[BeRad]

Gonna do the 1st change this weekend. What's the best side of the car to lift to do the change? Front, driver side, passenger side? thx, BeRad

 

[BluStreak]

Don't know, I have taken mine back to saturn every time. I buy my own oil and take it in. Then it only cost about $20 at the dealer. Which isn't bad since they check over everything else and wash the car.

 

[CSCC 148]

I'd put the car up on ramps. That's what I do. It's safer that way since the oil plug is way back there...

 

[Sp00ner]

If you can reach the plug, you don't need to lift it at all, I didn't. Have you found the oil filter yet?

 

[SilverRedLine04]

i havent even looked at my car, isnt the filter where the 2.2 ecotec is at?
oh shit the s\c charger is there.

i'll check it out after work

keith-

 

[Sp00ner]

Not sure if it's in the same place on those, haven't seen one, but it's to the right (driver's side) of the supercharger, kinda under and behind the throttle body, in a small crevice. It blew my mind the first time I went to do it, I looked at it for 10 min, and just said 'I'll wait'. Went out and did it the next weekend, and it's alot easier than it looks...

 

[Sp00ner]

Don't know, I have taken mine back to saturn every time. I buy my own oil and take it in. Then it only cost about $20 at the dealer. Which isn't bad since they check over everything else and wash the car.

I just don't like another man touching my car, it's like some guy feelin up my girl at the bar...

 

[navymitch12]

spooner i did mine the same way, slide under it on the ground in the parking lot and unbolt the oil plug, the rest it done above the car, and yes the oil filter is in the same place as the 2.2L and the supercharger is there haha tricky right

 

[CSCC 148]

spooner i did mine the same way, slide under it on the ground in the parking lot and unbolt the oil plug, the rest it done above the car, and yes the oil filter is in the same place as the 2.2L and the supercharger is there haha tricky right

You guys either have long arms or I'm really wide to not fit under the car.

 

[Kirtsky]

I put mine up on stands, but that was to take off the wheels and clean them while I was changing the oil. Easiest is to have a long extension for a ratchet to reach the filter cap from top.

 

[Sp00ner]

Yup, I used a 1 1/4" socket, and two 4" extensions to get down in there... I almost didn't have a big enough socket. I almost had to put the oil back in there, drive to the store, and then change the filter. That would have sucked...

 

[KBJ]

How many miles do you guys go between oil changes? Do you actually go 5-6000 with the synthetic oil? I have no clue cause every other car I've owned has been a shit box.

 

[clownhair]

I just left mine on the ground, if I recall I used a 22MM wrench to get the oil cap off. Easy to do, took about 20 minutes total.

 

[Sp00ner]

This was a huge argument actually... was never resolved to any real degree... the best idea is to go with what makes you comfortable....

 

[clownhair]

How many miles do you guys go between oil changes? Do you actually go 5-6000 with the synthetic oil? I have no clue cause every other car I've owned has been a shit box.

I went 8,000 this last change.

 

[KBJ]

Thanks guys.

 

[dL_RL]

Oh my, my first oil change took me 2 hours. I had a hell of a time getting the filter out and I scratched the hell out of my arms doing it. Longest oil change in my life. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th time was alot easier, takes me about 20-30minutes.

I think I changed the oil at 500miles, 1500miles, 3000miles, 5000 miles, and then 7500 miles. I wont go more than 2500 miles on my car.

 

[Sp00ner]

Exactly, everyone has their own idea and suggestions, and reasons as to why they do it the way they do. I go in the area of 3,000-ish. If it hit 4,000, no biggie, 5,000... eh? who cares. After that I start to get real twitchy about it. I feel like I'm being lazy about it. I'm gonna aim for the same area this time too.

 

[Cynic]

Here's the method I use for changing the oil. Obviously you just jack the car up and unscrew the oil pan plug and let 'er drain. Easy part complete....Now the easiest way I've found to get to that freakin oil filter is to take a very large socket (1.25") and stand at the left fender (driver side) Maneuver your hand with the socket underneath the supercharger and find the bit cap for the filter. Monkey the socket on and pull your hand out. Now get very long extension for it and slide it down onto the socket. You should be able to glimpse it from the top if you look around. Unscrew it and then remove the extension and the socket wrench. Put your hand back under and pull the thing out. Install same way only reverse directions. Let me know if you have questions.

 

[WopOnTour]

for the DIYers out there
If you pull the filter FIRST you will get a better drain out the oil cooler etc
Also inspect the old filter to make sure the little "tit" on the end you insert into the block (with the 0-ring seal for the bypass) hasnt broken off.
AND
Make sure you keep your oil/filter receipts in an envelope in your glove box and mark your DIY changes in your maintenance book with date and mileage. This will insure your warranty is preserved should the service ever be questioned. Finally don't forget to reset your Oil Life Index by pressing and holding the button on your IP until it reads RESET and the chime sounds.
WOT