I'm fixin to change oil/filter on 03 Protege 5, and am blind to where the filter is. Owner's manual says "go to dealer". Got to be kidding. Can someone help out a poor pilgrim on his way? Many thanks

 

it's on the side of the motor that faces the firewall. it's almost directly under the intake manifold, so it's a little of a reach.

 

Does the plastic splash guard below have to come off? I can't see it from above. Thanks so much, Wes.

 

no, it doesn't have to come off. the way that I do mine is to jack it up on the passengers side and slide in behind the front tire. from there, it is a full reach with my left arm up the back of the motor to reach the filter. if you can get the car up high enough, just look for it on the firewall side of the motor.

 

Got it. Thanks again!