Engine oil and filter change
Note: These vehicles are equipped with an oil life indicator system that illuminates a light or message on the instrument panel when the system deems it necessary to change the oil. A number of factors are taken into consideration to determine when the oil should be considered worn out. Generally, this system will allow the vehicle to accumulate more miles between oil changes than the traditional 3000-mile interval, but we believe that frequent oil changes are cheap insurance and will prolong engine life. If you do decide not to change your oil every 3000 miles and rely on the oil life indicator instead, make sure you don’t exceed 7,500 miles before the oil is changed, regardless of what the oil life indicator shows.
1. Frequent oil changes are the most important preventive maintenance procedures that can be done by the home mechanic. As engine oil ages, it becomes diluted and contaminated, which leads to premature engine wear.
2. Although some sources recommend oil filter changes every other oil change, we feel that the minimal cost of an oil filter and the relative ease with which it is installed dictate that a new filter be installed every time the oil is changed.
3. Gather together all necessary tools and materials before beginning this procedure (see illustration). You should also have plenty of clean rags and newspapers handy to mop up any spills.
8.3 These tools are required when changing the engine oil and filter
1 Drain pan — It should be fairly shallow in depth, but wide to prevent spills
2 Rubber gloves — When removing the drain plug and filter, you will get oil on your hands (the gloves will prevent burns)
3 Breaker bar — Sometimes the oil drain plug is tight, and a long breaker bar is needed to loosen it
4 Socket — To be used with the breaker bar or a ratchet (must be the correct size to fit the drain plug — six-point preferred)
5 Filter wrench — This is a metal band-type wrench, which requires clearance around the filter to be effective
6 Filter wrench — This type fits on the bottom of the filter and can be turned with a ratchet or breaker bar (different-size wrenches are available for different types of filters)
4. Warm the engine to normal operating temperature. If the new oil or any tools are needed, use this warm-up time to gather everything necessary for the job. The correct type of oil for your application can be found in Recommended lubricants and fluids in this Chapter’s Specifications.
5. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands then remove the splash shield (see illustration).
8.5 Splash shield fastener locations
Warning: Do not work under a vehicle which is supported only by a jack.
6. If this is your first oil change, familiarize yourself with the locations of the oil drain plug and the oil filter.
7. Set the drain pan under the drain plug. Keep in mind that the oil will initially flow from the pan with some force; position the pan accordingly.
8. Being careful not to touch any of the hot exhaust components, use a wrench to remove the drain plug near the bottom of the oil pan (see illustration). Depending on how hot the oil is, you may want to wear gloves while unscrewing the plug the final few turns.
8.8 Use a proper size box-end wrench or socket to remove the oil drain plug and avoid rounding it off
9. After all the oil has drained, wipe off the drain plug with a clean rag. Clean the area around the drain plug opening and reinstall the plug. Tighten the plug securely with the wrench. If a torque wrench is available, use it to tighten the plug to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
10. Move the drain pan into position under the oil filter, then use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter (see illustration).
8.10 Since the oil filter is on very tight, you’ll need a special wrench for removal — DO NOT use the wrench to tighten the new filter
11. Completely unscrew the old filter. Be careful: it’s full of oil. Empty the oil inside the filter into the drain pan.
12. Compare the old filter with the new one to make sure they’re the same type.
13. Clean the area where the oil filter mounts to the engine. Check the old filter to make sure the rubber gasket isn’t stuck to the engine. If the gasket is stuck to the engine (use a flashlight if necessary), remove it.
14. Apply a light coat of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter (see illustration).
8.14 Lubricate the oil filter gasket with clean engine oil before installing the filter on the engine
15. Attach the new filter to the engine, following the tightening directions printed on the filter canister or packing box. Most filter manufacturers recommend against using a filter wrench due to the possibility of overtightening and damage to the seal.
16. Lower the vehicle, open the hood and locate the oil filler cap.
17. Refer to the engine oil capacity in this Chapter’s Specifications and add the proper amount of fresh oil into the engine. Wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain into the pan, then check the level on the oil dipstick (see Fluid level checks). If the oil level is above the hatched area, start the engine and allow the new oil to circulate.
18. Run the engine for only about a minute and then shut it off. Immediately look under the vehicle and check for leaks at the oil pan drain plug and around the oil filter.
19. Wait about five minutes, then recheck the level on the dipstick. Add more oil as necessary.
20. During the first few trips after an oil change, make it a point to check frequently for leaks and proper oil level.
21. The old oil drained from the engine cannot be reused in its present state and should be disposed of. Check with your local auto parts store, disposal facility or environmental agency to see if they will accept the oil for recycling. After the oil has cooled it can be drained into a container (capped plastic jugs, topped bottles, milk cartons, etc.) for transport to one of these disposal sites. Don’t dispose of the oil by pouring it on the ground or down a drain!
Oil Life Monitor
22. The Oil Life Monitor is a function of the PCM that tracks engine operating temperature and rpm. If the PCM determines that your engine’s oil has been used long enough, an indicator that shows «CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON» will light on the instrument panel.
23. When you change your engine oil and filter, whether you change it at the interval recommended in this chapter or only when the light comes on, you will have to reset the system to make the indicator go out and allow the system to accurately calculate when the next oil change is due.
24. To reset, turn the ignition key to the Run position (not Start) with the engine off, then fully depress and let up the accelerator pedal three times within a five-second period. Turn the key to Off, then start the engine. If the «CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON» message still appears, repeat the resetting procedure.