Does or should the shifter panel illuminate?

[Armchair Bronco]

Can someone tell me whether the shifter panel should be illuminated? Or does it light up (even faintly) when you turn your lights on?

On the '07 CX-9 GT that I just bought, the panel DOES NOT illuminate and I find this a little disconcerting when driving the car and shifting into reverse at night. (dunno)

Sure, I can look at the dashboard graphic (or the backing camera display on the nav) to see what gear I'm in, but I also want to SEE what gear I'm in when I'm manipulating the shifter. I'm hoping that this is supposed to work but I just have a burned out light bulb or LED.

[ceric]

Armchair Bronco,
It is a gated gear shifter. Very soon, I got used to not looking at the shifter totally. If I need to make sure, I look at the dash.

No, the shifter panel does not illuminate. There is a small blue LED inside the shifter, though.

[Armchair Bronco]

Armchair Bronco,
It is a gated gear shifter. Very soon, I got used to not looking at the shifter totally. If I need to make sure, I look at the dash.

No, the shifter panel does not illuminate. There is a small blue LED inside the shifter, though.

Darn! I'm sure I'll get used to it, but I consider this a mild oversight. A user-adjustable light illuminating the various "D" gears, "N", and "R" would have been nice.

So far, my biggest complaints with this car have to do with dashboard (and now shifter panel) illumination.

Anyway, I'll survive...

[brightwhite]

In the GT, there is a blue LED in the roof panel that shines down on this. I've never thought this was an issue.

[Armchair Bronco]

In the GT, there is a blue LED in the roof panel that shines down on this. I've never thought this was an issue.

I'm mentioning this only because I'm comparing it to my Audi which is subtly illuminated.

The tradeoff I guess is that the CX-9 has a lot less visual "noise" going on...and that's a good thing.

[CX9 SportOwner]

The GT doesn't have lighted characters next to the gate? My Sport does.

I don't get the blue accent lights, anyway. Especially in an interior with orange graphics. That alone is why I wouldn't buy a GT.

[Armchair Bronco]

The GT doesn't have lighted characters next to the gate?

Nope. And it's caused me more than a couple of double-takes. I get ready to shift @ night, I look down at the shifter, and I see...NOTHING. Nuttin' but blackness.

WTF?

Call me "Old School", but I kinda like seeing what gear I'm in right at the place where I'm shifting gears...

[CX9 SportOwner]

That's just weird. I dislike the blue LEDs even more now.

[kosh2258]

Yes, it should be lit. On my 2007 GT AWD the shifter display next to the gate is lighted in orange like the rest of the display.

[ceric]

There is a blue LED on the ceiling console illuminating down on the shifter.
There is a small blue LED inside the sliver part of the shifter. You have to pay attention to see it.
It is intended to help you locate the shiter, I think.
I don't know why, but the letters next to the gated shifter do not illuminate at all (on GT trim). For a straight-line shifter, I can see the need of it. For a gated one, it is less needed IMO.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Maybe the bulb is out then.

[Armchair Bronco]

OK. Turns out I was mis-stating the problem. I'm still learning about this car, so I can plead ignorance.

Turns out that the shifter panel is only dark when I *don't* have the lights turned on. I guess that makes sense. On my Audi, it senses that it's dark outside, and it automagically illuminates the shifter for me.

As soon as I turn on the lights, the shifter on my CX-9 brightens up. (hand)

Also, I see the faint blue LED coming from the ceiling, so it seems that everything is OK.

I still wish there were some kind of visual hint about which gear I'm in on the shifter panel (like maybe a light square around the active gear or maybe a brighter color or something). I think my original gripe must have been that I couldn't tell which gear I was in unless I looked at the dashboard. And that's still the case.

If I kept the lights in "Auto" mode, the car would sense darkness like my Audi, but I like to use running lights in the daylight, so I have to use "On" rather than "Auto". I wonder if it's possible to get my car re-programmed to behave like a Mazda sold in the Canadian market where daytime running lights are required?

[CX9 SportOwner]

I don't even look at the shifter.

[Lindyrect]

I took my 07 GT in for a service recall and they ended up breaking the light bulb in the shifter column. I had to make another appointment for them to replace it seeing as they had none in stock.

On another note, I actually find it disturbing that someone would want to take their eyes of the road/horizon to look at the shifter panel to see what gear they are on when a 6" drop of the eyes tells you all you need to know.

[CX9 SportOwner]

I think he meant when he first gets in, and it's dark. I hope

[SeCX-9]

OK. Turns out I was mis-stating the problem. I'm still learning about this car, so I can plead ignorance.

Turns out that the shifter panel is only dark when I *don't* have the lights turned on. I guess that makes sense. On my Audi, it senses that it's dark outside, and it automagically illuminates the shifter for me.

As soon as I turn on the lights, the shifter on my CX-9 brightens up. (hand)

Also, I see the faint blue LED coming from the ceiling, so it seems that everything is OK.

I still wish there were some kind of visual hint about which gear I'm in on the shifter panel (like maybe a light square around the active gear or maybe a brighter color or something). I think my original gripe must have been that I couldn't tell which gear I was in unless I looked at the dashboard. And that's still the case.

If I kept the lights in "Auto" mode, the car would sense darkness like my Audi, but I like to use running lights in the daylight, so I have to use "On" rather than "Auto". I wonder if it's possible to get my car re-programmed to behave like a Mazda sold in the Canadian market where daytime running lights are required?


No reason to look down. The CX-9 automatically shows the current transmission gear on dashboard display when in automatic mode. When in auto-stick mode, it automatically shows you which gear you are in.

Why not keep eyes forward when shifting. You can go faster, safer that way...

[Armchair Bronco]

I think he meant when he first gets in, and it's dark. I hope

Yep, that's what I meant. I was only complaining about not having any feedback when I first get in at night and I initially shift out of "Park". It's a very minor complaint to be sure. But the only other frame of reference I have is my Audi A4 -- that car auto-illuminates at night, and the current main gear (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Sport) is a little brighter than the others.

Obviously, once I'm rolling this isn't an issue.

[CX9 SportOwner]

You will get used to looking at the dash pretty quick. Mazda did a much better job by showing the gear you're in all the time, rather than just in manual mode, too.

[hamproof]

Not only do they illuminate, but they serve as your finger warmers as well. It's an undocumented feature. Only Mazda can be so thoughtful. Mazda decided to give us finger warmers instead of struts for the hood and left the rear backlight washer untrimmed.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123744323&highlight=ducts

[CX9 SportOwner]

I prefer the prop rod. It will never wear out and cost me money.

I also don't mind the non trimmed washer hole, either. One less part to crack and need to be replaced.

You must be a GM fan. GM LOVES to over trim their cars.

[hamproof]

For $10k, I can live with an unfinished hole. For $20k, I can overlook a prop rod versus struts. For $30k, I expect certain features. Real leather, HID lights, power everything, and yes struts for hood as well, let alone an unfinished hole.

For > $40k MSRP, the 08 GT is sorely missing these features and more. Chief among them a trip computer, memory side mirrors and steering wheel, heated steering wheel, cool seat, better resolution GPS, iPod integration, better sound insulation, softer dash trim material, power folding rear seats, nicer, softer leather etc. Competitors are offering these things and sales figure proved that consumers are overlooking the Mazda for a reason.

If we as consumers don't demand more and accept what is given to us, we'll never get the manuf. to improve. Do you think we'll have the cellphones of today if Apple didn't break the mold and gave us the iPhone?

Btw, there's a big difference with what GM did in the past with the Grand Am, Grand Prix, Aztec to name a few with the trim. Recent GM cars are devoid of such trims and are actually very nicely appointed inside and out. In fact GM and Ford cars have nice interior these days. Only Chrysler seem to be stuck in the 80s.

There's no reason for Mazda to leave that hole untrimmed. Obsessing over small details are what Japanese companies are known for. Now, Ford is learning this with the new Taurus.

[Force-1]

[]inb4youknowwhochastisesyoufornotthoroughlychecking whatyoubought[/]

[CX9 SportOwner]

Japanese are also known for not wasting time unnecessarily trimming an already finished hole. I like it becasue you don't even notice it, vs. having a spray nozzle sticking out.

Instead of messing with that, they focused on not having visible screws on things like the third brake light. The whole focus of the CX9 was to make it clean. You see almost no screws, inside or out, or extra trim. THAT level of detail is where the 30k goes, rather than making a sloppy hole that needs an extra piece of trim to hide the raw edge. One step instead of two. THAT is Mazda engineering.
Instead, Mazda put the money into extras that the competition doesn't have. Blind Spot Monitor, rollover stability control, remote front windows, adaptive 6 speed transmission with manual mode and standard cooling, standard 3 zone AUTOMATIC climate control, superior handling, LED taillights, seats that work, 18" or 20" alloy wheels, etc. Find another make that has everything the CX9 does for the same money.
I could see that attention to detail on my 83 Mazda truck. They were the first to have a smooth bedside on a small truck, and lots of other little details that made it cleaner and simpler than the competition.

I agree that GM finally started following that philosophy. The Lamdas are the nicest thing they've ever made. (The Acadia is SO much nicer and cleaner than the Envoy it replaced) Too bad it took them 40 years to make a decent vehicle again. If they started sooner, they wouldn't be in trouble now.

[hamproof]

Attention to detail is what got Japanese automaker ahead, especially Lexus in the beginning. That's partly why Acura can never get ahead of Lexus or Infiniti. It could be they lack a RWD platform and V8. I think it is because they re-use the Honda part bins and customers do see it. Sitting in an Acura doesn't exude luxury as much as sitting in a Lexus over a Honda and Toyota respectively.

Btw, this is coming from an Acura TL owner. I would buy an Acura for their ride over a similar Lexus coz' that's what I value. Or used to value. These days with the aching bones, I would more likely to choose a Lexus now for a supple ride, and better appointed interior.

If your prior car was a CR-V, I can see why you can overlook and dismiss a trivial piece (or rather lack off) like a trim on an unfinished hole. Sit in more cars costing > $30k to $40k range and you'll see the difference. For Mazda to charge >$40k MSRP on a loaded GT and not include some of these things is the reason why no one is buying them.. without the $10k discount like many of us on this board have gotten.

Unfortunately there aren't many 3 row SUVs out there to compete with the CX-9, but since you are a fan of comparing apples and oranges, in the case of saying Edge is just like the CX-9 even w/o the 3rd row and 10" shorter,

On your list:

Blind Spot Monitor - maybe Ford holds the patent on this as I don't know of any vehicle has this other than them (Volvo, Mazda, Ford, Lincoln prob)

Rollover stability control - NHTSA will make this a federal mandate soon and most manuf already included this in their lineup esp those prone to rollover. Name me one manuf who doesn't provide this.

Remote front windows - Didn't check recently, but my 2001 Audi A4 already has this 8 years ago. I would imagine many others have this as well. Heck, co-workers Chrysler T&C has this.

Adaptive 6 speed transmission with manual mode - almost all manuf has 6 speed in their "crossover", with exception of Honda Pilot. All of them have a manual mode of some sort. Merc GLK has 7 speed.

Standard cooling, standard 3 zone AUTOMATIC climate control - Pilot has tri-zone. I'm sure many others do as well.

Superior handling - ok .. this I give you

LED taillights - You are saying none of the SUVs out on the road has LED tailights??

Seats that work - as opposed to seats that don't work?? I haven't tried flipping the QM quads seats, but I think they might have better clearance to enter the vehicle based on demo.

18" or 20" alloy wheels - I would prefer 17 and 19, though I would never take 17 or 18 on a vehicle this size. 19" tires would be cheaper I imagine.

I can overlook the trim piece since I only paid less than $32k for my 08 GT minus the entertainment and tow package. If I only paid $28k, I can overlook the prop rod.

Different people different strokes. I too am bothered with the funky blue accent and orange/red lighting. I think the best interior lighting on all the cars I've owned (to me at least) was on my old 01 A4. I think the theme carried over until 04. Not sure what it looks like now. The entire interior was a suttle red lighting. Not glaring, but evenly lit. I like it, but reviewers didn't and say it looks like an airplane cockpit ready to take off. Perhaps "Bronco" can chime in since he has an 04 A4?? I can live with the funky lighting and I don't complain about it. But you bring it up often saying that's the reason you gladly paid ~$32k for your 07 FWD Sport because you cannot stand the blue accent on the GT. Makes sense I suppose. Get a $32k AWD GT with funky blue accent, HID, leather, powered hatch @17MPG OR $32k for FWD Sport, halogen, cloth, manual hatch @ 22MPG 7s flat 0-60.

You crack me up daily. When Geely, BYD, Chery invade our shores, you'll be their perfect customer. I'm sure they'll have many untrimmed pieces and prop rod.

[The-9]

being such a picky person with your tastes, I am surprised you bought the CX9 with all it's deficiencies.(rofl)

[hamproof]

being such a picky person with your tastes, I am surprised you bought the CX9 with all it's deficiencies.(rofl)

Moi? I can overlook them coz' I paid ~$10k below MSRP. I could have gotten an 08 Sport for $24k, but I can't live w/o HID. Leather seats is a must since we just have a baby. Also need the powered hatch coz' the wife is a bit short.

What I don't need is the NAV which Mazda forces you to get for the powered hatch.

But I can still point out its shortcoming. I'm sure by the next generation most of these will be taken care of by Mazda, if they choose to listen to their customers.

This is a forum. Members usually raves about their vehicles, seek knowledge or complain about issues. You don't go defend the manuf for their decision to omit something as simple as a trim piece, or not use struts for a vehicle costing > $40k MSRP. I'm sure after 2 years, Mazda realized, "geez.. you think we should include a trip computer coz' every single one of our competitor have them??"

[vikefan7]

It doesn't sound like you're overlooking them....... I actually like the funky blue lighting and I don't mind the prop rod, I guess maybe because I've never had a hood with struts.

Can you name me a $40,000 7 seater with all of the features you've listed? I don't have the intricate knowledge of all of them to know which models would have the features you listed that Mazda omitted.

[hamproof]

One of our 10 year old car has struts. Looks like it is still holding up as good as the day we bought it.

If the Pilot has 6 speed and not so boxy looking and cost $32k for an EX, I would be driving a Pilot right now. Every Honda product I've bought, I've bought at the EX level. Just like every Mazda product I bought or will buy, will be at the GT level.

Buick Enclave CXL with Lux and Driver Confidence package ~ $40k - has power tilt and telescoping (I doubt memory though), rear parking sensor. Option of having 2 captains seat on 2nd row (or save $800 for bench like the Mazda). 2 captains row would make it so much easier to go to the 3rd row. Articulating headlamps. Better warranty, smaller displacement but almost 10% more HP. Power folding side mirrors?? IIRC

Acura MDX ~ $40k - almost 15% more HP, better warranty (but 5 speed), power telescoping tilt steering wheel (not sure if memory).

Audi Q7 - might be stretching it at $46k, but definitely leaps and bounds better than the CX-9. Different class.

Btw, 09 CX-9 has tri-zone, but I don't think the 08 and below qualify as tri-zone since you only get the 2 knobs to control the tempt and fan speed.

If I'm spending $42k, it'll be a toss bet the MDX or Enclave. Good thing no one is buying the CX-9 in my area as opposed to MDX, CX-9 or Enclave. Yes, you are right. For less than $32k for a brand new loaded (minus rear ent and towing) CX-9 GT, nothing can touch it. But I can still complain about the prop rod and unfinished hole, right? Last I check, Independence Day is tomorrow :)

Anyone care to stop by the Buick, Acura and Audi dealership to see if they all have struts. I don't know, but I bet a shiny penny they will have them. Like I said, my 10 year old Acura has it, my old A4 (2001) IIRC has it and I'm pretty sure most GM/Buick will have them too. But if you don't have them before I guess you won't know what you are missing.

Oh, Sport, don't assumed you have worked on my cars than I have. Not sure where you get that idea, but I'm a mechanical engineer. I've worked at GM and Ford tech centers, not some monkey wrench guy at a dealership.