Cabin filter, "Mazda 3": features, replacement and recommendations

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Repairing a foreign car is often quite a difficult task. This is the evolution of the device of the modern car. With each generation, the design becomes more complex, and not always for the sake of practicality. This happened with the Mazda 3. Of course, evaluating the merits of this car is everyone's business, but it is worth noting that a little more effort will be required to service the "troika". As an example, consider where the cabin filter is located in the Mazda 3. The procedure is not as easy as on most other cars. However, it is quite doable if you know the technology and the intricacies of work.

What is a cabin filter for

"Mazda 3" is completed as such, regardless of the configuration. The cabin filter is used to clean the outside air entering the cabin, cleaning it from dust and the smallest particles - pollen, soot, etc. It is also capable of retaining unpleasant odors.

In most modern cars, this filter is located in the cabin, directly on the stove body. It is located under the panel. To get to the filter, you need to partially disassemble it.

Varieties of cabin filters

Before you purchase a new cleaning element, you should decide on its type. There are two main types of filter elements. It is anti-dust and carbon. The first type is more suitable for gentle operating conditions, with a small amount of dust. The second one has higher performance due to the layer containing activated carbon. But it breaks down faster because it traps more harmful particles. Also, its cost is 3-5 times higher than usual.

Cabin filter ("Mazda 3" 1.6 is no exception) can be either original, with the manufacturer's logo, or an analogue from other manufacturers. In both cases, these are quite high-quality products, but with the difference that the original ones last a little longer. For a cabin filter ("Mazda 3"), the price ranges from 450 to 1120 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. For this price, the buyer receives a set of two filter elements, since it consists of two parts.

When to change an element

Cabin filter ("Mazda 3" 1.6 included) is a consumable and requires routine replacement. The instruction stipulates its replacement every 10 thousand km. However, this should be done earlier if the vehicle is operated in conditionsa modern metropolis or other area with a lot of dust. Over time, the filter wears out, its throughput decreases. The following signs may serve as indications for replacing the interior element:

• Weak air blowing from the ventilation nozzles.
• The appearance of foreign irremovable odors.
• Windows fogging up in cool weather.

Required tools

Before you change the cabin filter, "Mazda 3" is placed on a flat surface. You will need to stock up on the most modest tool: screwdrivers with a flat and Phillips blade, open-end or box wrenches for 10 and 8. The operation itself does not require the use of physical force, rather, dexterity will be required, since all work is actually carried out under the panel, in a not very comfortable position. With due skill, the replacement will take no more than half an hour.

Replacing the cabin filter: basic principles

The general algorithm of work is as follows. The cabin filter is installed behind the stove body, which is closed by the fuse box.

The latter, in turn, is closed by the body of the glove box of the Mazda 3. Where is the cabin filter, it becomes clear.

Preparatory work

First, you need to remove the negative terminal from the battery, de-energizing the car. After work begins in the cabin. First you need to remove the glove box. To do this, dismantle the decorative panel from above. It's held on by snaps. To release them, you need to pull it to the left, andthen on yourself. The socket is held on by clips, which should be removed sequentially. It is better to put all removed parts in a separate place to avoid damage.

The glove box body is held on top by two bolts or screws, depending on the version. After that, the glove box can be removed by pulling it towards you and slightly rocking it from side to side. After pulling out the case, it is necessary to unscrew the backlight plug.

Removing trim strip

Immediately behind the glove box, plastic lining is installed. They block access to the fuse box. They also need to be removed. They are held on by clips, which are snapped off with a thin flat screwdriver. After that, access to the fuse box will be open.

Removing the fuse box

This element rests on two screws that are unscrewed from below. After that, the block can be pulled out towards you and, turning it down, disconnect the contact blocks, which are fastened with special latches. After that, having unscrewed two more bolts in the depth, remove the block completely together with its mounting brackets. This must be done, because only in this case it will be possible to get to the filter housing.

Removing the cleaning element housing cover

Now access to the filter is almost open. On the side of the center console you will see a black cover with a wire.

The wire with the plug is disconnected from the connector, which is located here. The cover is fixed with four screws. They will needunscrew. It is advisable to use a magnetic screwdriver so as not to lose them. You have to be very careful if the car's engine has not had time to cool down - next to the filter housing are the pipes of the stove radiators, which can be very hot.

Replacement

As already mentioned, the Mazda 3 cabin filter consists of two parts. In the case, they are located one above the other, on the edge. After removing the old cleaners, you will understand how to install new ones.

They must always be oriented in accordance with the air flow. For this, special arrows are applied on the body and on the filters themselves. Before installing new elements, it is necessary to wipe the case from the inside with a rag from dust and dirt that has accumulated there during operation. New filters slide into the housing. The one with the panel that is split in two should be mounted on top. The difficulty lies in the fact that the upper element in the housing is not held in any way. And insert them at the same time does not allow the height of the groove in the body. Therefore, you will have to be dexterous, holding the top filter while installing the bottom one. The work is complicated by the fact that all this actually happens under the panel, where you have to climb almost to the waist. Assembly takes place in the reverse order. When installing the removed elements, you need to carefully monitor the integrity of the fasteners and avoid too strong physical impact on the parts.

Differences in the work of cars of different years of production

It seems that only 7 years after the start of production, the designers realized theirmistake, and since 2010 they have simplified the procedure for replacing the cabin filter, though not by much.

Now you don't have to remove the fuse box for replacement, which is located a little differently. This greatly simplifies the replacement job as it eliminates the electrical component.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cabin filter (including the Mazda 3 hatchback) can be changed by hand, but this is a rather laborious process. Nevertheless, the work is quite doable if you know all the nuances and features of the work.