Top 10 2005 Mazda 3 Questions & Answers

The solution posted on Sep 8 2008 is good. Let me just add my own observations.

First of all, the bulb you will need is probably going to be H-7. Just go to the auto parts store and find the bulb that says H-7 on it. Apparently you're not supposed to replace just one bulb. You should replace them both at the same time, so buy two bulbs ($27.00). Also, I needed a flathead screwdriver and a pair of latex gloves. Don't try to do this at nighttime. You will need plenty of light.

If you're replacing the driver's side light, you'll have to remove a plastic shield from above the light. Not a big deal. Use a philipshead screwdriver and a pair of pliars (gently!). Remove the black plug that goes into the back of the bulb by squeezing the sides and pulling. Then remove the black rubber boot that goes over it. The flathead screwdriver was helpful getting the boot off.

When removing the silver clip that holds the bulb in, you'll have to push in on the side of the clip closer to the driver's side of the car. (Please note that it is not necessary to unscrew any screws.) It swivels open like a door.

Next, remove the bulb. The bulb is attached to a black adapter thing. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry that black thing off the bulb. Throw the old bulb in the garbage. Put your latex gloves on and put the new bulb into the black adapter thing. (Remember not to touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers. It's not good for the bulb and you will decrease its lifespan.)

Put the bulb with the black adapter thing into the headlight. You may have to fiddle with it a little bit. (You're still wearing your latex gloves, right?) It only goes one way. There's a little notch that fits into the ten o'clock position. (Just rotate the bulb in the headlight. You'll see where it fits in.)

Close the silver clip back over the bulb. This part may be challenging. Remember, the bulb should have no wiggle to it when the silver clip is installed correctly. The end of the clip fits deep inside the headlight. Push it in and try and find where it clips in. It might be hard to do. Don't get frustrated- you're almost done.

Put the rubber boot back on. It has to be tight to protect the bulb from water. Then plug in the bulb. Replace the black plastic shield over the driver's side light. Finally, test the light.

Replacing both headlights took me about 60 - 90 minutes.

The problem is a faulty solenoid in the vapor recovery system. The solenoid is sticking open and allowing fumes from expansion of fuel in the fuel tank to enter the air intake and smother the engine. This is how the Mazda service tech explained it to me. It is a known problem on the Mazda 3 in various trims which Mazda refuses to acknowledge. Usually the check engine light comes on and the engine diag code reads mass airflow sensor, which is incorrect. I dealt with this for 6 months on my wife's 2005 Mazda 3i before the dealership figured it out. My cousin bought a 2007 Mazda Speed 3 which developed the same problem after a few months and was cured by the same fix.

in the owners manual.

Check transmission fluid. If that is full, try changing the fuel filter. It could be starving for gas, and trying to shift but can't. It could also be the speed sensor, or shift solenoid.

Two things: If there is a stickiness or sweet smell to the water, your heater core may be leaking.
If this is just a summer thing, your a/c evaporator drain tube my be blocked/clogged or leaking inside the vehicle.

Could be the relay for the lowbeams is faulty, if your DRL's are your lowbeams, then your DRL Unit could be bad. Also did you blow a fuse cuz a random surge could blow the fuse

Only timing belts require replacing your mazda has a chain that is service free.If the car is running ok then leave it be.

On this website, you find fuse box diagram and description for Mazda 3 (2005)

Mazda 3 2004 2005 fuse box diagram Auto Genius

Mazda 3 2004 2005 fuse box diagram Auto Genius

autogenius.info

I have a 2005 Mazda 3. The driver's side power window won't go down...the other 3 windows do (from the left door power switch). When I try to open the driver's window, I hear a noise...maybe like a motor switch?

I had same problem with Nissan 4x4 took it done to auto elec he couldn,t find the short so he put in a resetting fuse so if it happened sometimes it would not blow fuse but reset, but that made no sense so after a month I worked out what was causing it.The alternator had a bear wire in side that touched other wires when driving over bumps so it was shorting out ignition and petrol pump fuse, so got another alternator from the wreakers and it never happened again apparently its common. seaya Neil