Did you know you can change the Mazda 3 shift knob, even if it’s an automatic? Most people think only manual cars get the JDM treatment, but nope, auto owners can join the fun too. I recently swapped mine for a round-style red shift knob, and honestly, it made the whole interior look way more sporty. Think JDM with a cleaner, upgraded vibe.
The stock Mazda 3 shift knob looks decent from the factory, but over time, the soft rubber finish starts fading. I had that issue, so I decided to do a little DIY upgrade. I wasn’t sure if it would work with an automatic, but it turns out the whole process is easy once you know the steps.
Why Change the Mazda 3 Shift Knob?
The stock Mazda 3 shift knob is decent, but it doesn’t stay that way forever. After a few years, the soft rubber coating on mine started to fade and wear out, especially under the hot sun. It didn’t feel great to hold anymore, and it made the whole center console look a bit tired.
That’s when I started looking into JDM-style shift knobs. I wanted something that added a bit of personality without going overboard. A round shift knob gives the interior a cleaner, more tuner-inspired look—like something you’d see in a classic build.
It’s a small change, but it makes a big visual difference. I checked out the AutoExe option first, but it was way too pricey for what it offered. I ended up buying a matte red round knob from AliExpress instead, and honestly, it looks and feels even better—all without breaking the bank.
What You’ll Need
So to change your Mazda 3 gear shift knob you don’t really need much. All you need is a flathead screwdriver (or a plastic trim removal tool if you don’t like scratches), an Allen key (already provided along with the Mazda 3 shift knob replacement) to remove the internal screw and, of course, the newshift knob (bonus if it comes with a thread adapter).
Most JDM-style shift knobs you can order on AliExpress, so you can choose the one that fits your car model and shifter. That’s it. You can do the whole thing in five to 10 minutes.
How To Remove The Factory Mazda 3 Automatic Shift Knob
This method works for CX-3, CX-4, CX-5, CX-9, Axela (Mazda 3) & Atenza (Mazda 6) models. Video is just a guide for this post, and it took me a while to research, and rest assured, it will work.
Step 1: Turn off the engine and engage the handbrake.
Safety first. You don’t want to bump it into gear mid-swap.
Step 2: Locate the shift lock button.
The Mazda 3 automatic knob has a button on the side. It’s part of the locking mechanism, so the trick here is not to yank it off forcefully.
Step 3: Pop off the shift lock button trim.
Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the button piece off. Be careful here—it’s easy to scratch the trim if you rush.
Step 4: Remove the screw inside.
Once the button and trim are off, you’ll see a metal pin that holds the shift knob in place. Slightly remove the pin out of its position, and lift the knob straight up.
Installing The New JDM Mazda 3 Shift Knob
Step 5: Check the fit.
If you bought a universal knob, it probably comes with a few plastic or metal thread adapters. Check with the sellers and make sure it is compatible with your car. Pick the one that fits your Mazda 3 shifter post.
Step 6: Screw it on.
Line up the new JDM shift knob on the shifter thread and screw it on using the provided Allen key. Make sure it’s aligned properly before tightening the screws. Once everything is secure, push the knob down so the black cover slides into place and hides the screws.
Most modern automatic shifters don’t need that side button unless your car specifically requires it for shifting between gears. For the Mazda 3, it fits just fine and functions like normal.
Step 7: Test the shifts.
Turn your car on and make sure you can move through all gears (P, R, N, D) smoothly. If it feels loose or jammed, unscrew and double-check the fit.
Where To Buy A Mazda 3 Shift Knob (JDM Style)
I grabbed mine off AliExpress, and it fits perfectly. It’s a round JDM-style Mazda 3 shift knob with a matte red finish. Looks great against my black Axela interior. I don’t really want to show the logo, so I aligned the logo the other way round and hid it.
- Red
- Black
- Red Carbon Fiber
- Black Carbon Fiber
- Silver
I personally went with the matte red version, and it pops nicely against the black interior of my Mazda 3 Axela. The round shape gives it a clean, sporty feel, and the different color options let you match your car’s vibe easily.
I’m satisfied with the one I bought. Check it out on AliExpress. If you’re into carbon fiber or want something more subtle, black or silver might work better. Either way, it’s a cheap and solid way to give your Mazda 3 interior a bit more style without doing a full overhaul.
Final Thoughts About DIY Mazda Shift Knob Replacement
The DIY process to replace your Mazda 3 shift knob, is one of the easiest Mazda 3 mods and takes a few minutes but really changes the look and feel of your interior very quickly – so be sure to check out the Mazda 3 shift knob replacement video, the first step is crucial! The stock knob is not bad, but by the time it begins to fade or chip, it just doesn’t look and feel as good anymore. Trading it for something with a little character, such as a round JDM-style piece, provides a small sense of sophistication, which correlates to enjoyment behind the wheel.
And the great thing is you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve the look. There are some super cheap ones in options on AliExpress, with different adapter threads so you don’t have to worry much about size. I chose a matte red round knob, but you can get them in black, silver, red carbon fiber, or black carbon fiber—so you can easily match your interior.
If you’re on the fence, I’d say try it out. The new knob is more solid feeling in the hand, looks sportier, and adds that clean JDM vibe without having to touch anything else. It’s a low-cost refresh with high impact — and sometimes that’s all it takes to make your car feel new again.
