# Changing Oil and Filter 2001 Mazda Protege **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** protege, mazda\ **Created:** [September 17, 2018, 8:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190 "2018-09-17T20:24:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 8:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/1 "2018-09-17T20:24:36Z")
Does anyone have information on how to get a tool for changing the oil filter for this 2001 car. The Owner’s manual states **Changing oil filter** Because you need a special tool to retighten the filter, an Authorized Mazda Dealer should do the work. -Melissa 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 8:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/2 "2018-09-17T20:29:16Z")
Does your filter look like this one listed on Rock Auto? ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/7/7d1e8e8c445a77f65fb4ff24a9b174a7aec80266.jpeg) Do you see anything unique about this filter that might require a fancy special Mazda wrench? I don’t. All different kinds of filter wrenches available a the very same place you can buy the filters. Just get one that fits the filter you have and the one you are buying. Or use a strap wrench that fits nearly any filter! ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/3 "2018-09-17T20:55:55Z")
![ownerManualPage](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/b/b868d42a0647d4a0a5a41e85dbdc467e9e1462e2.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 9:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/4 "2018-09-17T21:03:59Z")
Yeah, so? Go here, watch the video, and see how it is done; [https://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2002\_Mazda\_Protege\_ES\_2.0L\_4\_Cyl./oil/change\_oil\_and\_oil\_filter](https://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2002_Mazda_Protege_ES_2.0L_4_Cyl./oil/change_oil_and_oil_filter) ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/5 "2018-09-17T21:06:06Z")
There is no special tool for tightening the oil filter. Oil filters are always hand tightened. Here’s the procedure for replacing the oil/oil filter on your vehicle. > **[1998-2003 Mazda Protege Oil Change (1.6 L DOHC) (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002,...](https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/1998+1999+2000+2001+2002+2003+Mazda+Protege+Oil+Change+%281.6+L+DOHC%29/6484)** > > Change the oil in your '98-'03 Mazda Protege, with 1.6 L DOHC engine, to improve engine performance and longevity. Tester ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/6 "2018-09-17T21:23:37Z")
I looked at those websites briefly and they look like they will be helpful. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 1:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/7 "2018-09-18T13:52:43Z")
“hand tightened” depends on the person’s strength. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 1:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/8 "2018-09-18T13:58:57Z")
The same generic oil filter tool used to take the filter off cane be used to make the 1/4 turn after the new one seats . There are so many places that have cheap oil changes why even mess with doing it your self . ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 2:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/9 "2018-09-18T14:43:16Z")
-did not look like there was any oil on the dipstick during the check Read Oil Level ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/10 "2018-09-18T14:44:46Z")
One of the things that makes it difficult is that the car needs to be jacked up to get the oil filter. ---
**Author:** ![cwatkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@cwatkin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cwatkin)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 2:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/11 "2018-09-18T14:49:10Z")
There are various ways to do this. Some filters come with wrench flats spot welded onto the butt end of the filter to make installation and removal easier. They also sell claw type wrenches but I more prefer these for removal since they can tear up a filter if you aren’t careful. Then there are fitted cap ones that slip onto the butt of the filter and you can turn with another wrench. I saw a cheap set of these at the new Harbor Freight in town the other day and am considering them for one of my cars where getting at the filter isn’t super easy. ---
**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 2:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/12 "2018-09-18T14:58:28Z")
> [@ArlHtsMelissa](#): > > One of the things that makes it difficult is that the car needs to be jacked up to get the oil filter. It’s far safer to use ramps for oil changes and much other under-car work. If you use a jack, also use carefully placed jack stands on both sides of the car. It’s much faster and safer to use ramps. Once you are safely under there and looking at the oil filter, seeing how much clearance there is around it and over it, the choice of tool becomes clearer. I have usually found that if the outside of the filter is clean, I can remove it with my hand inside a rubber-faced glove. On my hard-to-access Honda Civic I prefer the Fram filters that have a rubbery grip surface. ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 3:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/13 "2018-09-18T15:07:05Z")
How do you get on the ramps without going over the ramps? ---
**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 3:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/14 "2018-09-18T15:10:09Z")
Practice, practice, practice. If you do drive over the ramps you’ll have to jack it up to pull the ramps out. Then try the ramps again. With an automatic trans, use left foot on the brake. It is surprising how much power it takes to get a stationary vehicle up the ramps, but you get the hang of it. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 3:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/15 "2018-09-18T15:17:26Z")
@ArlHtsMelissa Have you never done an oil change before ? Do you even know if your car will go up the ramps without tearing the front air dam off ? What are you going to do with the old oil as it needs to be disposed of properly . The more you post the more I think you should not do this yourself . ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/16 "2018-09-18T15:20:13Z")
I changed oil/filter a few times back in the late 1970s, early 1980s. Thanks for mentioning the front air dam. I will look at that. I would have to find a place to recycle the old oil. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 3:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/17 "2018-09-18T15:34:21Z")
> [@ArlHtsMelissa](#): > > did not look like there was any oil on the dipstick during the check Now THAT is scary! That usually means the level is very low. Almost low enough to destroy the engine. Don’t know where you live but anyplace around me that sells oil must take the oil back to be recycled. I like 4, 5 or even 6 quart oil jugs for that reason. If the car takes 5, I buy the 5 qt size and use that for my recycling. The jugs will always hold a bit more than they originally contain. Old windshield washer fluid and bleach jugs are good, too. ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 3:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/18 "2018-09-18T15:37:40Z")
I meant the video of the dipstick oil check did not look like there was oil on the dipstick. The last time (a few weeks ago) I checked the oil on my car’s dipstick, it looked OK. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 3:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/19 "2018-09-18T15:39:38Z")
Ignore that, if it was fresh oil it may not show up on camera. ---
**Author:** ![ArlHtsMelissa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/arlhtsmelissa/32/22867_2.png) [@ArlHtsMelissa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ArlHtsMelissa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 6:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190/20 "2018-09-18T18:55:08Z")
Label the containers. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-oil-and-filter-2001-mazda-protege/125190.md?page=2)