel trim (see chapter 11).

7. On models produced before 1997, the switch is located above the car radio. On models produced since 1998, the switch is located to the right of the steering wheel. On the back of the switch, squeeze the tabs and disconnect the wiring connector from it, then remove the switch from the dashboard.

Switches for rear window defroster, fog lights, rear window wiper/washer, headlight shutters

Examination

8. On the Mazda model, the rear window defroster switch, fog light switch (if there is one) and the rear window wiper/washer switches are located on the instrument panel. On the Probe model, the switches are located on the trim panel installed in the center of the front panel (the 1993 Probe model is additionally equipped with a headlight shutter switch).

9. To check, you need to remove the corresponding switch and make sure there is contact between the connector terminals (figure 9 9,a-g). If the switch is faulty, replace it.

Note: Before checking the switch or its wiring, check the integrity of the corresponding fuse.

Replacement

10. Remove the instrument panel trim (mazda model) or the central section of the front panel trim (probe model) (see chapter 11).

11. All switches are attached to the cladding using clamps. Disconnect the electrical wiring connector from the corresponding switch (from the back side), disconnect the clips and remove the switch from the panel (figure 9.11).