Where is the oil filter located on the Mazda Atenza?
4 Answers
Mazda Atenza's oil filter is positioned beneath the engine. The working principle of the oil filter is: During engine operation, as the oil pump functions, oil containing impurities enters the oil filter through the inlet on the filter base plate assembly. It then passes through the check valve to the outer side of the filter paper, awaiting filtration. Under oil pressure, the oil continuously flows through the filter paper into the central tube, with impurities remaining on the filter paper. Taking the 2020 Mazda Atenza as an example, it belongs to the mid-size car category with body dimensions of: length 4870mm, width 1840mm, height 1445mm, wheelbase 2830mm, fuel tank capacity 56.2 liters, and curb weight 1518kg.
I often tinker with the Mazda6 (Atenza)'s engine, and its oil filter is hidden at the front-bottom of the engine. Specifically, you need to open the hood first, but it's not directly visible because it sits near the oil pan and is covered by the engine undercover. I recommend lifting the car or using a jack to raise the front wheels, then removing the lower undercover to expose it. The filter is a black cylindrical component, typically requiring a 75mm cap-style wrench for removal and installation. Remember to drain the old oil before replacing it—otherwise, it'll spill everywhere once loosened. Before installing the new filter, apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber seal to prevent leaks. Tighten it by hand plus an additional three-quarter turn; never over-torque it with a wrench. After replacement, always check the oil level to ensure it's midway between the dipstick marks.
I've changed the oil filter on my Mazda6 (Atenza) several times myself, and the location is indeed quite tricky. When you crawl under the car, you'll find it on the front right side of the engine near the radiator - it looks like a black can about the size of a soda can. On my first attempt, I almost mistook it for something else because it's surrounded by the power steering pump and AC lines. The distinguishing feature is the raised anti-slip pattern on the bottom of the filter. I recommend wearing gloves and having an oil drain pan ready since residual oil will drip out when removing it. The OEM filter has relatively fine threads, and over-tightening can easily strip them - once I even scratched the housing using a chain wrench. Now I always apply some anti-seize compound before installation, which helps prevent leaks and makes future removal easier. I suggest replacing it every 8,000 km or six months, don't wait until the filter gets clogged.
The oil filter of the Atenza is located towards the lower right side of the engine bay, which is quite a reasonable design. This layout positions the filter close to the oil pan, allowing the oil pump to draw oil that gets filtered before circulating back to the engine, reducing the risk of oil passage blockage. It's a spin-on type filter, so replacement simply requires turning it counterclockwise. Considering maintenance convenience, Mazda didn't hide it beneath the intake manifold, which is quite user-friendly. However, the underbody cover needs to be removed. It's recommended to have the mechanic inspect the filter base sealing ring during maintenance, as rubber aging can lead to oil seepage. The oil filter position in the new Skyactiv-G engines is almost identical to the older models, so Atenza owners across different model years can refer to this method for locating it.
