OK, I have to break down and just ask.

I am worthless under the hood, but I want to change my own oil for literally the first time. I have seen the other oil change threads here, but none seem to really get to the real nitty gritty. I need absolutely every detail. Like you are teaching your 8yo son.

2006 LTZ.

Where is the drain plug? What size wrench do I need? How does the filter come off/on? Do I need to bank the wheel to get to it? Do I use the regular tire change jack?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

+73 Karma points if pictures can be provided!

 

Have you got a Garage-type Hydraulic Floor Jack and a set of Safety Stands?
Drain Pan?
Oil Filter Wrench?

 

alrighty well assuming u have the tools lets begin
first-i would suggest u put the car up on jack stands (also known as safety stands) as level as u can
second-locate the filler cap inside the engine bay and open it...
third-crawl under the vehicle and look for the oil drain pan...it should b located about parallel with the front tires, on the back of this pan is the oil drain plug...i am not sure the size so grab a few metric wrenches and make sure u have a snug fit
fourth-pull ur drain pan under the oil plug-the oil will flow out rapidly and will not drain straight down so position it to catch the oil
fifth-position urself so that only ur arm is under the drain plug and loosen it with the wrench, finish takin the drain plug out with ur hands...hot oil drains faster but i prefer not burnin myself
sixth-once the oil has completely drained locate ur oil filter and use your wrench to loosen it...there will b oil in the filter so be careful and drain it in the oil pan
seventh-install ur new filter and gasket by hand only...rub some of ur new oil onto the filter rim and the put ur new gasket on the filter and then rub some new oil on the face of the gasket...tighten by hand
eighth-reinstall ur drain plug and tighten it wit the wrench
ninth-pour in 4 quarts of oil and replace the cap, check the oil level and start ur engine..let it idle for a minute and check for leaks under the car, shut the car off and let it sit for a few minutes and check the oil level again, adding oil as needed

hope this helps just make sure u get the proper weight oil(should b on the filler cap) and the correct filter and gasket
also its late and ive been in class and working all day so....
someone please read this over and make sure i have not forgotten anything!

 

I just changed my oil here this past weekend and I used a 13mm wrench to get my oil cap off. I also use 5 1/2 Quarts of oil, not 4, but it all depends on your car. I have the 06 MC LS

 

Step 1 - Choose Your Oil[/align][align=center][:-]
[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Your owners manual for your vehicle should recommend a certain grade of oil to be used under normal driving conditions as well as the number of miles that you can drive your vehicle before changing your oil (maximum drain interval). However, if you drive under severe conditions such as extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, stop and go traffic or towing and hauling, the extra strain on your engine will necessitate more frequent changes. The average driver generally doesn't realize it but the vast majority of their driving falls into this category, which is why most mechanics will refer to and change oil by the shorter drain interval recommended by the manufacturer for use in "severe" driving conditions. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]As a general rule of thumb, change your motor oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. This strategy will provide superior engine protection and long engine life. (Be certain to check your owner's manual for special conditions and do not exceed warranty recommendations.) [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]

Step 2 - Prepare Your Vehicle[/align][align=center][:-]
[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Always be certain to consult your owners manual for specific safety precautions before climbing under your vehicle.
[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Never use a bumper jack to hold your vehicle up - it is simply too unstable. Portable wheel ramps are ideal and much safer. Wheel ramps will tilt the car just enough to allow you to slide underneath. After making sure that you are on level ground, drive your vehicle up onto the wheel ramps so that the front tires are elevated. Set your emergency brake and brace both rear wheels with wooden blocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Put your vehicle in first gear if you have a manual transmission and in Park if you have an automatic transmission. Cold oil will not drain properly so idle your engine for about 5-10 minutes to bring it to normal operating temperature (never start your engine without oil). Then switch off the engine and raise the hood to locate and loosen the oil sump cap to avoid creating a vacuum. This will allow the oil to drain from the bottom more freely. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]
Step 3 - Drain the Old Oil[/align][align=center][:-]
[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of your vehicle. It should be located at the bottom rear end of the engine sump or oil pan. Be sure not to loosen the automatic transmission drain plug by mistake. (It is usually located a bit further back.) [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Place the drain pan underneath the drain plug and slightly toward the back. Using your wrench, turn the plug counterclockwise until it rotates freely. Finish removing the plug by hand. At this point, be careful of the oil since it may release rapidly and is likely to be rather hot. Try not to drop the plug into the pan, but dont worry if you do! [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]

Step 4 - Remove the Oil Filter
[:-][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Next, loosen the oil filter - which may be warm - by turning it counterclockwise with a filter wrench. Complete the removal by hand, taking care not touch the hot exhaust manifold. The oil filter may be filled with oil and feel slightly heavy, so carefully ease it down and away from the engine and tip its contents into the drain pan. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]
Step 5 - Replace the Oil Filter
[:-][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Take your rag and wipe in and around the filter seat on the engine. Then take a new filter and use your finger to apply a light film of oil (new or used) to the gasket (the circular edge of the filter itself). This film will act as a sealant. Now gently screw the new filter onto the threaded oil line, turning it clockwise. If it's aligned properly, the filter should thread on easily. Hand-tighten the filter approximately ½ to ¾ of a turn after the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. Make sure the filter is mounted snugly, but be gentle, Hercules; you dont want to over-tighten.
[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Be sure to clean the copper gasket and the oil plug. Use a paper towel or rag to clean old oil or road dirt from the area on the oil pan near the oil plug hole before re-installing the drain plug. Then align and replace the plug. Screw it in by hand, but finish tightening it with your wrench. Tighten the oil plug to the proper torque recommended in the owner’s manual to prevent under- or over-tightening. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]
Step 6 - Add Clean Oil
[:-][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]On the top of the engine you will find a cap that says "Oil." Unscrew the cap and proceed to fill the engine with the required quantity of oil, checking with the dipstick to assure proper fill level. Use a funnel to pour the new oil into the filler hole on top of the engine (oil spilled onto the engine or exhaust system will stink up the engine; oil spilled onto the exhaust system can even potentially be ignited). Then replace the cap and wipe off any spillage. The oil light should go out as soon as the engine is started. Run the engine for several minutes, then switch it off and check the dipstick once again to assure proper oil level. Last, but not least, check under the vehicle for leaks. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Easier than it sounded, right? Be sure to keep a written record in your glove compartment of the mileage and date for each oil change. That way, it will be easy to keep track of when your next change should take place. Also, should you decide in the future to sell your car, verification of regular oil changes will increase its resale value. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][:-]
[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Now you can take off your dirty latex, and discard soiled clothing or wash them separate from other family member’s clothes. Exposure to used oil has been linked to skin cancer and other skin disorders, so be super-careful! [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]
Step 7 - Dispose of Your Used Oil
[:-][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Thought you were finished? Not quite yet! The final, and in some ways, most important step to your oil change, is the proper disposal of the used oil that you have drained from your vehicle. Used motor oil is highly toxic to the environment and it is of the utmost importance that it is disposed of in a safe fashion. Transfer the used oil to sealed container and consult your local garage about options for safe disposal. Chances are that a garage in your area will take the oil off your hands and arrange for it to be recycled or safely disposed of. If, by chance, you are unable to find a garage in your vicinity willing to take your used oil, your state should have an environmental agency that can direct you towards an alternative option. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][:-][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]For more information on the destructive effects of improper oil disposal and a list of state agencies with information about the safe disposal of used oil in your area, consult The Experts ALL ABOUT OIL. [/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Good Luck `Jon, let us know how is goes 4 U[/align][/align][/align]

 

When I put-in the Oil ... I start by adding 4 Quarts ... then, I run the engine and look at the Oil Filter and Drain Plug to make sure there's no leaks. Once the engine's had a few minutes of run time; I shut it down and wait a few minutes for all the Oil to settle and check the dipstick. That's when I top-up the Oil Level to the correct level on the Dipstick.

It does seem to vary from car to car. Year to year ... etc.

 

Oh, baby! Exactly what I was lookin for. Thanks guys.

I feel mere days away from being able to make fun of my friends for not knowing how to change oil. Bonus!

 

lol so u asked us to make fun or ur friends lol nice very nice...just make sure u can do it b4 u make fun of them lol

 

Oh baby! It goes down this sunday!

Ive got my drop-in K&N air filter with oil filter to match. and five quarts fo Mobil1.

Whats the best way of getting off the stock oil filter, bearing in mind that Ill be using easy off K&Ns from now on. No sense in buying a special wrench that Ill use only once, right?

 

Are you running synthetic oil now ? if not how many miles are on your monte. high mileage and going from conventional to synthetic can have issues involved.


For the filter you can try dry rag around it and use your hands, hopefully whoever put it on last did not put it on to tight.