Where is the cabin air filter located in the Mazda3?
3 Answers
The cabin air filter in the Mazda3 is located inside the glove compartment in front of the front passenger seat. The function of the cabin air filter is to absorb various harmful substances in the air, minimizing the risk of passengers being irritated due to allergies. The Mazda3 has the following body dimensions: length 4515mm, width 1745mm, height 1465mm, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. The Mazda3 is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 79kW at 6000rpm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. It features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension.
I've been driving a Mazda 3 for several years, and I'm very familiar with the location to replace the cabin air filter. It's behind the glove compartment on the passenger side, quite easy to find. You open the glove box, and there's a clip or latch inside. Just gently pry or push it outward to remove the glove box. Then you'll see a plastic cover, usually secured with screws or clips. Remove it to reveal the filter slot. The filter is a small rectangular part that can be directly pulled out and replaced with a new one. I recommend changing it every 6 months or when you use the air conditioner frequently. Otherwise, the air blown out by the AC can develop odors and affect health. Doing it yourself is much cheaper than going to a shop—just spend a little over ten yuan to buy a new filter. Pay attention to air quality while driving; avoid using the outside air circulation on dusty roads, and clean the filter slot regularly to prevent dust buildup from blocking the vents. This way, the AC cooling effect remains good, and the air inside the car is more comfortable to breathe.
As a long-time car mechanic, let me tell you how to locate the cabin air filter in a Mazda3. It's not in the engine bay, but behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. First, open the glove box and locate the stoppers or hooks on both sides - press them to remove the entire glove box. You'll then see a black plastic cover, usually secured with clips. Pry it open and the filter sits inside. Make sure to choose the correct filter model and size to avoid installation issues. Always turn off the engine before starting to prevent short-circuit risks. I recommend replacing it every 10,000 km or annually - don't delay too long as a moldy filter can cause respiratory problems. You only need a screwdriver for this DIY job - simple tools required. During regular maintenance, replace the filter when it turns black, don't wait until the AC airflow weakens as this affects driving comfort.
