Tag: Mazda3

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Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto on Mazda3

I received an email on Monday, November 19, 2018 from our local Mazda Dealer that Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto available as a dealer-installed update.

One short phone call later, the installation as scheduled for Wednesday, November 21, 2018. As mentioned in the email, the dealer pricing was $399.95 plus tax. I assumed that the pricing includes the $199 for the parts and software, and the labor cost.

I dropped off my 2014 Mazda3 early in the morning and was given a loaner 2018 Mazda3. I was hoping that the loaner Mazda3 would have CarPlay installed, but it did not. I was told that November 21, 2018 was the first day the dealer starts providing the upgrade.

Around 3:00 pm, I received a notification that my car was ready. I left for the dealer to pickup my car. After signing the paperwork and making the payment for the installation, I finally got into my Mazda3.

I connected my iPhone to the newly upgraded 2.1-amp USB port and turned the car on. There it is, Apple CarPlay in my Mazda3.

One thing I noticed is that I also have the latest version of Mazda Infotainment system. According to Mazda, the latest version  available for the OS was version 59; my Mazda3 had OS version 55.

After the CarPlay installation, the car now has OS version 70.

I only had Apple CarPlay in my Mazda3 for 2 days. The $399.95 + tax seems a bit high according tony colleagues. To me it is a worthy upgrade.

Mazda models compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto upgrade:

  • 2014-2018 Mazda3
  • 2016-2018 Mazda6
  • 2016-2019 Mazda MX-5
  • 2017-2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
  • 2016-2019 Mazda CX-3
  • 2016-2018 Mazda CX-5
  • 2016-2018 Mazda CX-9

The retrofit includes installing new software and 2.1-amp USB ports.

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One Hot Day in May 2014

I was stuck on the I-405 freeway and the temperature was as high as 107°F  according to my car.

When the traffic was completely at full stop, I snapped a photo. It said 105°F.

May 14, 2014 105 degree Fahrenheit

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Mazda Infotainment System Version 29.00.000

According to Mazda Connect Customer Service, as of April 2014 the current version of Mazda Infotainment System 29.00.000 for 2014 Mazda3.

Mazda Infotainment System 29.00.000

Unconfirmed reports from Mazda Dealers version 30.00.000 might have been released as of May 2014.

It is not a good thing whenever the Infotainment System locks up.

Mazda3 Infotainment Center Blue Screen

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Guess who wrote the OS for the Infotainment System.

Considering that it is a new car, I don’t think the diagnostic was correct. Besides, there’s nothing really wrong with the car. I had no trouble with the brake system or the contorl of the car. must be false positives.

IMG_0460

I believe that the Infotainment System in this 2014 Mazda3 has a lot of Microsoft codes, just like Ford Sync.

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Bite My Shiny Mazda3 Infotainment Center

Bender and Mazda3 Infotainment Center

One thing that is annoying about cars with Infotainment Center is that they do lock up. I’d say the word “crash” but I felt it’s a bit uneasy to use when talking about car.

The Infotainment Center on this particular 2014 Mazda3 locked up and would not go beyond the Mazda logo. It’s nice to know that the radio and the CD player wouldn’t work either if the Infotainment Center locked up.

What a first world problem.