How do I change a fuel filter on a 1996 mazda protégé lx. I found where it was but it seem too confined and I can't get my hands on it.

Unless you happen to find somebody who knows your make, model and year, you won't get a custom tailored answer. The best advice I can give is to make friends with somebody at a local parts store who is willing to provide advice/direction and also get a Chilton's manual for your car. Also, not to scare you, but use precaution when working on the fuel system. That means no flames or anything that could spark and having a fire extinguisher handy. Good luck.

Here's what it looks like and costs:

Fuel Filter by Purolator - Advance Auto Parts (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Fuel-Filter-Purolator_5860067-P_4_R%7CGRPFILTAMS_446732884___)

Since Mazdas share many design aspects of Fords, this procedure will likely work:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-8.html#post1389619