Any one have any pics they can post showing a Mazda3 air cleaner R&R? I'm not taking that apart w/o some guidance.
Am I the only one getting sick of the way new cars make the most basic maintenance so complex?
I guess it shows I grew up on small blocks with carbs.[8D]

 

if you're refering to the cabin air filter, this link should be helpful to you

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=96166.0

 

Thanks, I should have said engine air filter.
I did check out the cabin air filter link. WTF! What does the shop manual say to do- "remove interior, insert filter? It just reinforces my belief that modern cars are constructed with zero thought about maintenance.
My 2000 Ford Ranger requires the dexterity of a brain surgeon just to change the sparkplugs! I sure hope this Mazda3 isn't loaded with more of these "restricted access" traps.

 

Bingo! Got these directions http://www.MazdaForum.com/m_67366/tm.htm and they worked. Took about 1/2 and hour to figure it out. Never would've figured it out just looking at it. Man, that engine compartment is packed like a swiss watch.

 

I believe I removed the whole thing in less than 5 minutes. Has anyone else really found it that difficult??

 

Once you do it, it makes sense. Just looking at the first time is confusing. Next time - 10 min!

 

yeah i was confused the first time. i just didnt want to break anything - which is what i have a habit of doing. but yeah, once you do it once its real easy after that.

 

Ford's have been like that for years, Man. Back in the '80's I worked for a small Jeep dealership as well as several independent shops. whenever a Ford was around the corner the techs would be like, "Well, must be time for lunch!!" "Gotta' go on break now. Be back soon." "Give that one to the new guy" (who ever he was.)

And unfortunately yeah, I have noticed some of that in the 3 series also, but not as much.

 

Changing the spark plugs in my 96 ranger was horrendous. Not to mention the fact that some of the spark plugs were crossthreaded at the factory.