Mazda 3s Oil Change Issue

[Nelson Atwell]

I just came back from Hibdon Tires, where I attempted to get an oil change. They drained the oil and then discovered they need a special tool to change the cartridge-type filter. They found this in a TSB which came from their corporate office last week. They don't have the tool, so I'll have to go to Mazda. They refilled my crankcase with the full synthetic that I requested and didn't charge me.



Two questions:



1. Is it safe for me to drive until the next scheduled oil change, even though the filter wasn't changed? This was my very first oil change on this vehicle.



2. Where do I get this special tool, since I will be traveling overseas for two years? There is a Mazda dealership in Poznan, Poland (about an hour from where I will live), but the 2.3L engine is not available in Europe, except on the Mazda MPS, which is a turbo-charged engine similar to our MazdaSpeed3. I want to take the tool with me, in case the local Mazda dealership doesn't have one.

 

[troy malone]

did you even try a google search???

step by step project with tools list.



http://robert.aitchison.org/tiki-page.php?pageName=Mazda3+DIY+Oil+Change



This wrench lets you remove the plastic housing to replace the cartridge style oil filter used on the 2.3L engine. Mazda part number AKS75140



http://www.mazdastuff.com/product.cfm?ProductID=2236





troy

 

[Nelson Atwell]

I found that link as well. As he said in his post, he isn't a certified mechanic. He is also talking about an '04 and I have an '06. Since there are mechanics here, I'd like to get a second opinion. I'd also like to know if the 2.0L engine has the same set up. If it does, then I won't need the tool.

 

[Gavin Allan]

How many miles do you have on the present filter? I'd change it before it gets 6000-7000 miles on it.

 

[TomT]

I bought my daughter an 04 with the 2.3. I have never changed the oil myself. Car sits to low and I don't care to jack it up. Don't know if the special tool is necessary but I do know that it's hard to find someone with the filter in stock. I would definitely consider buying a few filters and taking them with you.

 

[Chase Straw]

my moms fusion has the same filter on it and im not a huge fan of the filter, whats wrong with spin on filters?

 

[EddieS'04]

Oh boy!!! I havent had cartrige filters since my '56 ford. I thought they were extinct...:lol:

 

[Todd Z]

Almost all the Mercedes and BMW's still run the cartridge filters....

Some even have a plastic cover that does require a special tool to remove.



But I think the Mazda one is just a large wrench is needed...



EDIT: 74mm, 14flats wrench is needed IT is a cup that slides over the plastic housing, exactly like the BMW and Mercedes....



http://www.amazon.com/Assenmacher-Specialty-Tools-ASTM0219-Filter/dp/B000HBAI6I





I bet they did not have the filter in stock and used the special tool thing as a way to get out of it..



Todd Z

 

[TomT]

Cartridge filters seem to be making a comeback. My wife's new RAV4 also has a cartridge filter. That one I have changed and it's very easy. True, changing the cartridge out requires about 2 extra minutes of work but I do like the drain plug. It allows you to drain the filter before removing it. Much cleaner.