Side Cover Disassembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the screws.
Disengage clips A.
Lift the side cover up in the direction of the arrow, then unhook it from slide adjuster.

Fig 1: Removing Slide Cover From Slide Adjuster
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.