I just bought a new mazda 3i 5-spd. I like the gauges in the 2.3 alot more and was wondering how easy of an install it would be. Will i get any trouble codes by changeing it, and will it void my warrenty if the dealer sees that i unplugged my speedo. Also my mazda 3i is a 2006 with a sunroof and 6-disc cd changer, i paid 15500 for it and was wondering if that was a fair price. thank you.

 

This vehicle uses a two speed CAN system. The medium speed can uses the digital instrument cluster (DIC) as the hub. Since it is a CAN module swapping the two will likely result in a no start situation.

 

well you were right. I ordered the new gauge cluster last week and when i installed it the car would not start. Can you please explain what the CAN system is. Thank You.

 

Controller Area Network. basically a computer network in your car that lets all teh different systems talk to each other. the Mazda3 has 2 networks. One of them has a "hub" in the cluster. in oder for you to change the cluster a mazda tech will need to "absord" the ID of the old hub and then give that id info to the new hub so that the rest of the network will recognise it.

 

Zoom44 is right on that account.

All Mazda6's/Rx-8's/Tributes/MPV's run a single high speed (HS) CAN protocal. All Mazda3/Mazda5's/MX-5's run a HS CAN along with a medium speed (MS) CAN network.
The affected modules are,

PCM (HS)

EHPAS control module (HS)

TPMS control module (MS)

ABS HU/CM (HS)

Instrument cluster (MS)

SAS control module (HS)

Audio unit (MS)

PJB (Power junction box behind glove box) (MS)

All of the MS modules use the Cluster as a "hub" for communication. If any of these modules are replaced they must be "inhaled" using the WDS or similar equipment. If they are removed before inhaling "as built data" must be programmed for it to communicate on the BUS.

 

Is there a crystal or something in the cluster that i would be able to just swap, or does it have to be done by a dealer.

 

done by a dealer

 

What you have done would be similar to changing the hard drive and never re-installing the OS.
The Cluster doesn't know what order it is in on the BUS.

I'll grab some general info posts from the 6tech and RX-8 forums and stick them all in one place. We have alot of stuff to get over here.