How to Change Engine OIl on Mazda 4 Cylinder SkyActiv Engine

In this guide, you find instructions on how to change the engine oil and filter on Mazda vehicles equipped with the 4-cylinder engine typically found on many Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.

What you will need

• 0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil  
  • 5W-30 - Optional 
  • 5 Quarts - See chart below
• Mazda oil filter.  
• Allen Wrench Set
• Ratchet Wrench
• Disposable gloves
• Drain pan
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• Oil filter pliers

Procedure

1. Park vehicle on level ground and a safe work area.

    

2. Jack up the car on the front passenger side, then secure it with jack stands.

    

3. Remove the plastic panel under the engine using a Philips screwdriver or 8mm socket. 

    

4. Slide the drain pan under the oil pan and then get under the car.  The oil drain plug is on the passenger side of the engine.

    

5. Remove the oil drain bolt using an Allen Torx bit.  It will take about five minutes to drain the oil. 

    

6. Replace the copper washer that goes on the drain plug.Do not install the drain plug without a copper washer, or you will end up with oil leaks. 
7. Once the oil has drained, put the bolt back in and tighten it.  Don't cross-thread or strip it.
8. Move the drain pan under the oil filter.  The oil filter is right in front of the oil pan.
9. Remove the oil filter. You should be able to loosen it by hand but if not,  use an oil plier wrench. 
10. Remove the filter and let the oil drain out of the filter tube into the pan.
11. Install the new filter.  Use some of the old oil and apply a thin layer with your finger to the filter gasket before installing it.  It will form a good seal and prevent it from leaking. Hand-tighten the oil filter. 

     

12. Remove the oil cap at the top of the engine by turning it counter-clockwise. 

     

13. Get a funnel and begin pouring new oil in.  Not all cars take 5 quarts, so you will need to check the oil level periodically as you pour.  The oil dipstick will be on the hand side of the engine and typically has a yellow handle.  

     

14. Close the oil cap. Check the engine oil level. Start the engine and let it run for about 15 seconds.  This allows the new oil filter to fill properly, and the oil level will drop slightly as a result. Turn the engine off. 
15. Wait 15 minutes and recheck the engine oil level. Check for oil leaks under the engine. Add oil if necessary to bring the level between the MIN and MAX marks.   

    

16. Remove the jack stands and lower the car onto the ground.

You're done!

Torque Specifications

• Torque the oil drain plug to 25 to 30 foot-pounds.

Applications

• 2012–present Mazda Axela Mazda3
• 2013–present Mazda Atenza Mazda6
• 2013–present Mazda CX-5
• 2013–2018 Mazda Biante
• 2013–2015 Mazda Premac Mazda5
• 2015–present Mazda CX-3
• 2016–present Mazda Roadster/MX-5
• 2016–present Mazda CX-4 (China)
• 2019–present Mazda CX-30

Oil Capacity