Lift the front of the vehicle using your jack and jack stands.

This is a unibody style vehicle, with the lift points along the outer 'pinch weld' of the frame. You'll see a slight cutout section indicating the proper jack position. Please refer to the Mazda Owners manual for additional information, as needed.

The oil pan access panel is the second one from the front of the vehicle on the passenger side, as shown in the image below. Use a flat head screwdriver or rivet remover to remove the plastic pop rivet located at position A. Next remove the two 8mm bolts at location B using a small ratchet and socket or a Philips screwdriver.

Place your drain pan under the oil pan.

Remove the oil filter using your favorite type of filter wrench. Note: If you don't have a filter wrench, often the filter may be unscrewed by hand.

Remove the 8mm hex oil drain plug

Install a new crush washer and drain plug.

Pre-fill the new filter with oil using a funnel and moisten the rubber contact gasket with oil. This procedure helps prevent a temporary dry start during the initial startup, and lubricating the contact seal helps provide a leak-free seal.

Screw the new filter on, tightening it per the instructions on the box.

Typically seat the gasket and tighten another 1/2 or 3/4 turn by hand or wrench.

Using your funnel, refill the oil. It takes approximately 4.5 quarts. Have a clean rag available to wipe up any spills.

Note: Since it's easier to add oil than to drain excess oil from the pan, I usually stop filling at about 4.2 quarts. Add additional oil as necessary and repeat until the oil is at the proper level.

Check the oil level by removing the dip stick, drying it and re-inserting it.

Check the level by reading where the oil shows up on the end.

Visually check the filter and drain plug for leaks.

Re-install the skid plate by tucking the front lip of the plastic panel under the adjacent panel, then secure the plastic rivet on the opposite side. Then secure the two 8mm bolts.

Lower the car back to the ground.

Start up the engine and watch the oil pressure light to make sure it doesn't stay on.

Re-check the oil level; add additional oil as necessary.