I have a 2.3L Mazda 6 and I'm looking to change the oil. The oil has been drained but I can't seem to get the oil filter off. How do I do it?

Do I need a special tool?
Do I need to take the filter drain plug out first?

 

It's recommended that you do both, but it's not necessary.
Draining the filter will make for a cleaner oil change but will NOT help remove the filter housing.
I never had the wrench, but used to use a soft-strap wrench, similar to this one I found on the web:


Your best bet is to convert to the 2.0L spin-on filter as I did.


It's much easier and safer... safer because that plastic filter housing can crack or break leaving you stranded.

 

What Rich said. That is the best thing that you can do OP.

-Sheldon.