Where is the cabin air filter located in the Mazda3?
4 Answers
The cabin air filter in the Mazda3 is located beneath the glove compartment on the passenger side. When replacing the cabin air filter, owners need to remove the interior trim panel. The cabin air filter is a wear item that requires regular replacement. Failure to replace it periodically can affect the performance of the air conditioning system and the health of vehicle occupants. Generally, the cabin air filter should be replaced every 10,000 kilometers. The Mazda3 is available in two body styles: a 5-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan. The dimensions of the Mazda3 are 4515mm in length, 1745mm in width, and 1465mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut independent suspension, while the rear suspension utilizes a multi-link setup.
As a Mazda3 owner, I've changed the cabin air filter myself, which is located inside the glove compartment on the passenger side. To access it, open the glove box and press the clips on both sides inward to allow the glove box to fully drop down. You'll then see a rectangular plastic cover at the back with a clip on the right side. Gently pry it open to remove the cover. Inside is the cabin air filter slot—simply pull out the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure to install the filter with the arrow facing downward, otherwise it will affect the filtration efficiency. The design of this location is quite reasonable, making it easy even for women to operate. It's recommended to replace the filter every six months, especially during spring in northern areas when there's a lot of willow catkins. Doing it yourself saves hundreds in labor costs, and buying the filter online costs just over 20 yuan.
The cabin air filter for the Mazda3 is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. First, open the glove compartment and firmly press the clips on both sides to fully lower it. You'll see a gray plastic cover panel - simply slide it to the right to remove it. The filter housing is behind this panel, just pull out the rectangular drawer. Wear gloves when replacing to avoid getting your hands dirty with dust. Make sure to choose a filter with matching dimensions, as the wrong model won't fit properly. Some owners prefer activated carbon filters for better odor removal, though they may slightly reduce airflow. It's recommended to have the technician check it during routine maintenance, as excessively dirty filters can impact cabin air quality. If replacing it yourself, follow online video tutorials for guidance.
Having driven a Mazda 3 for five years, the cabin air filter is located inside the glove compartment on the passenger side. Open the glove box, squeeze both sides to let it fully hang down, and you'll see a plastic panel with clips behind it. Pry it open to reveal the filter's position. Replacing it yourself is super easy, taking only about five minutes. Remember to buy the genuine Mazda OEM filter, as off-brand ones might be slightly shorter in size. It's best to replace it twice a year—once before summer to prevent musty odors and once before winter to guard against dust. If the airflow from the vents is weak and there's a strange smell, it's likely the filter is clogged. Avoid overstuffing the glove box to prevent damaging the filter cover.
