Mazda 3 Oil Change
**Disclaimer** Use this video with the proper precautions in place and at your own risk. This video is not certified by Mazda or ASE Certified. I am not ASE certified or responsible for any damage or injury caused by misuse of this informational video. **There Is No Reason To Take Engine Cover Off For This Oil Change** Not sure why I added this step.
is this is the same for a 2.0? same year just different engine.
I’m going to replace the spark plugs too? is it easy? I didn’t want to pay the dealer $250 when I’m certain I can do it myself
Nice work! Thanks for actually showing us you doing it so we get a realistic idea of what it takes. All the little tips were very helpful to, for instance using the ratchet to get the oil filter socket off, and other reminders you included. Very thorough!! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the post it was helpful.
Thanks for the video… After doing it I realized that I would rather change to the spin on filter. Anyone figure out if the 2.0 filter is big enough for the 2.3 engine?
@cfs527 that under panel was made for the previous 2.0 l engine.
@mana619 I’m not sure why certain places won’t do the oil change on your Mazda. My guess would be because they don’t want to deal with the cartridge type oil filter. It’s more messy than a standard oil filter and takes longer to deal with. Other than that, I have no idea.
I have changed oil a thousand times. But you know, it is a hassle so I haven’t changed oil in a few years because I just hated collecting the oil, recycling, getting dirty, LOL! I took my Mazda to a couple places and they did not want to do my oil change on the Mazda3???? I just got too lazy in my older age and never bothered. But now after watching your video, I really don’t see that the problem is for any mechanic to do it. Only certain places will do the Mazda 3. Do you have any idea why?
@cfs527 It’s funny because I actually remove this bolt now. It does let a lot of the excess oil come out before unscrewing the oil filter which makes things cleaner.
btw I’m not sure about removing the hex bolt in the filter cover but it sure comes in handy to let out the oil in the filter before you remove it so it doesn’t gush out like it did in the video . Whoever did the oil last really cranked down on the filter cap.
@cfs527 Glad I could help! Yes, it would have been nice if they had aligned the hole up with the oil filter. I have come to the realization that there’s nothing easy on this car to work on. I’m sure they engineer these newer cars to try and prevent people like you and I from doing our own maintenance.
Thanks for the help- My wife ALWAYS took her Mazda to a shop for service when she knows darn well I can do routine maintenance myself. Now all of a sudden she asked me to change her oil. As soon as I got under there I knew I had some learning to do because its not the same as any other car I’ve owned. You’d think they would have lined the hole in the underpanel up with the filter on the 2.3 but NOOOOO. I detect a conspiracy. Thanks for helping the shade tree mechanic.
@bigpapahades Good to see some others turning the wrench too. I think I can answer your question on why mechanics or forums aren’t being straight forward on how to do an oil change. If the public knew how easy it was to change their own oil, the dealers and Jiffy Lube’s would be out of a damn job dude.
thanks for posting this video. This answers a few questions I had about my girlfriends Mada 3. Needs an oil change and I would feel like a chump if I didnt turn the wrench myself. My only question left is why couldnt any mechanic or forum be this straight forward. Thanks again. Straight forward and easy. We use mobile 1 too.
@vansskaterd You don’t need to take the engine cover off. It was just something I did for the hell of it. not sure why I added that step. Hope you can sleep now.
i cant sleep over this!!!!!!!!!!
What is the purpose taking off the plastic engine cover??
i did an oil change for my boss and i didnt do that and now im scared i couldve messed something up! :O
never done anything similar but mate thanks to You I am going to do it right now. A very good prezentation. Thanks.
@fuguf1sh You’re right, I’m not sure why I removed it either. Just like seeing the engine I guess.
@lightningsmokerXx Yes, you are correct. The Parts guy at my local Mazda dealership actually told me that some Mazda 3 owners with the 2.3 engine are actually using the 2.0 canister type oil filter for their 2.3′s. I guess it makes life a little easier not having to deal with the cartridge filter. But, I’m not sure if the 2.0 filter is large enough to collect all the debris from the bigger 2.3 engine. Might have to look into it.
thanks for this video made my job a little easier…2 thumbs up…
@cityspeighce he has the 2.3L not the base 2.0L engine like the Ford Focus.
Base 2.0L 4cyl uses standard canister filter. Up level 2.3L 4cyl uses cartridge type oil filter.
Great video - lots of detail! Thanks!
Why is it 5W-20 oil and a filter cartridge? Is this some sort of racing application?
@veteran011 I guess a quality hydraulic jack would be your best bet for lifting the car. I personally just use the emergency jack with a jack stand for now. I actually put a solid concrete block underneath the jack so I can get more height for the jack stand. I’d eventually like to get a hydraulic floor jack though. I don’t mess with ramps because my car sits pretty low and I’ve also heard that the ramps can fail which kind of scares me.
what have you found is the best way to jack your car up? I’ve got ramps but the angle’s too steep on em and the overhang won’t allow the car to get up onto them. Is the emergency jack the best choice?
@northskokie You do not need to remove the top engine cover. I don’t know why he did it.