[philrab]

This is a compilation of different threads I feel are pertinent to new owners. Some are information, some are beginner/common mods. This isn't the end all/be all of what's available on this forum, and I'm sure I'll add as time goes on. If anyone thinks something should be added that I missed, just respond with a link and I'll consider it.

Forum Rules (we're pretty easygoing, just use some common sense)
http://www.fmvperformance.com/showthread.php?t=261942

Why can't I post pics?????
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=217115 (I find that imgur works well as a hosting site)

Why does the SEARCH function suck so bad?????
Follow this link https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=site:www.mazda3forums.com&safe=off and add whatever you want to search for to the text already in the window after a single space. It works a LOT better than the native search function.

BB Code updates (how to embed pics, vids, and other cool stuff)
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=629762

Factory Service Manuals, Owners manuals, wiring diagrams:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=273242

Link to 2014 FSM:
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=75163e199044da94ec04c4b7a0d74a89&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazdas247.com%2Fforum%2Fshowthread.php%3F123834827-2014-Mazda-3-Service-Manual%26highlight%3Dfactory%2Bservice%2Bmanual&v=1&libId=e777bc3e-01e4-426a-aae3-572ad33269d7&out=https%3A%2F%2Fmega.co.nz%2F%23!DcxFwKoa!IyRZoyXvbLLtp7Fplj07hTk_aF0pFIUM1YYuoK4Q2z4&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazdas247.com%2Fforum%2Fsearch.php%3Fsearchid%3D110085&title=2014%20Mazda%203%20Service%20Manual&txt=https%3A%2F%2Fmega.co.nz%2F%23!DcxFwKoa!IyRZoy...IUM1YYuoK4Q2z4&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13823817603888

G35M-R factory manual (manual transmission): http://www.clearchain.com/~benjsc/download/Mazda6/1732-1E-02C.pdf

Maintenance Intervals
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=499169

How to avoid "shift shock" with 1st gen automatics:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=569442&highlight=

NA power Stage 1,2,and 3
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=242448
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=244300
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=254222

Independant fog mod 2004-2009 w/o factoy HID (if anyone wants to take it upon themselves to replicate this mod on the second gen cars, I'll happily add there walkthrough here.)
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=283952

Door edge guard and badge removal
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=276378

Why you need to buy a 3rd key yesterday
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=326968

Programming spare remote/key
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=208243&highlight=program+remote
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=205734&highlight=program+key

Unlock DIS on 06+ non GT cars.(doesn't work on every car, but try it and see.)
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=272286

Stock wheel/tire info
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=363998#msg3622875

Spin on conversion how-to, I recommend this for every 2.3 car.
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=339596

6 1/2" components into the front doors how-to
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=621978

Mazda3forum.com decals (I am not afiliated with this seller, just lended a hand with him getting this recreated from an original sticker I received from another member. These stickers will not get you girls/boys, or add horsepower. If you want to represent the forum, they're available and cheap.)
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=479866


Thanks in advance to the people who uploaded/compiled this information. It's a great resource for new owners, and everyone really should check these links to get started. Happy motoring, and welcome to the forum.

 

[philrab]

Manual HVAC controls removal (linked from Toronto Mazda 3, lots of dead pics but the important parts are there.)
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?53759-How-to-replace-the-bulbs-in-the-HVAC-unit

The conventional wisdom, and has been proven numerous times, is the stock Passenger Motor Mount (PMM) does not last more than 60,000 miles. Smptoms vary, but include knocking noises (from the metal portions of the mount banging together), vibration, and wheel hop on wet pavement or uneven surfaces. If you are past this, replace it regardless of whether it looks broken or not. ROCA Passenger Motor Mounts (and other unconfirmed) are solid rubber rather than oil filled, and may last longer. Polyurethane PMM's probably will never wear out, but will almost certainly vibrate the cabin more.

The stock struts and shocks ALMOST NEVER last longer than 100,000 miles, typically they start to lose some damping by 60-80K. At 100K, they are either dead or significantly diminished. There are no exceptions.

The factory thermostat typically sticks open around 80-100,000 miles. This will cause the engine to warm up slowly, poor heater performance, and a check engine light (verify with a code reader). DO NOT get any aftermarket thermostat, as many were reported to have failed very prematurely. Go straight to the dealership for this part, and enjoy another 100K or use.

I personally recommend the owner of ANY 2.3L engine'd first gen car convert the cartridge oil filter (filter housing with a black cap on it, takes cardboard filters) convert to "can" oil filters (conventional discarded oi lfilters). This can be done using Mazda parts, will use a 2.0's conventional filter, and there are no downsides. Several owners have had the plastic cap crack, and the resulting oil leak lead to spun rod bearings when the oil level falls too low. Here's my source for the conversion, though the parts can be had at any dealership and multiple retailers. Before you order this kit, if purchasing a used 2.3 car, verify that the conversion hasn't already been done as it's not an uncommon first modification.

http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/FILTER-CONVERSION-(PKSPINCOOLER).html
For automatic cars and Mazdaspeed3's. Maintains the factory oil cooler. Failure to keep this cooler has dire consequences even for stock cars, it's there for a reason.

http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/FILTER-CONVERSION-KIT-(PKSPINFILTER).html
For manual equipped NON-MAZDASPEED cars. No oil cooler, no extra fittings.

 

[philrab]

Anyone have any recommendations for other links?

Useful online mazda parts
Easy to find @ onlinemazdaparts.com, fair prices.

http://onlinemazdaparts.com/

Easy to find @ JimEllis, dealership prices, but good schematics that even show part numbers.

http://www.jimellismazdaparts.com/

Best prices anywhere. The website isn't the most functional in the world, but give Paul a call, tell him Nuse sent you... seriously you can't beat his prices on OEM parts. You just can't.
Paul can also get you just about anything you want for our car as well. I have bought a lot of stuff from him from EBC to Whiteline.
Mazmart is also the only place in the US that is a true importer of Autoexe parts. So if you want Autoexe, Paul is the man to talk to.

http://www.mazmart.com/
(again, you're best to call, the website has 5% of what they can offer)

 

[J.Wright]

link or part number for the spin on oil filter conversion. links to popular parts for a newb.

 

[philrab]

link or part number for the spin on oil filter conversion. links to popular parts for a newb.

I hesitate to do that, just because I hate to show favoritism to any one dealer.

I will get PN's posted for the spin on conversion, since that's a factory part # best I'm aware.


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[J.Wright]

I hesitate to do that, just because I hate to show favoritism to any one dealer.

I will get PN's posted for the spin on conversion, since that's a factory part # best I'm aware.


Sent from my iPhone with Tapatalk.

part numbers for both. one has oil cooler and one dosent. right?

 

[philrab]

part numbers for both. one has oil cooler and one dosent. right?

Correct. The one with the oil cooler is necessary for Speeds and automatic cars. The one without the oil cooler is for manual trans non-Speed cars.


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[Bpboiler3]

http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=300955

 

[philrab]

http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=300955

Thanks, I'll check those out tomorrow, and see which ones still have good pics to link those into the first post or two in this thread.


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[RoadBicyclist]

Great, thank you!

 

[XCNuse]

For the sake of a direct link, ThaiMazda3 has the online workshop manual... online.

http://www.thaimazda3.com/svmanual/

 

[philrab]

For the sake of a direct link, ThaiMazda3 has the online workshop manual... online.

http://www.thaimazda3.com/svmanual/

If that first gen?

 

[XCNuse]

I'm collecting and building a downloadable (because I'm cheap) offline website which has all of the wiring relays, harnesses, leads, etc.

That said... I only have it for a 2006, so if you don't have an 06, a few things might have changed... meaning your SOL for the time being if these aren't exact (for the most part they should be though? But really only body stuff useful for the speed owners. Their wiring will be dramatically different in the bay).

 

[08_hatch-3]

thanks

 

[philrab]

thanks

For.....?????

What did you find helpful?

 

[XCNuse]

I have an offline version of the online wiring diagram for 06 Mazda 3 right now, what others does everyone want?

I figured I would do one of each, (for the minor changes) get 04, 06, 07, and 07 Speed3

 

[philrab]

Yeah, all of the years would be a good resource. When you get everything together, either post the link here or PM me and I'l add it to one of the first couple of posts.

 

[Reeem01]

Great help. Thank you