Shift Control Module Removal/Installation: Removal

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 [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
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 [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
Disconnect the control cable from the 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 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.