I've done a forum search, but I want to be sure before I start pulling hoses.

Does the air filter box need to be removed from the car in order to open the lid and clean/change the filter?

The manual seems to indicate that it does not. It says, remove electrical connector, release the 2 clamps and open the box. Sounds simple, but it doesn't seem to work.

My search of this forum seems to indicate that the entire box needs to be removed first.

Any hints would sure be appreciated.


-Dave

I'm wondering the same thing. Unlatching those clamps and any electrical connectors allows me to "pry" open the airbox about an inch maybe. Nowhere even close to opening far enough to take the filter out. Kind of a stupid-ass design if you ask me.

Should not be such a complicated project to look at your air filter.

Yup, the box pretty much has to be removed.

Disconnect the 2 vaccume hoses leading into it: left and right side, toward the engine - one going to a barrel-shaped vaccume chamber (driver's side) one going into the solenoid valve (passenger side). Then loosten the clamp on the accordian tube.

Finally, the box has to be pushed HARD toward the back of the car and lifted up... there are 4 "posts" under the air box that anchor into in 4 holes.

It's a bitch to get out the first time. I had to (gently) use a crow bar to get the 4 posts to pop out of their holes. But once you get it out, the top hinges open and the filter element is readily accessible.

Hope this helps.

Thanks......still a dumb-ass design if you ask me.

Agreed. :D

THANK YOU!

That procedure is not exactly what's described in the manual. I guess Mazda forget to say "remove the air box from the car..."

-Dave