Long back story that I posted already but I'd just like to know the answer to this question: After the low-oil light comes on in a 2021 CX-5 nonturbo, how many miles may I drive safely. Dealer is 15 miles away. Could I get there safely? If the low-oil light comes on, they don't want me to top it off but they want me to come in so they can do a low-oil analysis (or something like that). I just want to know if I can do that safely. Thank you.

 

It not about guessing how many miles. It is about if the light comes on you find anywhere that sells any oil and get the oil level at least to the lower line on the dipstick!

NO ONE should answer you question with a yes it is ok!!!!!
If they do remember it is not their engine that they fry if they are wrong!

READ THIS:

Car Repair Advice Forum= at your own risk - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums

 

Couple things... this would be the first time I have ever read or know of a dealership of any make for a gasoline engine wanting to do an oil analysis and imply they can do it. Sure, send it out, takes about a week? . They can't BTW and must send it away to a business that actually does that service. Not sure what they think they will find out??? And how they are going to get MAZDA to pay for that even if the Mazda is under warranty?

I have this service done for my own as well customers vehicles every month. Both for automatic transmission and engine oil.
BlackStone Oil Labs
About Us | Blackstone Laboratories (blackstone-labs.com)

The other thing which is very suspect is the dealership telling you to drive with the low oil; light activated. I would get that in writing. Memory has a forgetful event when it comes to blaming something happen bad.

I believe that what they may be wanting to do is enter your VIN ,add oil and than tell you to return in about 500- Miles for them to recheck the oil and document it on your VIN information? Naturally asuming you are still under warranty.

 

Short ansvar: NO.
If light comes on it indicate low oli pressure, not low oil level.

 

Zero. Tow it.

If you absolutely must drive it, check the level manually first and ensure it at least has the minimum level. If it does not you need to add some to get it within the normal range. If the level is good and the light is still on, then it's either a bad sensor or a low pressure situation. Without knowing which it is, you would want it towed.

 

You are quite correct and the OP should note this. You can have the oil level up to or above the full mark, but if the oil pump goes out, there will be little or no pressure and it would be disastrous to drive it.
If the light comes on, pull over and shut the engine down ASAP.

 

Zero miles

 

The Mazda Roadside Assistance should tow the OP’s CX-5 to the dealer for free.

 

Regarding engine.

RED Lighs having to do with the engine mean turn engine off ASAP
Yellow lights mean CAUATION or if you are not sure seek "QUIALIFIED" advise ASAP and/or Turn off the engine as soon as possible or limited driving until you get the correct advice or answer.

If any advise is given pertaining to a RED light get it in writing.

Any and all DTC(s) should be retrieved using a scan tool connected to the OBDII diagnostic connector and before attempting to clear them

In most all cases with the CANbus and OBDII from 2000 and especially any MAZDA with the new Skyactiv Technology to disconnect the battery in attempting to reset any DTC as this procedure only turns off the das warning light but if the DTC is active it will remain active until the problem is resolved.

For Mazda's that may still be under warranty, discus with Mazda Corp or your dealership regarding what is covered and not covered. Only you, your dealer and Mazda Corp., know ALL the details about your Warranty coverage on your Mazda.

 

Zero miles, when the light comes on pull over and shut the engine off.
I know it's too late for you, but that scenario is why I always carry a quart of the correct oil in any motor vehicle I own.