Mazda3 Oil Change

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
TheLonelyPhoenix

TheLonelyPhoenix

Diamond Member
Feb 15, 2004
5,594
1
0
Just took my Mazda3 in for its first oil change at a Sunoco. The Mazda3 needs a special tool to remove the oil filter, which I didn't find out until the mechanic came back in to tell me that the only way he'd be able to do it was by draining the oil and filling it back up again. I'm going back to college in a few days and my car mileage already was a little over 3k (my school is almost 400 miles away), so I told him to do whatever he could.

My questions are: is draining and refilling the oil sufficient for a first oil change? and when I will need to replace that oil filter?
 
A

Amorphus

Diamond Member
Mar 31, 2003
5,561
1
0
A dirty filter will be ineffective, but 3k is a low-range estimate for most commercial filters and oils.
 
A

Aimster

Lifer
Jan 5, 2003
16,129
2
0
Is there a Mazda dealership around you? Usually that would be the best place to go.
Yes you should change it and you shouldn't let it go past 3,000 IMO.
Since it is your first oil change I think you are supposed to do it sooner according to the manual? Yet, you probably didn't drive this car that hard at all so you could go do 4,000 without any harm.

By the way what do you mean by drainging the oil and filling it back up again? Isn't that how they change the oil normally?
 
W

welst10

Platinum Member
Mar 2, 2004
2,562
1
0
You should have a dealer do it or do it yourself. Even though oil change is a simple task, you'll be amazed how they can screw up. I had several bad experiences. Now I either take it to dealer or do it myself.
 
Ryan

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Your car's only at 3k - you have plenty of time to get it done. Normal dino oil is safe to use until around 5k miles, synthetic will yeild a result of up to 10k miles.
 
R

randomlinh

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,846
2
0
linh.wordpress.com
wtf... why did mazda go and do that???? i hate that crap... changing filter and oil is something most people should be capable of doing.. I don't need to go to the damn dealership to do this.... I love my camry for this, the filter is right up front, and the drain plug is right there... no need to ramp the car.
 
Ryan

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: Aimster
Is there a Mazda dealership around you? Usually that would be the best place to go.
Yes you should change it and you shouldn't let it go past 3,000 IMO.
Since it is your first oil change I think you are supposed to do it sooner according to the manual? Yet, you probably didn't drive this car that hard at all so you could go do 4,000 without any harm.

By the way what do you mean by drainging the oil and filling it back up again? Isn't that how they change the oil normally?
Click to expand...

That's what he said - they just couldn't change the filter because they couldn't remove it.
 
nakedfrog

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
60,968
16,342
136
Originally posted by: Aimster
By the way what do you mean by drainging the oil and filling it back up again? Isn't that how they change the oil normally?
Click to expand...
I think he's concerned about the filter not being changed, which would normally happen when you get an oil change.
 
M

Mookow

Lifer
Apr 24, 2001
10,162
0
0
Originally posted by: rbloedow
Your car's only at 3k - you have plenty of time to get it done. Normal dino oil is safe to use until around 5k miles, synthetic will yeild a result of up to 10k miles.
Click to expand...

This is the original oil, though, and has been used to break in the engine. I wouldnt try to stretch it, and the manual may recommend getting the oil changed before the car hits 3K.
 
M

m2kewl

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2001
8,263
0
0
special tool ma arse...go to the stealership, ask them for a FREE oil change. and next "hand tighten" the friggin replaced oil filter.

mazda - you got gypped ;)
 
M

m2kewl

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2001
8,263
0
0
special tool ma arse...go to the stealership, ask them for a FREE oil change. and next "hand tighten" the friggin replaced oil filter.

mazda - you got gypped ;)
 
GTaudiophile

GTaudiophile

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
29,767
33
81
Actually, after having read many posts in MZ3 forums, I have come to the conclusion that this is one of the biggest problems of the MZ3. It has a special type of filter, making it hard for do-it-yourself oil changers like me to change their oil. Only Mazda dealers themselves have the parts and tools necessary to make it easy.

Oh well, I'm looking more towards the Subaru Legacy now as my next car over the MZ3.
 
Ryan

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: Mookow
Originally posted by: rbloedow
Your car's only at 3k - you have plenty of time to get it done. Normal dino oil is safe to use until around 5k miles, synthetic will yeild a result of up to 10k miles.
Click to expand...

This is the original oil, though, and has been used to break in the engine. I wouldnt try to stretch it, and the manual may recommend getting the oil changed before the car hits 3K.
Click to expand...

It won't do much harm. Hell, the manual for my Scion xB says not to change the oil until 5k-7k depending on how you drive, and that's on regular dino oil. He'll be fine.
 
iamwiz82

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: Aimster
Aimster to the rescue

Link to solve all your problems: Linky
Click to expand...

Is that accurate? You need a 72MM wrench to take it off?? 72MM is almost 3 inches! My cartridge oil filter requires a 36MM wrench and is pretty easy to replace.
 
A

Aimster

Lifer
Jan 5, 2003
16,129
2
0
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: Aimster
Aimster to the rescue

Link to solve all your problems: Linky
Click to expand...

Is that accurate? You need a 72MM wrench to take it off?? 72MM is almost 3 inches! My cartridge oil filter requires a 36MM wrench and is pretty easy to replace.
Click to expand...

sounds like a Mazda design flaw. It looks accurate as a lot of people are saying the same thing :(
 
Mr.IncrediblyBored

Mr.IncrediblyBored

Lifer
Jun 18, 2000
11,187
763
126
Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
OT: Is the MZ3 available with an automatic climate system? I didn't think it was until I saw these MZ3 interior pics from Edmunds:
Click to expand...
The US 2004 model does not have climate control. Not sure about Mazda's plan for the following model years. Hopefully they eventually add some of the little options that are available in other countries.
 
TheLonelyPhoenix

TheLonelyPhoenix

Diamond Member
Feb 15, 2004
5,594
1
0
Hey, no busting on my Mazda, I love my car. 30 mpg avg (split city and highway driving), excellent handling, nice looking black leather interior, 2.3 L engine, and under 20k. Not to mention girls love it (its the red exterior, i think). This filter thing is the only annoyance I've had with it thus far.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom