How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter in a Mazda 3?
4 Answers
The cabin air filter in a Mazda 3 is located beneath the glove box. The main steps to replace the cabin air filter in a Mazda 3 are as follows: 1. Remove the panel below the glove box to locate the cabin air filter housing. 2. Unscrew the fastening screws on the cabin air filter housing cover to remove the cover. 3. Once the cover is removed, the cabin air filter can be taken out. 4. Insert the new cabin air filter and reinstall everything in reverse order. Below is an introduction to the functions of the cabin air filter: 1. It ensures the filter fits tightly against the housing, preventing unfiltered air from entering the cabin. 2. It separates solid impurities such as dust, pollen, and abrasive particles from the air. 3. It adsorbs moisture, soot, ozone, odors, carbon oxides, SO2, CO2, etc., from the air, with strong and long-lasting moisture adsorption capabilities. 4. It prevents the car windows from fogging up, ensuring clear visibility for the driver and passengers and safe driving. It provides fresh air to the cabin, preventing the inhalation of harmful gases and ensuring driving safety. It also effectively sterilizes and deodorizes. 5. It maintains clean air in the cabin, preventing bacterial growth and creating a healthy environment. It effectively separates solid impurities such as dust, pollen, and abrasive particles from the air. It also effectively blocks pollen, ensuring that the driver and passengers do not experience allergic reactions that could affect driving safety.
I recently replaced the air conditioning filter in my Mazda3, and the whole process took less than 15 minutes. First, empty the contents of the glove box, then locate the clips on both sides of the glove box. Press them inward simultaneously with your fingers to let the glove box drop down completely. At this point, you'll see a white rectangular filter cover. Press the clips on both sides of the cover to remove it, then pull out the old filter. When installing the new filter, pay special attention to the arrow direction. There's a small arrow mark on the side of the filter, indicating the airflow direction, which must face the bottom of the car. I initially installed it backward, resulting in very weak airflow, but after readjusting, it worked perfectly. Once the new filter is in place, reattach the cover as it was, then push the glove box back into position until you hear a click. Doing it yourself can save you over a hundred bucks. Remember to check it every spring and autumn during seasonal changes.
Changing the cabin air filter is actually super easy, no need to go to a repair shop at all. I just buy compatible Mazda 3 filter models online for around 20 yuan. The steps are simple: Open the glove compartment and empty it, press both sides' clips inward simultaneously with your hands, and the entire glove box will drop down. Then you'll see the plastic cover of the filter - release the clasp to remove the cover. When pulling out the old filter, note its orientation. The most crucial part of installing the new filter is ensuring the arrow points downward because the AC airflow blows from top to bottom. After installation, snap the cover back in place and finally push the glove compartment back into position. Monthly dust cleaning extends filter life; in northern sandy areas, replacement every six months is recommended.
As a girl, I had no problem changing it myself. Before my first attempt, I was worried about damaging the parts, but it turned out to be super easy: first, empty the glove box, then there are flexible clips on both sides of the glove box—just squeeze them inward with a bit of force and it pops right off. Next, you'll see the white filter cover; just unclip it to pull out the old filter. Make sure the arrow on the new filter faces toward the bottom of the car. The only thing to be careful about is not to break the plastic clips; everything else went smoothly. Every time I change the filter, I also wipe the corners of the glove box with wet wipes to prevent bacteria buildup. Doing it yourself is actually faster than hiring a mechanic, saving both time and money.
