I tell people at work about that and they look at me like "Damn, that fast"?.

Don't even need to jack the car up.

 

Mobil 1 at Wally World $23
NAPA Gold oil filter $7.50
Mechanic has lift & 10 minutes $10

Quick oil change without getting dirty - priceless

 

What's the deal with the ramps? I just did mine 4 day ago and was able to reach the plug with the 15mm box wrench by laying on the ground and reaching my arm behind the passenger side front tire. The plug faces rearward on the back of the pan.

When you take the filter cover off with the 32mm socket (I used a standard depth 1.5" tall, but not a deep socket) be sure that you have a ratchet extension. You're not going to be able to put a breaker bar or ratchet directly on the socket. I put the socket on the hex of the filter cover first, then put the extension through the mechanicals on the upper engine to access the socket (the only way you can do it). My drain plug had a magnetic tip on it as well as a built in O ring, the same as my Caddy CTS did.

Ultra simple oil change except for trying to open the beer afterward with oily fingers.

 

BTW, my car DID NOT have a magnetic tip rain plug. I bought one online and installed it a while back. I feel like it is just cheap extra insurance. There were no visible metal particels on it when I changed it the second time, but who knows over the long haul...

 

My HHR SS has to be the easiest car I have ever changed the oil and filter on. Ever since I bought the stubby 32mm socket for the filter, it is a piece of cake. G.B.

 

I tested the local auto parts magnetic drain plug, the magnet would not even pick up a 1/8" wrench.. Not impressed.

Well, then got one with a Rare Earth magnet. It will draw nuts & bolts across my work bench to it... And will hold a 1- 5/16" combo wrench.. That's a worthy magnet..

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...665#post456665

 

Beware. those caps have a life span to them. if you reuse the same cap over and over, the threads wear down (it's plastic), and there are quite a few instances of the cap backing off and a catastrophic oil loss occurs. it happened on my wife's 2.2 ecotec with the same setup (and part #). I put a little dap of silicone on the edge of the cap at each oil change to keep it from vibrating loose. GM part # PF458g is the complete assembly with new cap. A bit more $$ than just the replacement cartridge, but worth it in piece of mind every 3rd or 4th change.

 

My dealer sent a coupon for mobile 1, tire rotation and safety check for $70.
The service manager says they are aware of the auxillary vacuum pump needed for my brakes. Hopefully we can make arrangements for the install.
So fri, i bring it for the 2nd oil change. i have 5000 miles on it now. i wanted to have my dealer do the first few oil changes.