1. Remove the interlock cable.
2. With the slider pin as shown in the figure, verify that the interlock cable moves freely.

Key interlock inspection
Selector lever inspectionMazda 6 Service Manual: Driving Tips
WARNING
Do not let the vehicle move in a direction opposite to the direction selected
by the selector lever: Do not let the vehicle move backward with the selector
lever in a forward position, or do not let the vehicle move forward with the selector
lever in the reverse position. Otherwise, t ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: No.9 noise while operating a/c system
Diagnostic procedure
* : If there is gas leakage, air enters into the A/C system. The desiccant
within the receiver/drier absorbs the moisture from the air and becomes
saturated. If the A/C system is used in this condition, the inside of the A/C
compressor will begin to rust due to this ...