Hi,

I am new to the foreign car world and need some help. My girlfriend has a 2004 Mazda 3 2.3L and I want to perform a tune-up. My question is what needs to be changed? Obviously the spark plugs need to be changed. But do you typically change each ignition coil, wires, etc? As well, it appears that the spark plugs are Iridium? I want to do a complete tune-up (plugs wires, etc - excluding air filter and oil change). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thx

 

this system is a coil on plug type ignition, you should state that your not familiar with newer cars as about 90% of ob2 cars (cars produced from 1996 and up) have this system so there is no wires to replace on this system. All that is required is plugs, oil, cabin, oil and air filter, thats it

 

That's good to know. I've always replaced plugs and wires on my 2 Grand Prix's. I've never worked on a coil system. As for the system, is it recommended to replace each ignition coil when you tune the car up or just to replace the spark plugs?

Thx

 

Ummm, every car I've ever worked on that was 1960 or newer (and not diesel) has had at least one coil, Grand Prixes included. As a general rule, coils should last a very long time; often the entire lifespan of the car.

 

no, the ignition coils are never to be replaced in a tune up, they will outlast the life of motor

 

I also have an 04' Mazda 3 and I am doing a tune up and misc maintanance. Should I replace the belt? Is there such a thing as a PCV valve for this car? I've been getting mixed answers from the different auto parts stores I go to.

 

I replaced my belt 30k miles after recommended and even still my old belt showed very little signs of damage, it gave me piece of mind though when i did it.

Yes there is a PCV valve, but no its not part of a tune up and its very hard to get too, its under the intake manifold closer to the throttle body.