oil change

akProtege5

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protege5 2002
Can anyone give me a quick how to for an oil change? search but with no luck.
(or does that mean i'm lazy to seach?) I just want to do my own oil change now instead of going to the dealership. thanks.
 
some how get the car jacked up so u can unscrew the oil plug. just have an empty pail available to drain all the old oil out. ur gonna have to bring is somewhere to get dispossed of properly. and then plug it back up and put the new oil in. u might want to change ur oil filter at the same time, its gonna be a little tricker, gonna let someone else help u with that.
 
Buy 4 quarts of oil and one oil filter........jack up the car and drain oil from the oil pan ( nut located on the bottom of the engine) When all is drained, plug back up. Remove oil filter which is located way behind the engine ( u have to reach from underneath the car) and put on new oil filter. Pour the 4 quarts of oil that you purchased back in the motor ( where your oil cap is ) and your about done.
 
If it's the first oil change. Watch out!

They use some machine that screws on the oil filter and you need to be Superman to undo the filter. Wipe it really clean to make sure that you can get the filter wrench on.

Otherwise you might have to punch in a screwdriver through it to undo it.

If you don't mind a bit of advice, I'd suggest that you rotate the tires at this time too.
 
CitizenPro said:
Buy 4 quarts of oil and one oil filter........jack up the car and drain oil from the oil pan ( nut located on the bottom of the engine) When all is drained, plug back up. Remove oil filter which is located way behind the engine ( u have to reach from underneath the car) and put on new oil filter. Pour the 4 quarts of oil that you purchased back in the motor ( where your oil cap is ) and your about done.


Actually your pour the 3.7 quarts of oil in.
 
I usually run the car for 5 minutes before I start to warm up the oil and make it run easier. Also, I would advice you get one of those plastic oil change reservoirs with a spout so you can easily catch the oil and then dump it. If you can try to buy a 4 quart jug of oil - I use Mobil-1 synthetic which comes in 4 and 5 quart jugs. This will make it easier to pour in the new oil and then you can pour the old oil into the jug for disposal.

Don't forget to spread a little fresh oil on the rubber seal of the new filter before you put it on. Also, don't tighten the filter too much, just hand tighten as tight as you can and then back off 1/4 turn.

After putting the oil in, run the car a for a couple of minutes, then check the level and top up as necessary.

Wipe down with towel as areas under the car that got oil on them, especially around the exhaust parts.

Take the old oil to your local garage or quick lube for disposal.
 
I find that ramps are much easier to use than jackstands(for oil changes). you can buy a decent set for like $20-30. they pay off in the long run if you plan to do stuff under the car. just don't over tighten the drain plug. i also recommend putting a towel/rag under the filter when you take it off to catch any oil thay WILL drip out. i think for the drain plug you'll need a 17 mm box end wrench but i never remember until i get under there. Have fun.
 
the little washer

Don't forget to replace the little compression washer between the oil pan and the drain plug. They can be purchased at the dealer for about 1.00 each. This will ensure at tight seal. FYI, Volkswagen uses the same washer for a 1.8T. I get mine for free, cause the dealer I deal with is Mazda/Volkswagen.
I think that the wrench you need to get the oil drain plug of is 19 MM (cool) (cool)
 
Also, I would suggest that you check/replace your air filter every oil change - especially if you live or work around unpaved roads that can be dusty. I personally always change the air filter with the oil filter even though it's not necessary to do so. However, for the price of a regular air filter ($4, US) it's hard to argue against doing so. If you're using a K&N filter, then clean the air filter at every oil change. This all just helps to insure that your car is always breathing properly. Also, take the time while you have the hood up to check all hoses, belts and other fluid levels. And I also echo the sentiments about the car ramps. They're more stable than jacks.
 
What these guys all said. But I'll add if this is your first time, make sure you get the Oil Pan plug and not something else.
 
The oil drain plug is 19 mm as stated. According to the FSM, the correct tightening torque for the oil drain plug is 22-30 ft/lbs (30-41 N/m).

Also, you might consider using the V-6 Mazda oil filter such as used on the '02 626. This filter has a larger capacity than the Protege filter but with the same mounting thread. It is longer but will fit with no problems. If you do use it, you will have to refill with slightly more than the specified 3.7 qts (3.5L). The advantages are greater filtration area and slightly higher oil capacity.
 
Instead of $1 a pop for compression washers, may I suggest a fumoto valve for ease of future oil changes? I have one on every car I own and they make life so easy.
 
I just did my first oil change on my own, and it was easy enough to do, but for some reason I have an oil leak from the drain plug. I took the plug back out and replaced the plastic washer (again) and it's still leaking. I don't have a torque wrench, but I wouldn't say I over tightened it. Any ideas what I've done wrong?
 
NetGuy said:
I just did my first oil change on my own, and it was easy enough to do, but for some reason I have an oil leak from the drain plug. I took the plug back out and replaced the plastic washer (again) and it's still leaking. I don't have a torque wrench, but I wouldn't say I over tightened it. Any ideas what I've done wrong?
I think the problem IS your washer. As far as I know, the OEM sealing washer is aluminum, not plastic. I have bought several of them from my dealer and have never seen a plastic one. The Mazda part no. is: 9956-41-400
Try one of those and I think you'll cure the problem.

02 DX Millenium Red
 
akProtege5 said:
Can anyone give me a quick how to for an oil change? search but with no luck.
(or does that mean i'm lazy to seach?) I just want to do my own oil change now instead of going to the dealership. thanks.
If you need some help bud let me know and i can come over to help you change it!! I need to do mine as well!
 
How To...........will Do!!

I will post a how to when I am able to change my oil which should be within the next couple days or so!!
 
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