Do I really have to take it to the dealer

[jdamann]

Just purchased a new 3 and was looking through the manual. There are some features that can be changed by the dealer such as auto headlights and locks. I was wondering if there is another option. Can you do this another way?

 

[XspeedyD]

im confused, what you are asking?

 

[jdamann]

Is there a way to change the settings

without a visit to the dealer?

 

[XspeedyD]

oh i have no idea they dont come on the ms3. what u got against goin to the dealer?

 

[Dubcnea]

you will most likely have to head to the dealer as they have the software to reprogram your computer with whatever options you choose that aren't defaulted from factory. the only thing you can change via the menu in the 'nav' window is the blinker sound.

i don't like going to my dealer cuz they treat cars like pimps treat their working women...like ******. they are terrible and care zero about the customer or the car. i do ALL my own work or take it to a shop that i know. i can deal with no 3 blinks with one touch for now. not all dealers are good.

 

[Lord_Zath]

The only thing you can do yourself is set the car to lock/unlock automatically. Check the manual - directions are in there. Otherwise, everything else is dealer.

 

[DennyCrane]

I'd like to know how to disable to seatbelt warning tone. The manual says to get my dealer to do it. I'm assuming there's some trick to allow me to do it myself?

 

[_Chris]

A lot of these options have to be done at the dealer. Or if you happen to find a shop that has the Mazda only scan tool witch are several thousand bucks. When working at a Car Rental company we worked on GM and Toyota cars so we had there factory scan tools that would allow you to change all the setting in the computer.

 

[DennyCrane]

I had my car in for service on a minor issue I found, and I was chatting the guy up while he was doing his thing. Seeing as he already had my car hooked up to the computer, I asked him if he could disable the seatbelt chime while he was in there. He didn't know how off the top of his head, but it literally took him 20 seconds to find the correct menu and disable the chime. I did some reading before I had this done, and apparently many dealers will charge anywhere from $35-$90 to do this...for 20 seconds work! Anyways, I'm happy to not have to listen to when I unbuckle at drive-thru's or whatever.

 

[Lord_Zath]

From what I understand, you're not supposed to be charged for the first setup, which is typically done at first oil change.

 

[Dubcnea]

From what I understand, you're not supposed to be charged for the first setup, which is typically done at first oil change.

they told me that's when it COULD be done..but mazda will flip the bill for the first change whenever that is. i still have my card on my desk, ready to be taken in. i'm just too nervous to take it to the dealer.

 

[Lord_Zath]

you might as well bring it in. Post configuration, I'm very happy with all the settings and tweaks I did. It's not worth it to not have it done IMO. Make sure you photocopy your card so you have a record of what you have. My wife's 3 was just configured, and the dealer took her card. I asked my dealer to configure my 3 before I even picked it up and they did so without any problems (different dealers). Just re-read your above post ; you can always go elsewhere.

For me, the options I definitely like:

- Automatically locking when in gear (can be set on your own)
- Auto headlights at 2000 lux instead of 4000 lux
- Car automatically locks after doors shut and adv. key is no longer in car
- 3-blink turn signal (didn't think it would be that big of a deal but is sooo nice).

There's a bunch more on the card, but those to me are the best 4 .

 

[DennyCrane]

- 3-blink turn signal (didn't think it would be that big of a deal but is sooo nice).

What is that?

 

[Lord_Zath]

It's mainly for lane changes - push the signal up/down slightly and it blinks 3 times automatically - no need to hold it up/down. Seems trivial, but so nice