Idiots guide to an oil change?

Question

I was hoping someone could give me a VERY detailed, step by step for changing the oil on my car, a 92 Probe.

I know nothing of cars (what oil to buy, what tools are needed, what to look for under the car, etc...) but because of various issues I must do it myself. If you could help, thanks a ton.

Answer 1

I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT YOUR FINALLY BECOMING A MAN. 1Step OneGather necessary tools and materials (refer to Necessary Items list). If you plan to change your oil regularly, consider investing in jack stands, a socket set and an oil drain pan.
2Step TwoRun the car's engine for 10 minutes before you drain the oil. Warm oil drains faster than cold oil.
3Step ThreePark the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. If your car has a low clearance, raise it by driving it onto a ramp or by jacking it up and supporting it securely.
4Step FourOpen the hood and place the new oil and funnel on top of the engine to ensure that you won't forget to add oil afterwards (an expensive mistake that many do-it-yourselfers make!).
Tips & Warnings
Consult your owner's manual or an automotive parts specialist to find out the weight of oil and type of oil filter your car needs.
You'll need the year, make, model and mileage of your car if you go to an auto parts store.
Make sure the car is securely supported before you crawl underneath.
You will need two jack stands to support the front of your car after jacking it up. Never get under a car that is supported only by a jack! A pair of jack stands costs less than $20.
Draining the Oil and Changing the Oil Filter
Steps
1Step OneCrawl under the car once it is securely supported.
2Step TwoLocate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine, usually near the front center of the car. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location.
3Step ThreePlace the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Remember: turn counterclockwise to remove bolts.
4Step FourRemove the plug by hand. Be prepared for the rush of hot oil!
5Step FiveLet the oil drain into the pan. Hold onto the plug.
6Step SixReposition the pan, if necessary, to catch all the dripping oil.
7Step SevenWipe off the drain plug and the plug opening when the oil finishes draining.
8Step EightReplace the drain plug gasket.
9Step NineReinstall the plug. Always start threading any bolts or screws by hand to prevent cross threading.
10Step TenTighten with a wrench or socket. Be careful not to overtighten the plug.
11Step Eleven Locate the existing oil filter. Oil filters are usually on the side of the engine.
12Step Twelve Position the oil pan underneath the filter to catch any remaining oil.
13Step Thirteen Use an adjustable oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter.
14Step Fourteen Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine. Make sure the rubber seal of the old filter is not stuck to the engine.
15Step Fifteen Click to enlargeUse some new oil to lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter.
16Step Sixteen Screw the new filter into place by hand. It's usually not necessary to tighten the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, but have it at the ready if you're grip's not strong (or large) enough.
Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves to remove the plug if it's hot.
It's always best to replace the oil drain plug gasket.
Use the right size wrench or socket. Don't use an adjustable wrench: you can strip the bolt.
Handle hot automotive oil with extreme care.
Be careful when removing the old oil filter. It's full of oil.
Installing New Oil and Cleaning Up
Steps
1Step OneLocate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Remove it.
2Step TwoPlace the funnel in the opening and pour in the new oil. Typically, you will use 4 to 5 quarts of oil. Check your manual for the correct oil capacity.
3Step ThreeReplace the cap when you're finished.
4Step FourRun the engine for a minute, then check the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
5Step FiveCheck the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leakage.
6Step SixUse rags and newspapers to wipe away excess oil.
7Step SevenPour the used oil into a plastic container after the used oil cools.
8Step EightDispose the used oil properly: either bring it to a recycling center or an auto repair shop that can recycle it for you. Don't pour it down the sewer!
Tips & Warnings
Record the date and mileage after you change the oil so you will know when your car is due for another oil change. It helps to put a small sticker on your windshield to remind you.
Handle hot motor oil with extreme caution.
Only dispose of used motor oil and filters at authorized locations.

Answer 2

Tools you'll need include an adjustable (crescent) wrench, an oil filter wrench (I recommend you change the filter too), some sort of container to catch the old oil, a new oil filter, five quarts of oil. I dont' know where you live, but 5-40 oil is a good bet, but you probably want to ask the person where you buy the oil what would be best. Park your car on a level surface. Start it and bring it up to operating temp. Turn the car off and crawl under the car and look for the oil pan, it will be right under the engine. Position the container under the bolt in the middle of the oil pan and loosen the bolt with the wrench. Using your fingers, loosen the bolt while applying upward pressure on the bolt. This is so the oil (which will be pretty hot) doesn't run down your arm and burn you. When you feel the bolt is clear of the threads, jerk the bolt away in a quick motion and allow the oil to drain into your container. While your waiting for the oil to completely drain, find the filter on the engine and remove it with the oil filter wrench. Some are hard to get to. It may be easier to remove from underneath the car, you'll just have to try and see. Apply some oil to the gasket on the new filter and hand tighten it, then, using the oil filter wrench, tighten it another half turn. Don't overtighten it, You can always tighten it a little more if it leaks. Replace the bolt in the oil pan. Look for the rubber cap on the valve cover (top of engine) that says "oil" or it might have a symbol of a oil can on it. Remove the cap and start pouring oil into the hole. I don't really know how much oil your car takes, so after you pour in three quarts, start checking the dipstick. When the dipstick shows full, start the engine again and run it to operating temp. Check the oil level again since some oil will have settled in the new filter. Add more oil if needed to bring the level up to full. By the way, most auto part stores will loan you (or rent to you) a container to catch the old oil, then you just take the container with the old oil back to the store and it is recycled.

Answer 3

Go to your local auto parts store and purchase an oil filter for your model car. Then purchase 5 quarts of 30SAE oil.You will need a container to catch the oil as you drain it from the car. Also available at the same store.
Next find the drain plug located at the bottom of the engine oil pan. It helps to have the engine warm before you drain the oil. After the oil has drained out (about 10 min.) replace the plug and tighten snug. Do not over tighten. Next remove the oil filter (may need filter removal tool) . Drain the oil in the filter into the same container you drained the engine oil into. Install the new filter by wetting the seal on the filter with some of the discarded oil with your finger then screw the filter into place. Do not over tighten or you will have a hard time removing it the next time. Once everything is in place pour the oil into the oil filler tube at the top of the engine. Put four quarts in and check the dipstick for the proper level. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute then shut the engine off. Check for leaks at the oil pan plug and filter. If no leaks are present check the engine oil level and ad the rest of the oil as needed to bring the oil level up to the full mark on the dip stick. The reason for starting the engine before you ad the balance of the oil is so the oil fills up the new filter and to check for leaks. You have completed the oil change operation.

Answer 4

First you need a good safe floor jack and safety stands and a solid ground area. Do not get under your vehicle with just the jack that comes with your car. You will need at least a 4 quart drain pan, wrenches or socket set to remove the drain plug from the oil pan. 4 quarts of 5-w30 motor oil and the appropriate oil filter. Raise the vehicle and remove the drain plug on the very bottom of the engine. Next remove the oil filter from the engine block. after the oil is drained replace and tighten the drain plug and install the oil filter. Tighten the oil filter until snug, then turn it another 1/2 turn. Lower the vehicle and add the new oil into the motor.Start and run the engine for 30-45 seconds. shut off engine and check the oil level,add more if needed to bring the level to the full mark.

Answer 5

To change your oil you need: a pan to catch the oil--this must also easily fit under car. A socket wrench and socket (or other suitable wrench) to fit the oil pan drain bolt. An oil filter wrench to fit your oil filter. This and some rags make up your oil change outfit.
Your first step begins with getting down (with flashlight if necessary) and identify the oil pan drain bolt. This will give you an idea of its size. You may be able to get help from an auto parts counter identifying the exact size for the purpose of buying a wrench. A socket set may nor may not copntain the size you need.
Also observe the filter location and amount of room you have to maneuver around it. Buying the right tools for a particular car is half the battle. Removing the bolt to drain the oil and replacing it will be simple enough. Removing the filter, be prepapred for a messy spill. It is well worth learning this task which is so simple once you've gone through it.

Answer 6

1. Warm the engine to operating temperature.

2. Either drive up on ramps or jack up & place on jack stands. Apply the parking brake.

3. Find a container with at least 2 gal. capacity.

4. Carefully remove the drain plug. Be careful because the oil may burn you.

5. Remove the engine oil filter [place a smaller container under the vehicle to catch any drips]

6. Allow the engine to drain for at least 30 min.

7. Replace the drain plug. Don't force it in. Should screw in easily. Snug to tighten. If aluminum pan threads may strip easily.

8. Install a new oil filter.

9. Fill crankcase to full mark on dipstick, with manufacturer's specified oil.
DO NOT OVERFILL.

10. Start engine & let run for 10 seconds.

11. Recheck oil level

12. Run engine & check for leaks, then lower to the vehicle to the ground.

13. Properly dispose of the oil & filter.


Tools required:

2) Jack stands or ramps
1) Metric set of Combination Wrenches, or 6 Point Sockets up to at least at least 22mm. Do not use an adjustable wrench unless you are very careful. Will strip the edges on the plug.
1) A container with at least 2 gal. (8L)
1) Oil filter wrench – A belt type is universal
1) Wide moth funnel – with 1" (25mm) outlet

Locate a disposal site for the waste oil & filter prior to performing service.

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Answer 7

Halfords has a chart to select the right oil.
You will need a socket set and a container to catch the oil, if you look under your engin you will see a hexagonal bolt coming from under the main sump lossen that making sure you get the seal from the sump plug. once the oil has drained refit the sump plug and remove/replace the oil filter. Once all that is done put in the new oil via the filler cap on the top of the engine. The cars manual will tell you how much oil is needed.
Hope that helps and goodluck

Answer 8

good question for me to answer. tools needed; cresent wrench, oil filter wrench (if the oil filter is too tight to take off by hand), oil catch pan, oil funnel, portable jack to raise the car up, or you could use ramps to drive the car up on to raise it up, rags to wipe up spilled oil. you will have to look in your owners manual for the correct amount of oil to purchase, usually 4 to 5 quarts of 10w-40 oil will do, when you go to the store to buy an oil filter, they will have a book to look up which oil filter to buy. before you raise the car up, be sure to set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. after the car is raised up, slide under and locate the oil pan, it will be the lowest point of the engine. the oil pan will have a plug threaded into it, thats where the cresent wrench will be used. position the oil catch pan under the pan and remove the plug slowly. you will probably want to do this when the engine is cold because the oil can burn you if it is hot. while the oil is draining locate the oil filter, usually orange or white, 4 to 5 inches long, circular, sticking off the side or the near the bottom of the engine. try to remove it by hand, if it is too tight, use the oil filter wrench. be sure to put the oil drain pan under filter when you remove it. before you put the new filter on, make sure the rubber gasket from the old filter came off, if it didn't, remove it from the engine. screw on the new filter, hand tighten it to the point you can barely move it but you will be able to remove it on your next oil change, replace plug in oil pan, same thing on the tightening, use the cresent wrench, but don,t tighten to the point you won,t be able to remove it again. pour in the correct amount of oil into a hole located on the top of the engine, it may say oil right on it, use the funnel, it will save you headaches on clean up if you miss. when you start the engine for the first time, check for leaks, if there are none, stop the engine, wait a minute or two fo the oil to settle, then check the oil level using the oil dipstick located in the engine compartment on the side of the engine. if the level is not where it is supposed to be, add oil till it gets to that level. be sure not too overfill, that will damage the engine. when that is all completed, sit back and have a beer. if all this is too overwhelming for you, there are stores that will do all this for about 15 to 25 dollars, walmart, jiffy lube, farm and fleet, just look in the phone book. good luck.

Answer 9

The only thing I can add to the detailed accounts already given is to PRINT THEM OUT for future reference, they're good. Also, IF you plan on keeping the car for any length of time I would: #1 buy the best oil filter you can find (Amsoil or Wix, for example) and, #2 use a synthetic oil. From my own personal experience with high performanace engines I prefer Amsoil Products. Their lubricants for the engine, transmission, power steering, differential(s) and transfer cases are the best there is, BUT if you live in a small town or simply can't find Amsoil then just go with any good synthetic. Even Wal-Mart carries a large selection. More expensive, yes, but well worth it for economy, performance, and longevity. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

first your going to get under your car and take off the oil plug, then let it drain and clean the plug with paper towel and put new oil on it.. then take off the oil filter and let drain and put oil around the ring of the new filter then wipe the old oil under your car where the oil filter went. next hand tighten the filter and then go ahead and tighten the oil plug with a wrench. then open your hood and dump in the new oil for the recommended amount. then dispose oil at a recycling place examples are checkerauto or advanceauto.