I found out about this neat trick so I'm spreading the word. It may not work on all cars, but it is known to work on 06+ Mazda3's with a 6-cd Player. My car is the Touring trim. A Trip Computer function is available on Grand Touring trim. It seems that the functionality in "lesser" models exists in the electronics, but is disabled. Use the following steps to enable it!

1. Get in car and close door.
2. Put key into ignition (DO NOT TURN YET!)
3. Hold down the AM/FM button AND the CD button.
4. With your other hand (while still holding the buttons) turn your key to the ACC position. The "Hello" message will appear on your display, and as soon as it goes away it will be replaced by DIS ON.
5. You may now let go of the AM/FM button and CD button.
6. Turn ignition off.

Now consult your owner's manual for how to use, but substitute the "Set" button in place of the "Info" button. Pressing "Set" toggles through the functions and is also used to reset. Press "Clock" to go back to clock mode.

The functions are:

* Current MPG, updated every 2 seconds
* Average MPG
* Approximate distance to empty, based on current avg mileage
* Average speed

Ok, it won't change your life, but the Instant MPG is good to know, and you can see how conditions and driving habits alter the MPG. Naturally, it is zero when you are sitting still, but jumps to 99mpg when you are coasting in gear. All cars should have such a simple device, just to make people aware of what they're using and how their driving affects how much they're using.

Hopefully I've helped a few readers save some gas and save some money!

Bill

i think this should be a sticky somewhere

i just did this to my car but had to use a diff method

NOTICE: 2008 MODELS

to unlock the trip computer on the 2008 model you must...
1. pop your hood and disconnect the NEGATIVE battery thingy
2. leave it off for 2-3 mins
3. reconnect the thingy to the battery
4. turn your key to "ON"
5. turn on your radio
8. now to cycle through your trip computer modes press the ":00" button
9. give yourself a pat on the back

Your what? 08.5 mazda3?

What's an 08.5? Cause it should work for an 08 mazda 3, what sequence\steps did you try?

Found this for ya (read the thread i linked, it has lots more info on this to get 08 mazdas working...)



Also, for an '08 mazda 3 you need to have the 6disk changer or it won't work. If you do, supposedly you can hit the "info" button and it'll work.