[fluxpato]

Hello all,

I'd like to request some photos of the oil drain plug and oil filter locations, as well as maybe a quick write-up of the procedure. This is my first car and I've never changed a car's oil before, but I'd like to do all the changes on my new 2011 Mazda 2 myself. If someone could even detail the locations of the components I'd be happy to take some pictures and document the process for the forums. Thanks!

 

[FormerFit]

I am changing mine next weekend. Ill post some pics and any details.

 

[fluxpato]

I am changing mine next weekend. Ill post some pics and any details.

I wound up changing mine this past weekend, but wasn't able to take any pictures since I don't currently have a camera. The change is a snap, drain plug takes a 19mm socket, and I used OEM Mazda filters and Honda 0W-20 synthetic oil (buying a case of 12 quarts ends up being less than $5 a quart even after shipping.) Both the plug and the filter are located just under the front bumper on the passenger's side, don't even need to jack the car up to perform the change.

@FormerFit Please do post pictures if you get the chance, I've got another fellow Mazda 2'er who is quickly approaching their first OCI. Thanks!

 

[FormerFit]

I wound up changing mine this past weekend, but wasn't able to take any pictures since I don't currently have a camera. The change is a snap, drain plug takes a 19mm socket, and I used OEM Mazda filters and Honda 0W-20 synthetic oil (buying a case of 12 quarts ends up being less than $5 a quart even after shipping.) Both the plug and the filter are located just under the front bumper on the passenger's side, don't even need to jack the car up to perform the change.

@FormerFit Please do post pictures if you get the chance, I've got another fellow Mazda 2'er who is quickly approaching their first OCI. Thanks!

I will

Hey, do you know anything about the "Oil Change indicator light"

My dealership told me i didn't need to replace the oil until an indicator light came on. I saw nothing in the manual about it. Is there really a oil change reminder light in the 2?

My only concern is getting the light to turn off once i change the oil. I usually take care of my car before it reminds me

 

[fluxpato]

I will

Hey, do you know anything about the "Oil Change indicator light"

My dealership told me i didn't need to replace the oil until an indicator light came on. I saw nothing in the manual about it. Is there really a oil change reminder light in the 2?

My only concern is getting the light to turn off once i change the oil. I usually take care of my car before it reminds me

I wasn't informed of any oil change light at the dealership, and the manual doesn't speak of one, nor does there appear to be any extra lights on the dash that aren't indicated in the manual, so I don't believe there is one.

If there were an oil change indicator light by some off chance, I would imagine you could turn it off after a DIY oil change by disconnecting the battery for a bit and then reconnecting it (to reset the electronics.) I'd be pretty upset if it were something that only the dealership/service center could turn off

 

[FormerFit]

Oil Changed!

Ok, so I had to delay my oil change a little longer then I had hoped. just did it today. Requires a 19mm socket. and the factory Oil filter is really stuck on there. had to use my adjustable filter gripper tool.

Advanced auto parts said that the recommended amount to fill was 4.1 or 4.4 quarts with a new filter. I filled only 4 and checked it, took it for a spin around the block, and checked it again. Its just as full as it was before I started at just 4 quarts. Ill check it again later after driving it a little more to be certain.

I took pictures that ill try and post later. It is not very far back at all

 

[FormerFit]

 

[fluxpato]

@FormerFit Thanks!! +1 to you sir, this will be most helpful

 

[FormerFit]

Thanks,
And I did end up adding another .25 quarts of oil. It was just a tiny bit under the full mark after about 35 miles of driving.

So I would say the 4.1 or 4.4 with filter is accurate.


... I am super cautious about oil changes after my dealership overfilled my old Subaru ages ago. Blew a bunch of seals and I have never trusted anyone but myself with oil changes since.

 

[siddy34]

Where do you guys take your changed oil? I know if I go to Mazda continuously I'll get the 10yr/300,000 warranty, but I'd rather not pay someone to do something I could myself. My dad would go to AutoZone, but I think they have a limit to number of time? not sure though...

 

[bananaboat]

Where do you guys take your changed oil?

I take mine to a local "auto" shop who sells their used oil anyway. I'm just helping them make more money. I say it's a "shop" because in my rural area, they have a full service gas station (same price as the self-serve across the street) and the "shop" also works on (farm) tractors.

So many shops who do oil changes should take it off your hands for free since they sell the used oil. Also look around for a bio-diesel company. I know of a facility that makes bio-diesel and they take used oil for free.