Just did this job on my SS yesterday. This post was helpful for sure. As many people noted, most 32MM sockets won't fit on the filter without interference. The socket I already had didn't either, but I got one that works at Sears for $8.69. It is a 12-point 32MM socket, and is short enough to avoid interference.

 

I read this thread and saw somebody mention Rhino Ramps (8000 lbs.) , picked up a pair on sale and they do have plenty of clearence for the air dam. The stealership just did my first oil change and filter for free and put 10W-30 bulk oil, when I complained and showed them the manual they said it would be fine, they rotated the tires and did not reprogram the TPM,s also. Needless to say its a brand new car so I dumped the oil and put Castrol 5w-30 which is on the GM approved list, had them reprogram the TPM's because I was so pissed at them and needless to say I will never go back to that dealer again. They really suck, their service sucks, it was a tire rotation and and an oil change not brain surgery! BTW I also own a crown Vic and tried the Rhino Ramps, my wife is very happy that I don't have to turn off the air supession and have her climb in the trunk no more because of the clearence issue.

 

Solman98:

I posted this before but, on my 2010 - 2.2 , I cannot get my 1 - 1/4" socket to seat on top of the filter housing. The manifold is too close. The socket I have is 1 - 3/4" tall and it sits on an angle.

Can I ask where you got yours? If I could get it to seat looks like it would
work but, I figured I would have to use a 1 - 1/4" box wrench. Posted this elsewhere but thought it may help someone else to put it on this thread also..


Just an update .....found the socket that was designed for this on Amazon.com $6.95

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-14700-Fi.../dp/B0009OMYAQ

 

Hi all, got everything I need to change the oil in "Horatio." Should be pleasant. My first post here, glad you're all out there in this network for the help, thanks!

Horatio's Stock, been running Mobil 1 full synth since we got him last Aug '09 with 19k, now 34k. Has been such an awesome car for us with two kids and a full time work vehicle for our cleaning business.

 

I usually start with the beer!

 

Welcome Quietwings-

That's what I use also, M1...

sleeper

 

Cheap AmPro socket from Advance. It's only used for the oil changes.

 

IT WAS SO EASY!!! Great info. Thanks.
~Qw

 

I changed the oil and filter today in my 06 HHR. The dealer did it last time and torqued the he[[ on the drain plug. What a pain to get that loose. I used my largest torque wrench on it to get it loosened. I had 10,300 miles with Mobil 1 and 15% oil life left.

I spent most of my time working on loosening the drain plug, so it took me about 45 minutes.

 

Thanks for the nice explanation AND PICTURES. Just took my little beauty to a quick change place and they couldn't get the filter off. Had a big, deep-well socket. No I know why it didn't work. Got free oil, though!