Ok. Either Im missing something simple, or someone at mazda was on crack. Im trying to change this transmission filter, but there are these two screws left holding the pan on. Theyre right above the exhaust, and covered by a what looks to be a heat shield. Do I have to take the exhaust off to get to these last 2 bolts or is there an easier way? Ive tried a regular socket, ive tried a flat 10mm wrench... theres not room for anything to get in there. WTF were they thinking?

 

well.. if it is in your way... move it. thats the first thing i learned working on cars.

 

lol true. I just try to get out with taking apart as few things as possible. The less I take apart, the less I screw up lol I figured there was something simple I was missing though. But the way it looks I guess it has to come off.