In 2006 when we bought my wife's 3, the following models were available, in increasing levels of trim:
3i 4-Door Touring
3s 4-Door Touring
3s 4-Door Grand Touring
3s 5-Door Touring
3s 5-Door Grand Touring
Both Grand Touring models were equipped with a Driver Information System (DIS) which Mazda describes as a four-function trip computer displaying current and average fuel economy, distance-to-empty, and average vehicle speed. Since we purchased the 3i Touring model our vehicle did not come with this option - at least that's what Mazda would like you to believe. In fact, all 3s are fitted with this option which can be activated by following a simple setup proceedure. Obviously, Mazda means this as a perk for upscale buyers so nowhere will you find activation instructions in the driver manual's of the lesser models (such as ours) nor are dealers likely to reveal the secret. Economies of scale and manufacturing dictate that Mazda design and build a single system whether or not all functions are utilized (in my fog lightless DX, the OEM wire harness is nevertheless in place should I ever desire to install this accessory).
I didn't discover this on my own but found the instructions posted by a member on another forum who had just bought an '07 3 and had somehow acquired the information. I followed her instructions and was easily able to activate the system in my wife's car. It works as described. The readouts will appear in place of the time display at the left side of the LCD panel.
Instructions to Enable DIS Trip Computer
1. Make sure the radio is on when you shut the car off (before you start).
2. Before you start the engine, push and hold the CD and AM/FM buttons.
3. Start the engine while continuing to hold the CD and AM/FM buttons.
4. After a few seconds, the display should read "DIS ON."
5. Stop the engine.
6. Restart the engine.
7. Touch the SET button to see the trip computer whose readout will display where the time display normally occurs.
8. Toggle through the various function displays using the SET button.
9. To turn off the DIS and switch back to the time display, touch the clock button.
For US 3s, the display is in English (Imperial) units; Canadian 3s may display in SI units. I don't know if this proceedure will also work in '04 and '05 3s but it's certainly worth a try if you're so inclined.
If just one person uses these instructions to enable DIS, and finds great joy and happiness as a result, it will have truly made my day.
Happy Motoring!
Photo 1. Display control buttons
Photo 2. Time display
Photo 3. Average vehicle speed in mph display
Photo 4. Average fuel economy in mpg display
Photo 5. Miles-to-empty display
3i 4-Door Touring
3s 4-Door Touring
3s 4-Door Grand Touring
3s 5-Door Touring
3s 5-Door Grand Touring
Both Grand Touring models were equipped with a Driver Information System (DIS) which Mazda describes as a four-function trip computer displaying current and average fuel economy, distance-to-empty, and average vehicle speed. Since we purchased the 3i Touring model our vehicle did not come with this option - at least that's what Mazda would like you to believe. In fact, all 3s are fitted with this option which can be activated by following a simple setup proceedure. Obviously, Mazda means this as a perk for upscale buyers so nowhere will you find activation instructions in the driver manual's of the lesser models (such as ours) nor are dealers likely to reveal the secret. Economies of scale and manufacturing dictate that Mazda design and build a single system whether or not all functions are utilized (in my fog lightless DX, the OEM wire harness is nevertheless in place should I ever desire to install this accessory).
I didn't discover this on my own but found the instructions posted by a member on another forum who had just bought an '07 3 and had somehow acquired the information. I followed her instructions and was easily able to activate the system in my wife's car. It works as described. The readouts will appear in place of the time display at the left side of the LCD panel.
Instructions to Enable DIS Trip Computer
1. Make sure the radio is on when you shut the car off (before you start).
2. Before you start the engine, push and hold the CD and AM/FM buttons.
3. Start the engine while continuing to hold the CD and AM/FM buttons.
4. After a few seconds, the display should read "DIS ON."
5. Stop the engine.
6. Restart the engine.
7. Touch the SET button to see the trip computer whose readout will display where the time display normally occurs.
8. Toggle through the various function displays using the SET button.
9. To turn off the DIS and switch back to the time display, touch the clock button.
For US 3s, the display is in English (Imperial) units; Canadian 3s may display in SI units. I don't know if this proceedure will also work in '04 and '05 3s but it's certainly worth a try if you're so inclined.
If just one person uses these instructions to enable DIS, and finds great joy and happiness as a result, it will have truly made my day.
Happy Motoring!
Photo 1. Display control buttons
Photo 2. Time display
Photo 3. Average vehicle speed in mph display
Photo 4. Average fuel economy in mpg display
Photo 5. Miles-to-empty display
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