Has any one done there first oil change?. I have a couple of questions for you.
1. Is the filter a spin on or cartrige and cad you gat to the filter from the top?.
2. Do you have to remove any panels from the bottom of the car to get to the drain plug or the filter and does it take a regular wrench or is it an allen key end or some thing else strange that you have to go out and buy.

THANKS

I just did my first oil change last weekend.

The oil filter is a cartridge (NAPA FIL7082) and is accessable from the top, front of the engine on the driver's side. You will need a 1 1/4 inch (or 32mm) socket. Tighten to 18 lb ft.

The drain plug is located on the passenger side of the engine, 15 mm, torque to 18 lb ft.

I lifted the HHR on the driver's side to access the oil drain which tips the car just right for a good oil pan drain.

It is so easy to change oil in the HHR, if you take your time, expect the change to take 30 mins., including clean up time.

Sorry but I'v been lazy the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Oil change have all been done by the dealer. Oil Change #4 should be done later on this month. I'm approching 11,000 this weekend.

Thanks for the quick reply. I will go to napa no thursday to get the filter.

Michael from Dania FL.

I did my first change about a week ago.

The cap for the oil cartridge was a pain in the ass to get out (of course I didn't have a 1 1/4" socket lol). I'd suggest getting the socket and getting a decent size extention for the ratchet, as it looks to be a pain in the ass to get out without a nice size extention.

The drain plug was a 14mm IIRC. Don't quite remember as I was under the car and had my socket set right next to me.

Mine is just over nine weeks old, and I do 95% highway driving so I've been having the oil changed every 5K. I did it at the dealer the first two times. As I parked it in the driveway tonight, I'm close to 13K miles already. I'm currently planning on going to Kwik Kar for the 15K change and switching it over to Royal Purple motor oil. I've used both Kwik Kar and Royal purple in my Silverado and had good luck with both. Just be prepared to say no a LOT at Kwik Kar. They are a business and will try to sell you everything under the sun. I'm pretty good and fairly knowledgeable about what the vehicle needs so I have no problem saying no.

my two cents...
CBL

The drain plug was a 14mm IIRC. Don't quite remember as I was under the car and had my socket set right next to me.

Oops on me. 32mm is the size for the oil filter and not the drain plug. The drain plug is 15mm.

I corrected my original post. :red:

I have 2500 miles and just had the first oil change done at my friends station. I supplied an OEM filter (everyone, including mechanic there said to go OEM to cover your a$$ should there be any problems down the road). The oil felt clean, but there were definitely metal particles on the filter itself. I used fossil oil this time, but will switch to synthetic at my next change-around 8,000 miles.

By the way, they have a special socket that is designed for the filter nut, which is plastic and looks like it is easy to scratch. The socket looks like a giant wheel lock and is designed not to slip on the nut.

By the way, they have a special socket that is designed for the filter nut, which is plastic and looks like it is easy to scratch. The socket looks like a giant wheel lock and is designed not to slip on the nut.

Where can you get the socket and how much does it cost?

Ng

Oops on me. 32mm is the size for the oil filter and not the drain plug. The drain plug is 15mm.

I corrected my original post. :red:

Hmmm...I'm going to have to check my tools to see if I have a 32mm socket. I'm at 3000+ miles and I will do my own oil change. I'll probably do it at 5000 or when the monitoring system tells me to.

Ng

Where can you get the socket and how much does it cost?

Ng

You should be able to get the socket at most any auto parts store. I would suggest a short one, the intake mani (at least on the 2.4L) will be in the way of a deep socket. Also use a long extension and it will be a piece of cake.

Where can you get the socket and how much does it cost?

Ng
I bought a 32mm flat wrench from a pawn shop for a $1.00. I also got a 32mm socket at O'Reily's for $3.89. I used the socket last time I changed the oil. I keep it in the tool box at home now and the flat wrench in the car incase I want to chance the oil at the base. If you buy a socket don't buy a deep one, you will have a lot of trouble getting the cap off. That is what I used along with a 32mm wrench the first time I changed the oil at the base. It was a little frustrating with out the proper tools. :nuts:

I saw the socket on E-Bay tonight for around 15 bucks. A little expensive, I think.

I saw the socket on E-Bay tonight for around 15 bucks. A little expensive, I think.

A socket this size isn't cheap, although it is expensive for an eBay item. one of the best place's to look is flea markets.

If anyone's looking, you can also use a 1-1/4" socket. Close enough.

I picked mine up at either Auto Zone or Pep Boys. It wasn't much. Sorry, it's been a while and can't remember where I got it or how much.

If anyone's looking, you can also use a 1-1/4" socket. Close enough.

Standard size tools are so 80's... :D

Ng

Standard size tools are so 80's... :D

Ng

Yeah, I wish the US auto industry would make up their mind and go either SAE or metric all the way. If you work on enough cars you'll find most from the big 3 in the US use a mixture of both, whereas almost all imports are 100% metric.

Does anyone know the Fram filter # for the 2.4? It calls for a #9018 for other Chev. 2.2 engines. Is it a paper one that fits in the filter holder?

Yes, - the Fram Filter filter is P/N CH9018, and it is a pleated paper type that fits in the holder.

Hope it helps,

stupid question, but does the oil life thing in the info center re adjust itself after an oil change or do i need to reset something? i just got the car and it has 700 miles and says 90% oil life.

Screw the metric system :( and I am a Metrologist (Precision Measurement Specialist)...not a weatherman. :smile: I am so old school it annoys me to have to deal with both and I am just "Ugly American" enough to think that our way was the best way!!!

stupid question, but does the oil life thing in the info center re adjust itself after an oil change or do i need to reset something? i just got the car and it has 700 miles and says 90% oil life.

nope you need to reset it...it tells you how on the manual...

I have yet to change the oil in my HHR, the DIC hasn't said too yet and I have 7800 miles on mine. About 95% of my driving is highway driving and when I checked today the oil life read 25%.
Am I wrong and should I have changed the oil or wait till the DIC says so like it states in the owners manual.

I don't trust those things, I would change it. Where will GM be there when you are out of warranty?

I most always change my factory oil out at 1,000 miles. That flushes out any metal chips that might have remained in the block from the machining process. Then I slap in Mobil 1 Synthetic - not only does it add protection, it's friction reducing properties actually give a small power increase in the HHR. Several friends who have switched also agree. When you have a 4-cylinder - every little bit counts!

GM has put a ton of research into the DIC, so I'm sure you can abide by it's readings without problems. Most Synthetics can go 7500-miles or further easily, so I'd definitely go the synthetic route. The little extra you'll pay for synthetic will be offset by fewer oil changes.

Hope it helps,

nope you need to reset it...it tells you how on the manual...

Thanks i finally found it in that manual. I am going to change the oil after 1000 miles like SoCalHHR said and i got a case of Mobil one. I use it in all my cars. I guess the DIC thing will know it is synthetic? or does it go purley off of milage?

Well after doing some research and being a little concerned about the mileage on my HHR and still not having an oil change I found this on GM's website; it answers a lot about the GMOLS (GM oil life system).

How many miles can I expect to go between oil changes when using this system?

The beauty of the GMOLS is that it will automatically adjust the oil change interval based engine characteristics, driving habits and the climate in which the vehicle is operated. For instance, mild highway driving in a warm climate will maximize the interval between oil changes. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. On the other hand, short trip driving in cold a climate may limit the oil change to 3000 miles or less. In general, most people that drive a combination of city and highway find that the GMOLS will indicate an oil change every 5000 to 6000 miles. Additionally, most people maintain consistent driving habits. Therefore, their mileage between oil changes will be consistent. Changes in climate will affect this somewhat.

First oil change done at 3200 miles. I took it to the dealer because I have 3 free oil change, after that I will do them.

I'll be getting my first 3000 mile (actually 3500) freebie oil change after it comes out of the body shop. DIC says 55%. Because I am physically unable to do certain things, I have cut back to what car care I do on my vehicles. I do like to use ramps for my S-10 because it allows more room. Has anyone tried to work on an HHR on a set of ramps?

Changed mine today..
at 960 Mileage....
Mine will get a change every 3000 miles...
standard for me...