First Oil Change

[SilverWidow]

I was browsing through the manual for my MS6 making sure I was ordering the correct weight oil when I noticed a little insert that I wasn't sure if I'd be able to overcome this without a Mazda Dealer.

It reads this:

Because you need a special tool to retighten the filter, an Authorized Mazda Dealer should do the work.

Is this true? Or will I be able to just change the oil and filter the same as I do in any other car?

 

[Killer]

It is a cartridge type filter. Anyone can change it.

 

[wannabe]

It is a cartridge type filter. Anyone can change it.

(werd) you just need either the mazda tool (about $10-15 from the dealer) or a strap-style wrench.

 

[BOOSTR]

Yep you can buy the piece that you need from just about any auto parts store. The editorial writers at Mazda and all car manufacturers know that its service work which makes up the bulk of the profit, thus "you need to let an authorized Mazda dealer do it" line. BS!

 

[chiefmg]

I wouldn't recommend using a strap type wrench. The filter housing is plastic and you could crack it using that type of wrench. Just get an oil filter socket type, my shop manual is many thousands of miles away but I am sure someone on here can tell you the size needed (runs in my mind it was 74mm w/14 flutes).

Here's a hint from the shop manual. First loosen the drain plug on the filter housing slightly, then loosen the filter housing more than one turn (basically enough to break the seal on the O-ring). Then remove the drain plug. Let the oil drain completely and when you remove the housing to change the filter element you won't get any oil dripping down your arm.

 

[SilverWidow]

Right on. Thanks for all the info and replies.