Change Oil - 2.5 4 cyc

[baldacchino]

Hi All,
I am going to change oil and filters this weekend on the Gen 4. Given this car is foreign to me is there anything I should be aware of when changing oil.
The plastic shroud underneath looks like a pain in the arse, I presume the sump and filter is hidden under this.

I guess what I am asking for is advice on how to remove the shroud. Haven't taken a good look but is it just screws or does it use tabs etc.

Shane

[Kekotic]

Plastic is a piece of cake to take off, 2 bolts at the front of the car, 1 towards the back of the engine. Also 2 of those pop clips inside the wheel arches at the front and probably some around the front bar....can't quite remember, but easy to get at if you have jacked the car up.
Otherwise just your general oil change procedure, just don't forget to fill it up before you start it, and remember to tighten the sump plug!

[liberty_dc]

When I first got underneath, I couldn't believe how low the car is . (Compared to say the Rex)

Safety is important so make sure you've got the correct tools (jacks et al)

[baldacchino]

Thanks Chaotic2050,as you said 3 bolts and 2 clips in wheel arches, job has been done. I agree these cars are so low and these boxer engines are a pain to work on. Even late model sports bikes are easier to change oil on. Just managed to fit the wrench in.

Shane

[Mr Bagus]

Yep,

So low - makes doing my missus' RAV4 a piece of cake. If you want low, try an old mini! Most jacks don't even fit under - gotta drive it up some ramps to jack it up!

[jp928]

Dont rely on jacks guys. If you dont have stands, put a spare wheel or similar under a sill at least. I jacked up a car once to do the oil (screw pillar type with a tube into the sill), the missus came out and said 'I hope you are putting a stand under that first'.....and as we looked at it, the nut in the jack stripped and the car fell back to normal height.....Quick trip to Repco or somehwere followed.
Change is best done with enough kms from cold to get oil warmed so it runs out better.
jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

[edd13k]

Hey guys, I've haven't seen the underside of the car yet (past the plastic thingy that covers it).

Is the oil filter easy to access? and is there enough space to use a standard oil filter wrench to get it out?

One more thing, is the best place to put the jack stands on the same rail that the jack is being used on? (can't see any other place because of the plastic)

Thanks.