Shift Control Module Removal/Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Shift the shift lever to the neutral position.
Remove the plug hole plate. (See PLUG HOLE PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the negative battery cable. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the air cleaner and air hose as a single unit. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the battery and battery tray. (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the control cable from the manual transaxle.
1. Pull the lock pin in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and release the control cable end lock.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Control Cable End Lock
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Press the tabs on the control cable and disconnect the control cable from the bracket on the manual transaxle.
  
  Fig 2: Disconnecting Control Cable From Transaxle Bracket
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the neutral switch in the order shown in the figure.

Fig 3: Identifying Neutral Switch, Connector And Gasket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the detent ball pin in the order shown in the figure.

Fig 4: Identifying Plug, Gasket, Spring And Detent Ball Pin
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the back-up light switch in the order shown in the figure.

Fig 5: Identifying Back Up Light Switch, Connector And Gasket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the shift control module in the order shown in the figure.

Fig 6: Identifying Shift Control Module, Breather And O-Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.