2013 Mazda 3 Cabin Air Filter Change

It has been way overdue, but I have finally gotten around to changing out the cabin air filter in my Mazda 3. The task is a bit awkward, but can easily be done by anyone with minimal tool requirements. I was able to save $70 for about 20 minutes worth of work, which is a pretty good return for something that doesn't require specialty tools.
Tools and equipment used:
Fram Filter CF 11672 - amzn.to/2JBaTJf
Phillips Head / Flat Head Screw Driver - amzn.to/2VskNPP
10mm Wrench - amzn.to/2Vn9eti
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of DIYNorth, DIYNorth cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. DIYNorth assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. DIYNorth recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DIYNorth, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DIYNorth.

[@dropinota]

Way more of a pain than other cars I've had, tha k you for the help man.

[@DIYNorth]

Yes, this is kind of a pain for something that is so simple in theory.

[@jeremycronic]

Thank you for this video. Was having a clicking sound on my 2013 Mazda 3. I changed out the filters, which was way easier thanks to your video. I turned on car and the sound was still there. After a few minutes when I started car again the sound is gone. So awesome. Thanks again. This video made the replacement of the filters very easy.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for checking it out. Glad it helped.

[@chachadodds5860]

So appreciate your videos on the Mazda 3, so this granny on a budget can do her own maintenance.

[@DIYNorth]

thanks for checking them out.

[@tommyfender1968]

@DIYNorth after screaming, yelling, kicking and biting… I got it done! 😂. I would’ve taken a sledgehammer to my car if I had tried that without this video.

[@DIYNorth]

Glad the video had some utility.

[@David_R21]

Finally got around to doing this and your video was very helpful! I was quite literally bending over backwards trying to get those suckers in lol

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watch. You definately need to limber up for this one.

[@howardjag1]

explained better than others & good video. plus good idea to disconnect battery to be safe.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@wmilberry]

Simple and clear, much appreciated!

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching

[@carlwong7006]

Thank you for your post. It was very helpful. Even so, I think it might be improved with a little more detail about the installation of the upper filter. The upper filter install is quite tricky. The filter slides into the housing fairly easily, but pushing it upward and locking it in position is the tricky part. To push it upward, I had put my whole hand into the housing to maneuver the filter so it stays square to the side and top of the housing. To lock the filter to the top of the housing, the thin front edge of the filter has to fit squarely into a slot at the back of the housing. When the upper filter is locked in place, the second filter slides underneath it. It is helpful pair up the upper and lower filters prior to trying to install them to appreciate how the two filters fit together.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for the additional detail.

[@carlsmith358]

Wonderful! Much better camera work and clearer than another video on the same DIY! Also, the other video did not mention disconnecting the negative battery terminal, which is very important.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching a providing some feedback

[@alphagenperformance]

Good video! It helped a lot 👍

[@DIYNorth]

thanks for checking it out.

[@deshanchathura]

Very informative video. Thanks

[@DIYNorth]

Best of luck with your car maintenance

[@deshanchathura]

@@DIYNorth thanks

[@7spower998]

I replaced mine with the Bosch HEPA 6073C Cabin Filter that was on special for $13.97 at RockAuto

[@DIYNorth]

I have to say that RockAuto is my go to place to find deals on parts. The only issue in Canada is that if you aren't saving at least $20 on the part the shipping and exchange rate off set the savings. But yes....RockAuto.

[@MrYirua]

Good idea to unplug the battery instead of dealing with two plustic plugs which are difficult to do in such a small space.

[@DIYNorth]

Full disclosure, I think I shamelessly stole that idea from a mazda 3 forum.

[@diegotoro758]

What engine oil do you think is the best for our V6 pathfinders?

[@DIYNorth]

I wouldn't call myself an oil snob. I generally use Mobile 1 Full Synthetic, and for the pathfinder I went with the truck/suv version. I would readily use other brands of Full Synthetic motor oil though. I've just never had an issue with Mobile 1 and have developed some brand loyalty. I've used Castrol and Penzoil Full Synthetics as well and they work just fine. I'm sure AmsOil and Royal Purple are also good.

[@dungtien4u]

Great

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching

[@yishihara55527]

After replacing the filters, is there a noticeable difference in air flow coming out of the vents?

[@DIYNorth]

It would only be noticable if your filter was really dirty. So in theory yes it could be very noticeable.

[@yishihara55527]

@@DIYNorth Thank you. I'm replacing them this week.

[@DIYNorth]

@@yishihara55527 good luck

[@yishihara55527]

@@DIYNorth Update: Replaced the cabin air filters. The air flow is at least 4x more powerful. Very happy. Thank you.

[@DIYNorth]

@@yishihara55527 lol...hair is going to be blowing in the breeze. Glad it went well.

[@alexandermcdole8464]

You think they could have put this in more of a pain in the butt spot, Thinks for the video tho.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching.....I'm sure if they really tried they could have made it harder.

[@alexandermcdole8464]

@@DIYNorth Oh I'm sure they could have, I'm changing mine in the morning. I'm just use to the one's in the glove box.

[@tommyfender1968]

I can’t believe how f-ing hard this is! My neighbors hate my guts, I’m out there cussing up a storm, and the top will not stay in place, when it did (once) the boy fell when trying to install the bottom. Stupid design Mazda!!

[@tommyfender1968]

And …… after cursing swearing and acting like a complete idiot… 😂I finished!

[@DIYNorth]

Sorry was painting my room. Yeah this split filter system is kind of a pain. 100% the hardest cabin filter that I have put in so far.