Repair of a foreign car is often a rather difficult task. This is the evolution of the device of a modern car. With each generation, the design is becoming more complex, and not always for the sake of practicality. So it happened with the Mazda 3. Of course, assessing 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, we can consider where in the Mazda 3 the cabin filter is located. The procedure is not as easy as on most other cars. However, it is quite feasible if you know the technology and the intricacies of the work.
Why do I need a cabin filter
"Mazda 3" is equipped with such, regardless of configuration. The cabin filter is used to clean the outside air supplied to the cabin, cleaning it from dust and the smallest particles - pollen, soot, etc. It is also capable of trapping unpleasant odors.
In most modern cars, this filter is located in the passenger compartment, 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 acquiring a new cleaning element, you should determine its appearance. There are two main varieties of filter elements. It is dustproof and coal. The first type is more suitable for gentle operating conditions, with a small amount of dust. The second has higher characteristics due to the layer containing activated carbon. But it crashes faster because it traps more harmful particles. Also, its cost is 3-5 times higher than usual.
The cabin filter (Mazda 3 1.6 is no exception) can be either original, with the logo of the manufacturer, or an analog 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 item
The cabin filter (including Mazda 3 1.6) is a consumable and requires routine replacement. The instruction stipulates its replacement every 10 thousand km. However, this should be done earlier if the car is operated in a modern metropolis or in another area with a lot of dust. Over time, the filter wears out, its throughput decreases. Indications for the replacement of a cabin element can be the following signs:
- Air from ventilation nozzles weakly blows.
- The appearance of extraneous fatal odors.
- Windows misting in cool weather.
Essential Tools
Before changing the cabin filter, the Mazda 3 is placed on a flat surface. It will be necessary to stock up on the most modest tool: screwdrivers with a flat and cross blade, open-end wrenches or ring spanners for 10 and 8. The operation itself does not require the use of physical force, it will rather require dexterity, since all work is carried out practically under the panel, in a not very convenient position . With proper dexterity, 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 a 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
Firstly, it is necessary to remove the negative terminal from the battery by disconnecting power from the vehicle. After work begins in the cabin. First remove the glove box. To do this, dismantle the decorative panel on top. She holds on snaps. To free them, you need to pull it to the left, and then towards yourself. The socket rests on the clips to be removed sequentially. All removed parts should be stored 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 swaying from side to side. Pulling out the housing, unscrew the plug of the backlight.
Removing the trim
Immediately after the glove box there are plastic pads. They block access to the fuse box. They also need to be removed. They are held on by clips that snap off with a thin flat screwdriver. After that, access to the fuse box will be open.
Removing the fuse box
This element is held on two screws that are loosened from the bottom. After that, the block can be pulled out and turning upside down, disconnect the contact pads, which are fastened with special latches. After that, having turned away two more bolts in depth, to take out the block finally together with its mounting brackets. This must be done, since only in this case it will be possible to get to the filter housing.
Removing the housing cover of the cleaning element
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 fastened with four screws. They will need to be unscrewed. It is advisable to use a magnetic screwdriver so as not to lose them. One must be very careful if the car’s engine does not have time to cool down - pipes of the radiators of the stove pass near the filter housing, 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. By removing the old cleaners, you will understand how to install new ones.
They must be oriented in accordance with the air flow. For this, special arrows are marked on the housing 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 accumulated there during operation. New filters slide into the housing. That cleaner with a panel that is divided in two should be installed on top. The difficulty lies in the fact that the upper element in the housing does not hold. And to insert them at the same time does not allow the height of the groove in the housing. Therefore, you have to show skill by holding the upper filter, while installing the lower one. The work is complicated by the fact that all this happens virtually 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 must carefully monitor the integrity of the fasteners and avoid too strong physical impacts 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 their mistake, and since 2010 they simplified the procedure for replacing the cabin filter, however, not much.
Now you do not have to remove the fuse box for replacement, which is located a little differently. This greatly facilitates the replacement work, as it eliminates the electrical component.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cabin filter (including the Mazda 3 hatchback) can be changed with your own hands, but this is a rather time-consuming process. Nevertheless, the work is quite doable if you know all the nuances and features of the work.