How to Change the Oil in a Mazda6

Changing the oil in a Mazda6 takes a 15mm socket wrench and a strap oil filter wrench. The manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles and using an oil viscosity of 5W-20.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Jack stands or wheel ramps
• 15 mm wrench
• Oil drip pan
• Strap-type oil filter wrench
• Clean cloths
• Plastic containers

1. Lift your Mazda6 with a jack and place the car on jack stands. If you don't have jack stands, drive the car onto a set of wheel ramps. Pop the hood and remove the dipstick and oil filler cap. The dipstick has a circular yellow handle, and the oil fill is to the left of the dipstick.

2. Gather an oil drip pan, 15mm wrench, strap-type oil filter wrench, cleaning cloths and a new oil filter. Slide under your Mazda6.

3. Locate the oil filter and oil drain plug underneath your Mazda6. Follow the exhaust pipe to the drain plug, which is facing the rear of the car. The filter is in front of the exhaust main, near the oil pan.

4. Remove the oil drain plug with the 15mm wrench. Pull out the plug out and let the oil drain for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the gasket and threads for damage. Replace these components, if necessary.

5. Remove the oil filter with a strap-type oil filter wrench. Dump the old oil into the oil drip pan and put on the new oil filter. Tighten the filter by hand, and then replace the oil drain plug with the wrench. Clean off the excess oil.

6. Go under the hood and add oil. Turn on the engine and check the oil pressure gauge. If it doesn't rise, turn off the car and add more oil.

7. Lower your Mazda6 and turn off the engine. Take an oil reading on the dipstick. If the oil level isn't full, add more oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the used oil into old plastic containers and take it to an auto parts store or gas station. Most of these places have oil disposal containers for customers.

[Nilphoenix]

on 12/22/2008 I changed the oil on my 2003 Mazda6, 2.3 liter engine, for the first time yesterday. This guide seems to cover the important parts of the procedure, but it neglects one step.
Between steps 2 & 3, you would need to remove the under-covering after you slide underneath the car. This is simple, removing 6 bolts using either a 9mm or 10mm wrench/socket. Sorry, I can't remember which I used.
Oh, and the oil filter canister is REALLY tight. So, you will need a belt-type oil filter wrench, and you may want a piece of rubber (inner-tube works) to put between the wrench and the canister. Seriously, I'm a strong guy and this thing was a flipping struggle!

[capstonejw]

on 11/29/2008 I can remove the oil filter, but cannot get it past the cross frame and the catalic converter, what is the solution to getting the filter out.