The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe uses a cartridge-style engine oil filter housed in a cap, not a traditional spin-on filter. This means replacement involves swapping a filter cartridge inside the housing and installing a new O-ring seal, using Hyundai OEM parts or equivalents.
Understanding the cartridge filter system
Hyundai’s modern SUVs, including the 2020 Santa Fe, commonly employ a cartridge-type oil filter that sits inside a sealed housing. Service involves removing the housing cap, replacing the cartridge element, and installing a new O-ring. The exact part number varies by engine, so verify with your VIN, the owner’s manual, or a Hyundai dealer to get the correct filter for your engine variant.
Engines and compatibility
The 2020 Santa Fe lineup offers a few engine options, but Hyundai generally uses a cartridge-style oil filter across its current engines. For the precise part number and any engine-specific steps, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Hyundai service advisor with your vehicle’s engine code.
Before you replace the oil filter, gather the necessary parts and tools to ensure a proper fit and seal.
- Prepare your vehicle: Park on a level surface, allow the engine to cool, and collect the OEM cartridge filter, a new O-ring for the housing cap, the correct grade of oil, a drain pan, and the proper tools.
- Drain the old oil: Place the drain pan under the oil pan, remove the drain plug, and let the oil drain completely; reinstall the drain plug with a new washer if required.
- Access the filter housing: Locate the oil filter housing cap on the engine and loosen it with the appropriate tool.
- Replace the cartridge: Remove the old cartridge from the housing, clean the interior, and insert the new cartridge in the correct orientation.
- Seal and reassemble: Install a new O-ring on the cap, lightly coat it with fresh oil, reinstall the housing cap, and torque to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Refill and check: Refill with the recommended oil amount, start the engine, check for leaks around the filter housing, and verify the oil level.
Note: Always use Hyundai Genuine or equivalent high-quality filters designed for your engine and follow the service manual’s torque specs and oil capacity. If you’re unsure, have a qualified technician perform the replacement.
Summary
In short, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe uses a cartridge-style oil filter inside a housing rather than a spin-on filter. Replacing it involves swapping the cartridge and the housing O-ring, following the steps above and using the appropriate OEM parts. For exact part numbers and engine-specific instructions, consult the owner's manual or a Hyundai service center.