How To: Cabin Air Filter

[Archangel]

Ok, I decided to install the air filter to my car because it helps clean the air, and it make your air conditioning colder because of the built in difuser if you have a 2004 model. (2005\'s & up already have a diffuser)

Here\'s the steps to do it yourself.

First, Order the filter(part # BP8P-61-J6X) from http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=301702&siteid =213989&catalogid=3313

It took about one and a half weeks to arrive via DHL.
http://www.mazda3forums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16736/normal_DSC00690.JPG




You\'ll need a #2 screwdriver, 12mm socket wrench, and a knee pad(if you\'re a wuss like me).

now.

Start by removing the plastic kick panel under the glove box by just pulling down, the out.,then the panel to the left be removing a retainer clip.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_109_full.jpg

****Optionally, you may Take out the glove box by uncliping the dash strip and unscrewing the 2 screws obviously holding it in. The rest is tension clips, so just pull on the glove box and it slides right out. You\'ll have to pause and unscrew the light at the top. This will let you see A WHOLE LOT BETTER. and also give you more room with the screw driver later.



Next, Undo the wire harnesses that are attached to the white junction box. You must swing back the black levers on each of them for them to come loose. After that you must twist the white clips to swing down the junction box and remove more harnesses from the top.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_106_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_102_full.jpg

Now wiggle out the junction box as it shouldn\'t have anything else attached to it. Then un bold the 12mm nuts(2) that hold the bracket on that the junction box was being held by. And swing it a little to the right to clear room.

Now, Unclip the grey wire on the left, and unscrew the 4 screws closing the air filter area. And swing it out of the way.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_105_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_110_full.jpg

****Optionally I reccomend you get a vaccum and clear out any dust and debris that might be stuck in the hole.

Now slide in the first piece of the filter to the left hand part of the hole vertically, and then slide it up. Hold it there as you wedge the second piece in the same spot underneath the first. They include a piece of paper with a great diagram of which piece goes on top.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_104_full.jpg

after it\'s settles in correctly, place the cover back on , re-screw all 4 screws and remember to reconnect the grey wire.


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_105_full.jpg

Now remount the bracket that holds the junction box.

Reconnect the wire harnesses that go into the top of the junction box

close the junction box

Reconnect the Bottom wire harnesses.

****Make sure you push hard on these two harness\' black levers... They feel tight at first, but they\'ll throw a Check engine light, so make sure they\'re extra extra tight!!!

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/567000-567999/567041_106_full.jpg

Put the Plastic kick panel and side panel back on

**** If you took out the glovebox, make sure there are no wires in the way and slide it back in. Remember to reconnect the light at the top. Also, hit the glovebox a few times to make sure the retention clips lock in plase. I also used my fingers on the weather stripping to make it seal a little better. Screw it back in, and replace the dash strip.


Now, Sit in the drivers seat, Turn on the AC and enjoy the clean fresh air!!

If your Check engine light comes on, go check your wire harnesses and tighten them up. To reset the light after you fix them you have to turn the car on and off 2 or 3 times.

****Optional: Give yourself a pat on the back. Great job.


LOTS of props to notorious5, MZ3-BK3P, and raven. Their pix and walkthough were a bunch of help, and they inspired me to do this full walkthough with pix.

[TheProfessor]

Wow, that\'s pretty awesome. One question though, is the filter easily accessible to change out when it gets dirty?

[Archangel]

Just do it all over again, once every 15,000 miles.

[TheProfessor]

So from start to finish how long would/did it take?

[Archangel]

30 min... +/-

[TheProfessor]

Cool, that\'s pretty reasonable.......I think I might give that a go this summer. Thanks:)

[wtom]

Thanks, Archangel, what\'s your review on the A/C now in the recent hotter temps?

[Archangel]

Feels great! A few degrees colder makes a huge difference! Also, I notice it directs a more even flow to the side vents, where before the center was strong and the sides didn\'t have much air comming though them.

[Ex-Rolla]

Hey Archangel

How do you find the air quality within the car after the install? Did you notice less dust on the dash seats etc.. or pretty much the same.

Thanks!

Ex

[Archangel]

I haven\'t cleaned it inside since then, so I don\'t know about the dust build up or fresh air. I\'ll post my review on that soon. I\'m gonna go clean it up now.

[01AWW18T]

Did you have to pay customs? Was their any brokerage fees?

[majic]

Originally posted by 01AWW18T


Did you have to pay customs? Was their any brokerage fees?

probably not since he is from the states (http://mazda3forums.com/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=392) and ordered it from AZ..

[FLIPDADY]

I have a few set arriving in a week or two.

$51.53 taxes included

[Optimzer]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


I have a few set arriving in a week or two.

$51.53 taxes included

I\'ll take one

[SourcE]

ME TOO! :)

[Illmatic]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


I have a few set arriving in a week or two.

$51.53 taxes included

Can you do the install and if so how much? I\'d try it my self but I neither the time or the patience right now!!!

[wtom]

Originally posted by Illmatic



Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


I have a few set arriving in a week or two.

$51.53 taxes included

Can you do the install and if so how much? I\'d try it my self but I neither the time or the patience right now!!!


Hahaha you not the only one! I bought mine on like May 24 and it\'s still sitting in my tunk :p

[Optimzer]

oops - spoke too early...just read somewhere that the 2005\'s already have a diffuser...is this the same thing as the cabin air filter? if that is the case, please cancel mine. If 2005\'s really *don\'t* have a cabin air filter, then I will still take it..

[RedRaptor]

Originally posted by Optimzer


oops - spoke too early...just read somewhere that the 2005\'s already have a diffuser...is this the same thing as the cabin air filter? if that is the case, please cancel mine. If 2005\'s really *don\'t* have a cabin air filter, then I will still take it..


The diffuser comes with the Air Filter Cabin kit. They are not the samething. All 2005 models should have them installed and even some late model 2004s.

[Optimzer]

Originally posted by RedRaptor



Originally posted by Optimzer


oops - spoke too early...just read somewhere that the 2005\'s already have a diffuser...is this the same thing as the cabin air filter? if that is the case, please cancel mine. If 2005\'s really *don\'t* have a cabin air filter, then I will still take it..


The diffuser comes with the Air Filter Cabin kit. They are not the samething. All 2005 models should have them installed and even some late model 2004s.

so just to clarify, my 2005 comes with a cabin air filter? cause this whole time I\'ve been driving around with the setting on recirculate (unless I\'m in the countryside).

no farting in my car! :D

[RedRaptor]

Originally posted by Optimzer



Originally posted by RedRaptor



Originally posted by Optimzer


oops - spoke too early...just read somewhere that the 2005\'s already have a diffuser...is this the same thing as the cabin air filter? if that is the case, please cancel mine. If 2005\'s really *don\'t* have a cabin air filter, then I will still take it..


The diffuser comes with the Air Filter Cabin kit. They are not the samething. All 2005 models should have them installed and even some late model 2004s.

so just to clarify, my 2005 comes with a cabin air filter? cause this whole time I\'ve been driving around with the setting on recirculate (unless I\'m in the countryside).

no farting in my car! :D

No. No cars have the Cabin Air Filter installed unless you have a SP23 imported from the US. However, you might have the diffuser installed (not the same as the Cabin filter) and that is supposed to help out your A/C. If you have an early 2003 or 2004 model, then you won\'t have the diffuser installed.

The confusion is, when you buy a Cabin Air Filter kit, the kit also includes the diffuser. So when you install the air filter, you will install the diffuser as well IF you don\'t have it installed already.

Hope this helps.

Red.;)

[Optimzer]

ahhhh - clear as mud. :p j/k - good explanation, now I get it.

flipspeed - can I just get the cabin air filter rather than the package? Thanks!

[FLIPDADY]

I\'ll take mine apart and check. Btw there is a bulletin for the 04\'s only for poor A/C performance. First an A/C performance test is done then if the temperature isn\'t cool enough then the cabin filter with diffuser is installed.

[Optimzer]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


I\'ll take mine apart and check. Btw there is a bulletin for the 04\'s only for poor A/C performance. First an A/C performance test is done then if the temperature isn\'t cool enough then the cabin filter with diffuser is installed.

Thanks, let me know how it comes out. I\'m still driving around with the recirculate setting. :D

I really don\'t have such an issue with the a/c in my car as some other members so I guess that diffuser thing really works.

[Archangel]

...edit...

[Newlook]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


I\'ll take mine apart and check. Btw there is a bulletin for the 04\'s only for poor A/C performance. First an A/C performance test is done then if the temperature isn\'t cool enough then the cabin filter with diffuser is installed.

I\'ve a 2004 and they checked it for me today... they said the A/C is working within normal parameters... :sarc AND I\'M NOT HAPPY WITH MY A/C PERFORMANCE! They said it\'s working fine so they couldn\'t install the diffuser for me :(

How could the A/C on some 04s works fine, some doesn\'t?? This is ridiculous.

[Newlook]

Originally posted by Optimzer

I really don\'t have such an issue with the a/c in my car as some other members so I guess that diffuser thing really works.

You have a 2005.... does your A/C chilly?

[Optimzer]

bump - flip, any word on whether or not the air-filter will work for me? still interested..

[Optimzer]

Originally posted by Newlook



Originally posted by Optimzer

I really don\'t have such an issue with the a/c in my car as some other members so I guess that diffuser thing really works.

You have a 2005.... does your A/C chilly?

yeah I have an \'05. I find the a/c to be fine. I\'ll admit that I\'ve experienced colder before, but I find that the one in the 3 gives out a \'just right\' temp. I usually have it on the lowest setting too and will close the pass-side vent (if no one is there).

[chaser]

Originally posted by Newlook

I\'ve a 2004 and they checked it for me today... they said the A/C is working within normal parameters... :sarc AND I\'M NOT HAPPY WITH MY A/C PERFORMANCE! They said it\'s working fine so they couldn\'t install the diffuser for me :(

How could the A/C on some 04s works fine, some doesn\'t?? This is ridiculous.

I don\'t know how the dealer measures the A/C performance ... but I guess you brought in your car in a wrong day (~ 24C) :sarc. I\'m waiting for the hot days to come and bring mine in ;)

[Newlook]

Originally posted by chaser


I don\'t know how the dealer measures the A/C performance ... but I guess you brought in your car in a wrong day (~ 24C) :sarc. I\'m waiting for the hot days to come and bring mine in ;)

On my work order:

Checked air condition system, all working within normal parameters.
Interior temperature 8.4C
Ambiant temperature 28C

[Optimzer]

Originally posted by Newlook



Originally posted by chaser


I don\'t know how the dealer measures the A/C performance ... but I guess you brought in your car in a wrong day (~ 24C) :sarc. I\'m waiting for the hot days to come and bring mine in ;)

On my work order:

Checked air condition system, all working within normal parameters.
Interior temperature 8.4C
Ambiant temperature 28C

interior temp of 8.4C??

so basically, you\'re driving a refrigerator?

[nifty6]

Originally posted by Optimzer



Originally posted by Newlook



Originally posted by chaser


I don\'t know how the dealer measures the A/C performance ... but I guess you brought in your car in a wrong day (~ 24C) :sarc. I\'m waiting for the hot days to come and bring mine in ;)

On my work order:

Checked air condition system, all working within normal parameters.
Interior temperature 8.4C
Ambiant temperature 28C

interior temp of 8.4C??

so basically, you\'re driving a refrigerator?


Checked my A/C , outside temp 26C driving at 80 K/H temp from vents 48 to 50F or about 8 to 10C
Also tested it at night about 9:00pm

[wtom]

not too surprised they are measuring the temp right at the vent opening. it\'s surely not single digits let alone under 20C if they measure, say, in the middle of the cabin. :sarc

[wtom]

Freakin spent two hours last night taking apart the passenger side glove box and junction box (PJB) to install the cabin air-filter. Everything was put back together but I find out my car wouldn\'t high-beam, no signals/hazards, door-ajar light would not come on, and hand-brake light would not go off. Called a buddy of mine to get some ideas after double checking all the connectors on the PJB. He suggested either a short to ground or broken wire. I quadruple checked the PJB and finally determine I had one of the connectors NOT all the way in! It looked and felt secure but when compared to the other connectors I put back, this one was not 100% in the socket. What a biatch! http://www.xanga.com/Images/bitter.gif I was soaking in my own sweat for the entire time too because it was pitch black outside and thus I was working inside the garage. Doors opened for ventilation but still stuffy. At least now I know what to do since I gotta replace the damn filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km approx.). Anyone else with a Mazda3 need the cabin filter installed, I\'ll do it! http://www.xanga.com/Images/laughing.gif

At least my dash board and interior won\'t get dusty/dirty as quickly as before when there was no filter.

Pics are in my Mazda3 photo album (http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2705515093&idx=95)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/wtom/20050721cabinfiltera.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/wtom/20050721cabinfilterb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/wtom/20050721cabinfilterc.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/wtom/20050721cabinfilterd.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/wtom/20050721cabinfiltere.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/wtom/20050721cabinfilterf.jpg

[bluntman]

I finally bought this today and just finished installing it. It took me a while, but it was worth all the toil and sweat. According to the instructions posted on MZ3F removal of the glove box was not required, but I had to remove it. Heck, I couldn\'t even see, let alone, get to the two top screws on the AC compartment cover without removing the glove box. Thankfully, no CELs or any unpleasant surprises once I was finished.

[Woodman316]

Shame on Mazda for making it so hard to change the cabin filter, or was it a ford design, thats why ford su*ks the bottom of the totam poll.
15,000 miles or once a year. F**K Y**





Freakin spent two hours last night taking apart the passenger side glove box and junction box (PJB) to install the cabin air-filter. Everything was put back together but I find out my car wouldn\'t high-beam, no signals/hazards, door-ajar light would not come on, and hand-brake light would not go off. Called a buddy of mine to get some ideas after double checking all the connectors on the PJB. He suggested either a short to ground or broken wire. I quadruple checked the PJB and finally determine I had one of the connectors NOT all the way in! It looked and felt secure but when compared to the other connectors I put back, this one was not 100% in the socket. What a biatch! I was soaking in my own sweat for the entire time too because it was pitch black outside and thus I was working inside the garage. Doors opened for ventilation but still stuffy. At least now I know what to do since I gotta replace the damn filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km approx.). Anyone else with a Mazda3 need the cabin filter installed, I\'ll do it!

At least my dash board and interior won\'t get dusty/dirty as quickly as before when there was no filter.

Pics are in my Mazda3 photo album

[Booter22]

why do you change the filter ever 24,000km? mazda recommends every 2 years or 40,000 km.

[JaYson]

I just did mine today.... first time after 160,000KM.... definitely should have gotten to that sooner..

[Woodman316]

On You Tube theres a video on first gen cabin filter exchange. LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKhVXslh6Is,
and secound Gen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJeUX7r_5J4, much easyer 2 panels 4 screws.

[r4mi5awi]

Good find on the 2nd gen video! Definitely simple enough compared to others I've seen.

[ehsu]

Ordered a cabin filter from here:
https://www.filterheads.com/product/single/AQ1151
Although the receipt comes to $24.75 free shipping/no tax, if it's shipped from the States and the courier is UPS/Fedex/DHL, there may be additional custom/brokerage fee. We'll see when it arrives. The URL also provides a video instruction to replace the cabin air filter which is the best I've seen so far.

[ehsu]

Just saw their FAQ page, they ship via USPS.

[Nino]

Hey guys I just saw this thread.. I bought my filters from mazda and over paid.

Anyways I own a gen 1 speed3 and changed my filters. I found the job very fun and easy. I could honestly knock the job out in 10 minutes if I rushed.

Im assuming they've never been chnged since 07/90k. My filters were BLACK and there were tons if leaves, twigs, stones and crap in there.

Im very happy with the change.

[Nino]

Here a pic.. I had to soak them in wanter for shits n giggles


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/ninous26/20130422_170822.jpg

[ehsu]

my cabin filter came from filterheads. comes to $24 and change. no custom/duty charged.

As a comparison of old and new filters. 3 years and 26,700km. 10 mins total with a phillips head screwdriver.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/ehsuehsu/photo-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ehsuehsu/media/photo-1.jpg.html)

[peterm15]

WTF!? Which filter is that? Mine cost more and came in a Mazda branded box. lol

Same filter. Different box. Lol.

It's the same one i got of flip a good while ago.

[Jackal]

WTF!? Which filter is that? Mine cost more and came in a Mazda branded box. lol

Lol. You got the elite one. (Kidding - someone might actually believe me.) I didn't get the box just the sticker.

[JonsMazda]

Gah! I should've picked one up last week at MoT when I had my oil change.

[tmpz]

WTF!? Which filter is that? Mine cost more and came in a Mazda branded box. lol

That's the Engine Air Filter. I got mine like that at MoT. The Cabin Air Filter comes in a Mazda branded box.

[Globex]

That's the Engine Air Filter. I got mine like that at MoT. The Cabin Air Filter comes in a Mazda branded box.

Good catch, that makes the price about right...

Too bad, I thought they were just on top of each other :)

[funkdupspeed3]

Installed my cabin air filter in my gen 1 speed3. now the back lights on my speedometer is very dim when i turn my headlights on? did i do something wrong?

[Shinglez]

Installed my cabin air filter in my gen 1 speed3. now the back lights on my speedometer is very dim when i turn my headlights on? did i do something wrong?

Check to make sure that you replaced all the fuses properly and that they're all locked into place

[Cuban Linx]

So infuriating! Why did they put it in such a ridiculous location?

[Jackal]

Looking for a set of filters as well.... which dealership were you at?

Just saw this now. Avante.

[Stathakos]

Just threw a cel after changing the filters. I thought I put all the fuses back in right...

[Stathakos]

Problem solved: just checked the fuses and made sure they were tight as an 18 year old fresh out of nuns college

[suparobg]

thanks good write up

[Amir]

Nice write up. When I reached in to pull my filter out, I got a handful of leaves instead. Now I know why the dealership closed.

[Shinglez]

Problem solved: just checked the fuses and made sure they were tight as an 18 year old fresh out of nuns college

HAHAHA just saw this

[gq_movement]

Did this swap a few weeks back, and it`s not bad at all. If you can find someone with little/slim fingers, even better!
and doesn`t that long either for it to be. Just have some time and wear something comfy as I found you had to get on some weird angles to get to spots in the car

[Noobster12]

On You Tube theres a video on first gen cabin filter exchange. LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKhVXslh6Is,
and secound Gen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJeUX7r_5J4, much easyer 2 panels 4 screws.

I'm glad I got a gen 2... :bana2