How To Change the Oil in a Mazda 3 (2.3 and 2.0 Models)

Posted on 04. Nov, 2008 by Axelaspeed in How-To Guides, Mazda3 Guide, What's Hot

Please Note: This guide is only for the Mazda 3 (2.0 and 2.3 models) sedans and hatchbacks. We will offer a Mazdaspeed 3 guide in the future.

Tools Used

10mm socket

17mm socket

Flat Head Tip

6mm Allen Key

Universal Oil Filter Wrench

Two (2) Jack Ramps

Two (2) Jack Stands

Two (2) Floor Jacks

Oil Container

Part Numbers for Oil Filters and Oil Specs

2.3 filter with O-ring and washer – LF10-14-302

2.0 cartridge filter – L321-14-302-9U

Oil – 4.25 quarts (5w-20)

Disclaimer - Use this guide with the proper precautions in place and at your own risk. This guide is not certified by Mazda. Mazda3Revolution is not responsible for any damage or injury caused by misuse of this guide.

Preparing for the Oil Change (2.0L and 2.3L)

1) Make sure your car is on the ground level.

2) Line the car up with the ramps and slowly drive the car up the ramp until the tires rest safely on the ramp platforms.

3) Using the floor jacks, place one jack on each side of the car for extra stability and safety.

Note: The jacks should be placed under the control arms.

Your car should look like this when ready.

Now it’s time to change the oil.

4) Open up the hood.

5) Remove the Engine cover. It should come off with little force.

Note: Engine covers are different from 2004-2005 and the 2006+ models. The one shown below is for 2006 – 2009 Mazda 3s.

6) Unscrew the oil cap. (Located on the rear, left side of the motor.)

Photo Above: Oil cap removed.

7) Underneath the car is the undercarriage. There are going to be 7 nuts, and 2 fasteners. If you have already taken it to a shop or a dealer you maybe missing some screws or they may have been replaced with different ones.

8.) Once the undercarriage cover is off, place the oil pan under your car.

9) Take the 17mm socket and loosen the bolt as shown in the photo below.

10) Remove the bolt and let the oil drain. You might want to take a break as this can take a while.

Caution: Make sure the car has been turned off for a few hours before attempting to change oil because the oil will be very hot otherwise.

11) Once the oil has finished draining you can place the plug back in with a new metal washer that comes with the filter. You can also reuse the existing washer if you would like.

2.0L Specific Oil Changing Instructions

1) Use a Mazda certified oil filter wrench or one that you are comfortable with to loosen the oil filter.

2) Remove the filter and wipe the area clean after the oil has finished draining.

3) Replace your old filter with a new filter and tighten it by hand. Make sure that the filter is securely tightened.

4) Add oil (see 2.3L guide, step 7) and verify that there are no leaks.

5) Verify that you have put enough oil into the motor by checking the oil dipstick at ground level after your Mazda 3 has idled for a minute or two. If the oil dipstick indicates that the oil level is too low then add more oil until you have reached the “Fill” mark.

Note: Oil must be properly disposed of according to your local town’s requirements. You can recycle your oil by bringing it to participating local recycling centers or automotive stores like AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts and Pep Boys.

That’s all there is to the 2.0L oil change.

2.3L Specific Oil Changing Instructions

1) Using the 6mm allen key remove the plug from the plastic housing. Let it drain.

Note: If the housing spins as you are turning the plug tighten the plug again so the housing is tight. From there you will be able to remove the plug without having to worry about the housing moving.

2) Once the oil has stopped dripping change the washer from the plug. Make sure you lubricate the new washer with oil and replace the old one.

3) Wipe the plastic housing clean with a rag. Then insert the plug back into housing.

4) Use an oil filter wrench (either one that is recommended by Mazda�or something that you are sure will not break the housing.) to remove the plastic housing.

5) Once the housing is removed let the oil drip, clean the housing and change the filter and washer.

Photo Above: This is what the used filter and washer should look like when done. Remember to put oil on the new washer before putting it into the housing.

6) Now it is time to put everything back together. First tighten the housing by hand and then use the allen key to finish tightening the housing. To check that it is tight you should undo the plug within the housing and if the housing spins while you are undoing the plug you need to tighten the plug more and you will see the housing tighten itself.

7) Once everything is secure you can add up to 4.25 quarts of oil.

8.) Run your car and check below to see if you have any oil leaks. If you have no leaks then put everything back together, remove the jack stands and back the car off of the ramps.

8B) Verify that you have put enough oil into the motor by checking the oil dipstick at ground level after your Mazda 3 has idled for a minute or two. If the oil dipstick indicates that the oil level is too low then add more oil until you have reached the “Fill” mark.

That’s all there is to it!

Update: Thank you to everyone who sent in comments and suggestions on ways to improve the how-to guide. We have amended the article to include some finer details that were left out at the time it was originally published. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused.

Did you find this how-to guide helpful? See any area for improvement? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think!

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