I have a few filters left over from my Probe (93, 2.0L).

I looked at the P5 filter and the Probe filter. The only difference I can tell is the depth. The Probe one is longer than that tiny shorty they call an oil filter for the P5.

Think I can use the Probe filters? I tried finding the filter on the P5, but i can't see it looking down.......

 

Get underneath and look up.

It's pretty high up there, and you have to snake your arm through a bunch of obstacles to reach it. Then, you have to hope it's not torqued on too tight to undo by hand, because good luck getting a tool up there.

But to answer your question, I don't know if you can use your Probe filters on there. If it fits, it's probably worth a try, but the official answer has to be that you should only use parts specifically designed for your car.

 

It is on the back of the engine block above the intermediate shaft (sort of points towards the center console /passenger seat...make sure the hood is open before you get underneath there, the stock filter is black and hard enough to see already), and yes the Probe filters will fit your P5...I have been using the KL V6 filters since I bought the car (I had a Probe GT and like you, a bunch of unused filters in my garage) I vaguely remember the Probe 2.0Ls and the GT's using the same filter...But P5's don't have the oil cooler, it just screws into the side of the block...

I just put a little extra oil in during the change to be safe (the filter is twice as deep)...Also the larger filters are much easier to grab with a set of filter pliers to remove compared to the stock tuna cans...

 

Sounds good to me. Looks like I'll use my older, deeper ones then.

I dunno, those filters for the P5 are even smaller than the ones on my Yamaha Motorcycle!

 

Not a problem. The filter recommended by the Mazda parts computer is the long filter (about four inches deep) the stubby filter is for the miata. the filter will work with no problems

 

I'm reading the P5 owners manual and it says that "removing the oil filter requires a special tool so it should only be done at a dealer". I haven't had time to look underneath the car but is this true? What kind of special tool are they refering too?

 

Oil Filter wrench. There are 2 basic types, a cap that goes on the end and uses a socket wrench to turn the cap, and a strap with a handle that goes around filter and tightens as you turn.

You can get them at WalMart or any auto parts store. The issue with the cap is it can only fit one size of oil filter where the strap will fit different sizes.

 

wow, they call that a "special tool"?!?!? Man a filter wrench is just a regular tool. That owners manual sure is misleading.