Plastic squeak around console transmission selector

[Pootie Tang]

Cool! How did you remove the gate? Does it just pop off?

There's a thread in this forum I think, that explains how to remove it. Generally, you pop up the cubby under the HVAC controls by inserting a flat blade (taped is a good idea) screwdriver between the center console gate area trim and the cubby edge about 1.2" from the left edge of the cubby. The cubby pops up and rearward. You then reach under the front edge of console gate area trim and lift. The trim pops up at all corners.

Oh, and you need to unscrew the selector knob first to lift the trim off.

 

[cballa217]

I have the same issue in my 09 touring. I finally figured out that it is coming from the driver's seatbelt locking mechanism on the lower right next to the console. It only makes the creaking sound when my seatbelt is on and going around turns. One day I was just sitting there when the car was not moving and realized that breathing in and out with my 12-pack stomach was moving the seatbelt and making the creaking noise. Taking it to the dealership soon for warranty fix along with stupid leaking moonroof when in automatic car wash places.

As an update, took the car into the dealship this week to check the creaking seatbelt and sure enough it was the buckle. Service dept. had to order a new buckle and will be replaced under warranty. He said it is very common in the Mazda 3s, no so much in the CX-9.

 

[Davicho]

As an update, took the car into the dealship this week to check the creaking seatbelt and sure enough it was the buckle. Service dept. had to order a new buckle and will be replaced under warranty. He said it is very common in the Mazda 3s, no so much in the CX-9.

Common on Mazda5's as well as I posted previously and also CX9 because mine had it until I replaced it myself on both my previous M5 and my current CX9.