[howdy]

I'm discovering stuff on my 3 that I'm curious to know something about. I'm hoping ya'll can help. I've attached some photos...

First is:

I saw these under all my doors but I can't tell what purpose they serve? Anyone know?

Second is:

I've been told this is some sort of diagnostic connector but I was curious to know if this should have some sort of cover. Would sure look a bit more finished if it did.

Anyway appreciate any additional info.

 

[raitchison]

Not sure about the first, my car has those as well, they look like some sort of retainer clip.

As for the seconed, it'd the OBD (On Board Diagnistics) port, the dealer or other repair facility can plug into that to get all kinds of information out of the engine/ecu.

 

[BK1017]

I think the first is a retaining clip that holds the panel to the door. Check out VaBoom's install walkthrough sticky under the electronics discussion. He explicity says what needs to be removed to take off the door panel...those might be one of them.

 

[gentle]

The second image is (officially) of "that strange plug above where my cigarettes live"

 

[Mazda3Silver5Dr]

I was wondering what those clips were also. I dont think they have anything to do with holding the door panels on because they are not near where the door panel itself mounts. I was thinking they might be anti-vibration clips of some kind.

 

[howdy]

The clips are definitely of unknown origin. Like Mazda3Silver5Dr said (and I'm referencing him a lot lately!) they don't appear to hold the door panels - they're much lower on the lip of the doors. They just seem very out of place - I don't think I've ever seen anything like them on any vehicle I've owned. It's a mystery to me...

As for the port - again I just wish there was a cover just so dust, lint, cigarette tobacco, hair, whatever just doesn't get clogged up there and screw something up. I already have a navel of my own to clean without having to clean one on the car!

 

[cowtown]

I don't seem to remember those clips holding the door panels at all before. I had them on my Protege 5 as well, I'm leaning towards the vibration dampers myself.

 

[vaBooM]

First, that clip holds on a rubber seal that mates up with the frame of the car when the door is closed.

Second, the plug is for OBD II.

 

[Poseidon]

Couldn't the clips have something to do with the alarm system (equipped on the GT) ? Just a guess ....

 

[Mobile]

Actually, those clips are like mini-drains. Take a closer look, and you will notice the little black flap in the middle of the clip acts like a drain when there is water in your door (it flaps open).

 

[howdy]

Actually, those clips are like mini-drains. Take a closer look, and you will notice the little black flap in the middle of the clip acts like a drain when there is water in your door (it flaps open).

This is what I love about this board! Learn me something new everyday! Thanks!

 

[vaBooM]

Odd, mine dont have them. A rubber seal runs almost the whole length of the bottom of the door.

 

[dougm]

The 5 door has these on the back door as well. It is for covering the drain hole. I just got my 5 door on Saturday, and one of them was missing from the hatch door. The salesperson took one off another car on the lot for me - supposed to order one for that car.

 

[howdy]

Odd, mine dont have them. A rubber seal runs almost the whole length of the bottom of the door.

That's odd... :? I doubt that this is a regional thing - maybe take another look at all your doors at the very bottom - I've got them on all four of my doors. I, too have the rubber seal, but the clips are there as well, they should be fairly visible, nothing to have to move outta the way or anything...

 

[LeeLee]

If that is a drain-hole cover, which it looks increasingly likely to be, it is the most engineered drain hole cover I've ever seen. Can we port, polish, and blue-print that sucker for better flow?

 

[howdy]

If that is a drain-hole cover, which it looks increasingly likely to be, it is the most engineered drain hole cover I've ever seen. Can we port, polish, and blue-print that sucker for better flow?

You crack me up, man! :lol:

Next thing you know people will be putting neon on them!

 

[GriefOneNYC]

The second image is (officially) of "that strange plug above where my cigarettes live"

It took me about 2 weeks before I even noticed that little "cubby hole." I quit smokin so I will have to find another use for it. It aint really a good place for my celly either......at this time I would like to thank Mazda for a seeminlgy useless storage area.