🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Draining the old oil and replacing the filter keeps the engine protected and helps the Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.5 run smoothly. On your CX-5, the oil filter is a spin-on style and the drain plug uses a crush washer, so it’s a straightforward beginner job if you have the right tools.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine. Hot oil can cause serious burns.
• Chock the rear wheels and keep the vehicle on level ground.
• Use jack stands after lifting. Never rely on the floor jack alone.
• The undertray must be removed to access the drain plug and filter.
• Do not overtighten the drain plug or oil filter. Both can leak if damaged.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Ratchet
• 17mm socket
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan
• Torque wrench
• Funnel
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool down before opening the drain plug.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands.
• Have the new oil and filter ready before you start draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper front jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine cover

• Use the ratchet with the correct 17mm socket or fastener tool for the undertray hardware, if equipped with service fasteners.
• Remove the splash shield fasteners and lower the undertray to expose the drain plug and oil filter.
• Keep fasteners organized.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 17mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug crush washer on the drain plug before reinstalling.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove and replace the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old filter.
• Wipe the mounting surface clean with a shop towel.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket contacts the base, then tighten 3/4 turn by hand.
• Do not use a wrench to install the new filter.

Step 5: Reinstall the undertray

• Put the lower engine cover back in place.
• Use the ratchet to reinstall all fasteners securely.

Step 6: Add new engine oil

• Lower the vehicle back to level ground using the floor jack and remove the jack stands.
• Open the oil filler cap and use a funnel to add about 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil first.
• Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds, then shut it off.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off slowly to the full mark.
• Total capacity with filter is about 4.8 quarts, but always finish by the dipstick.

Step 7: Check for leaks

• Look under the vehicle for oil leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Recheck the oil level after the engine has sat for a few minutes.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm the oil level is between the dipstick marks.
• Check again for leaks after a short test drive.
• Reset the oil change reminder in the infotainment display if it appears.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.