Key Cylinder Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Insert the key into the key cylinder and turn it to the ACC position.
Insert a pin from the position indicated by the arrow in the figure, and while pressing the lock lever with the pin, remove the key cylinder from the steering lock.

Fig 1: View Of Removing Key Cylinder From Steering Lock
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.