Oil drain plug access??
05-11-2015, 07:34 AM
#11
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Location: USA
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I had a 2010 3.2L and now a 2013 3.0T and have changed the oil in both via the oil plug. I have no experience with an extractor and use the drain plug out of habits formed over 25 years.
Performing an oil change on the Audi Q5 3.0T engine involves average effort if you drain using gravity. I am thin and flexible enough that I don't need to use a jack or ramps. The majority of the effort goes into removing the pan under the engine compartment. You need some torx-drive sockets for some of the fasteners.
My last oil change took about 20-25 minutes start-to-finish.
Other guys on here report excellent results using an extractor... so I think you can't lose either way you go.
Performing an oil change on the Audi Q5 3.0T engine involves average effort if you drain using gravity. I am thin and flexible enough that I don't need to use a jack or ramps. The majority of the effort goes into removing the pan under the engine compartment. You need some torx-drive sockets for some of the fasteners.
My last oil change took about 20-25 minutes start-to-finish.
Other guys on here report excellent results using an extractor... so I think you can't lose either way you go.
Thank you to everyone for your replies, I really appreciate the info. I've learned that there is indeed no trap door in the lower pan to access the drain plug and that oil changes are done successfully both by dropping the pan by removing all the screws as well as with the extractor through the dipstick tube. I like the gravity method from below the car to ensure I am getting all the old oil out along with anything else in the bottom of the pan, so the idea of cutting my own trap door is interesting. If I do I will post pics. Thanks again!
01-23-2018, 05:42 PM
#14
AudiWorld Member
01-23-2018, 06:08 PM
#15
AudiWorld Super User
Odd that would change. I heard someone call it a "number six hex" which might mean six mm, on an earlier year. I suppose these are all less expensive to manufacture, or lighter (which helps the EPA rating again) and there's a solid engineering reason for them. Or, someone's bastard son was an odd drain plug bolt supplier.(G)
01-24-2018, 10:31 AM
#17
AudiWorld Super User
The first two oil changes, I got lucky and had dealership send me a discount coupon in the mail shortly before I needed them. Brought the cost down to about $20 more than buying my own oil and filter, so I had them do it. Last year, no handy coupon, so I bought an oil extractor and DIY. If I get really ambitious, I'll take off the road pan next time, and cut an access plate. There's also a Japanese replacement for the drain plug that allows you to open a small valve, drain it, close it again. So with a length of tubing...no tools to drop in the oil etc. either.
01-24-2018, 12:26 PM
#18
AudiWorld Expert
Thank you to everyone for your replies, I really appreciate the info. I've learned that there is indeed no trap door in the lower pan to access the drain plug and that oil changes are done successfully both by dropping the pan by removing all the screws as well as with the extractor through the dipstick tube. I like the gravity method from below the car to ensure I am getting all the old oil out along with anything else in the bottom of the pan, so the idea of cutting my own trap door is interesting. If I do I will post pics. Thanks again!
01-24-2018, 01:31 PM
#19
AudiWorld Senior Member
Reggie I'm with you on this one.When I owned a garage we pulled the "belly pan" even on vehicles with access ports.There's so much that can't be picked up without doing this.On the Q5 it's a reasonably trouble-free process to drop it.Problem I'm facing is where I live it's pretty much been -20c for a month and I've got my major service coming up in my unheated garage.Sympathy please !
