I did this so you don't have to. We didn't feel like we needed the options available in the Touring or Grand Touring, and got a great deal on a 2013 Sport, but I really miss not having a trip computer for gas mileage and distance till empty. It bothers me that you can see that those options are available in the information display (when the sunlight hits it just right), but inactive.
I read a lot of posts from pre-2008 Mazda3 owners where they "tricked" the trip computer into working by pressing the AM/FM button and the CD button on the radio as they start the car, and they operate the trip computer using the clock buttons. At some point, Mazda got wise to this and the trick didn't work on newer models.
SO... I've been looking on eBay for a 2012+ Mazda5 leather steering wheel with the "INFO" button, and found one for $75, hoping that by having the proper switch and connections, the computer would work. Of course, the new steering wheel had the Bluetooth options that I was sure wouldn't work as Mazda wouldn't install expensive Bluetooth hardware in a car with no functionality. I was right about that.
I installed the new steering wheel last night, turned on the ignition, and no trip computer. The INFO button does nothing. I randomly pressed all sorts of buttons as I turned on and off the car... no luck.
In case anyone was wondering if a steering wheel from a Touring or GT will enable their trip computer on their Sport, I've saved you some money. It might be that the dealer would have to program the ECU for the trip computer to work, or the Sport lacks the proper wiring harness. Bummer.
On the other hand, I now have an OEM leather wrapped steering wheel.
I read a lot of posts from pre-2008 Mazda3 owners where they "tricked" the trip computer into working by pressing the AM/FM button and the CD button on the radio as they start the car, and they operate the trip computer using the clock buttons. At some point, Mazda got wise to this and the trick didn't work on newer models.
SO... I've been looking on eBay for a 2012+ Mazda5 leather steering wheel with the "INFO" button, and found one for $75, hoping that by having the proper switch and connections, the computer would work. Of course, the new steering wheel had the Bluetooth options that I was sure wouldn't work as Mazda wouldn't install expensive Bluetooth hardware in a car with no functionality. I was right about that.
I installed the new steering wheel last night, turned on the ignition, and no trip computer. The INFO button does nothing. I randomly pressed all sorts of buttons as I turned on and off the car... no luck.
In case anyone was wondering if a steering wheel from a Touring or GT will enable their trip computer on their Sport, I've saved you some money. It might be that the dealer would have to program the ECU for the trip computer to work, or the Sport lacks the proper wiring harness. Bummer.
On the other hand, I now have an OEM leather wrapped steering wheel.
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