🔧 Encore - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter, then refill with the correct fresh oil. This keeps your Encore’s turbo engine lubricated and helps prevent sludge and premature wear.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.0-1.5 hours

Assumption: 1.4L turbo uses a top-mounted cartridge oil filter housing.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧯 Work on a level surface and let the engine cool 15–30 minutes to avoid burns.
• 🧤 Support the vehicle with jack stands before going underneath; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🔥 Oil and exhaust parts can stay hot; wear gloves and safety glasses.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 6-quart)
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Flat trim tool
• 15mm socket
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive)
• 24mm socket

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic, dexos1 approved) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge kit (includes new O-ring) - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug sealing washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🧭 Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• 📖 Warm the engine for 2–3 minutes, then shut it off (warm oil drains faster, but you don’t want it scorching hot).
• ⬆️ Lift the front using a floor jack and support with jack stands at the proper lift points.
• 🧼 Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap so the crankcase can vent while draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the shield fasteners.
• Use a flat trim tool to pop any plastic clips (a trim tool is a flat pry tool that removes clips without breaking them).
• Set the shield and fasteners aside where they won’t get oily.

Step 2: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5–10 minutes).
• Wipe the drain plug clean with shop rags and install a new drain plug sealing washer.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Replace the oil filter (cartridge style)

• Locate the oil filter housing cap on top of the engine.
• Put shop rags around the housing to catch drips.
• Use a 24mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the housing cap.
• Lift the cap out; the old filter cartridge will come out with it.
• Pull the old cartridge off the cap by hand.
• Remove the old O-ring from the cap and install the new O-ring from the filter kit.
• Dip a finger in fresh oil and lightly oil the new O-ring (helps it seal and not pinch).
• Push the new filter cartridge onto the cap until it seats fully, then reinstall the cap.
• Torque the filter housing cap to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reposition the shield.
• Use the 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to reinstall fasteners snugly.

Step 5: Refill with fresh oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill hole.
• Pour in about 4.2 quarts of 5W-30 full synthetic dexos1.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 6: Start, check for leaks, and verify the level

• Start the engine and let it idle 30–60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug area.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back.
• Check the dipstick and top off as needed (aim for the upper mark, not above it).
• Add oil in small amounts.

Step 7: Reset the Oil Life monitor

• Turn ignition ON (engine OFF).
• Use the steering wheel buttons to reach the oil life screen: Driver Information Center > Vehicle Info > Oil Life.
• Press and hold SET/CLR until it resets to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Test drive 5–10 minutes, then recheck for leaks and recheck the dipstick level.
• 🛢️ Pour used oil into a sealed container and take it (and the old filter) to an oil recycling center or auto parts store.
• 🧾 Note the mileage/date for your maintenance records.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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