How to change your own oil.
Joined: 10-25-2009
Posts: 6
From: SE MI Detroit Area
Adapter / Extender?
This will stop the oil from going all over the place get the one with the nipple and put a foot of hose on it no more mess http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I guess I'll have to get the ADP-107 adapter and try that when I change the oil in the Spring.
BTW, this was absolutely the easiest car I ever changed the oil on and it will be so much easier/smoother when I install the valve! (I put one on my Jeep Patriot)
Member
Joined: 10-07-2009
Posts: 79
From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Nice work, Solman....
Clear, concise...well thought out, for the presentation.
May I add, and this is each individuals choice, after pulling the pan drain plug, go to the oil filter and perform the filter change. That way, the oil has time to drain more COMPLETELY, as you are performing other tasks (on the test cars, GM had a written procedure to allow drainage for 30 minutes). Then reinstall the drain plug and refill.
Just a suggestion....that I have followed for many, many years
But again, nice work, Solman.
Clear, concise...well thought out, for the presentation.
May I add, and this is each individuals choice, after pulling the pan drain plug, go to the oil filter and perform the filter change. That way, the oil has time to drain more COMPLETELY, as you are performing other tasks (on the test cars, GM had a written procedure to allow drainage for 30 minutes). Then reinstall the drain plug and refill.
Just a suggestion....that I have followed for many, many years
But again, nice work, Solman.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-09-2009
Posts: 2,953
From: Clinton, Mass
I use ramps on my driveway.
The SS is too low to get it done without.
My driveway is at just about the perfect angle.
When I drive down/up onto the ramps it schlongs the car just slightly back from level so the drain is the lowest part of the pan.
I have to use boards to drive up/down the ramps and peeps to keep the ramps from kicking out.
10 minute setup, 10 minutes drain & filter swap, 5 minutes to put everything away
Stealership wants about 100 bucks for a Mobil1 oil & filter change
I get it done for less than $35 and don't have to drive there and wait.
I also know it's getting done right
The SS is too low to get it done without.
My driveway is at just about the perfect angle.
When I drive down/up onto the ramps it schlongs the car just slightly back from level so the drain is the lowest part of the pan.
I have to use boards to drive up/down the ramps and peeps to keep the ramps from kicking out.
10 minute setup, 10 minutes drain & filter swap, 5 minutes to put everything away
Stealership wants about 100 bucks for a Mobil1 oil & filter change
I get it done for less than $35 and don't have to drive there and wait.
I also know it's getting done right
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
New Member
Joined: 08-22-2009
Posts: 13
From: Weedsport
I have done hundreds of oil changes. Used to work in a garage years ago. I have always done my own as well. This is the first time that I forgot to put the drain plug back in before I started putting the oil back in. I got so damn excited about that new fangled oil filter that I totally forgot the drain plug. What an idiot. At least I only lost about a quart before I remembered. My assistant (15 yr old daughter) is having quite a good laugh about it.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
We had a 1996 BMW Z-3 for 8 yrs (sweet hot rod) & it had the same style oil filter (top load open filter) that we use on the HHRs'.
Joined: 11-18-2009
Posts: 2
From: Vermont
I changed my oil but could not reset the information page about % of oil life remaining. I tried the two approaches listed in the owners manual. Ignition on, press on accelerator completely & slowly 3x in 5 seconds. Also depressed "info' and "rest" buttons at the same time and then cycled through the "info" button to get to the oil life. Guess I did not respond quickly enough when it called for reset. In the process of all this I was worried about flooding the engine so I started the motor. Now I cannot return to the RESET point. What can I do?