🔧 Atlas - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter element, then refill with fresh oil that meets Volkswagen’s required oil specification. Doing this on schedule protects the timing components and reduces engine wear.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the Atlas with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be very hot; let the engine cool 20-30 minutes to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the serpentine belt and exhaust components to prevent smoke/odors.
• ⚠️ Do not rely on a floor jack alone—always use jack stands.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Oil drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• Torx T25 driver
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (3/8" drive)
• 19mm socket
• Oil filter housing socket (specialty)
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive, 10-60 Nm range)
• Funnel
• Shop rags

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil filter element - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing O-ring set - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Engine oil (VW-approved spec shown on oil cap/manual) - Qty: 7 quarts

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off and let it cool 20-30 minutes (warm oil drains faster, but you want it safe to handle).
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap so the crankcase can vent while draining.
• Tip: Lay cardboard under the drain area.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the Atlas

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the Atlas at the proper front jacking point.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair) under the front support points and gently lower onto the stands.
• Give the Atlas a careful push to confirm it’s stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine cover (undertray)

• Position the oil drain pan (at least 10-quart) under the engine area.
• Remove undertray fasteners using a Torx T25 driver and/or 3/8" drive ratchet as applicable.
• Set the undertray and fasteners aside in order so reassembly is easy.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Move the oil drain pan (at least 10-quart) directly under the oil pan drain plug.
• Loosen and remove the drain plug using a 19mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet and 6" extension.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (typically 10-15 minutes).
• Replace the drain plug crush washer (do not reuse the old washer).
• Reinstall the drain plug and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Replace the oil filter element (top-mounted housing)

• Locate the oil filter housing on top of the engine.
• Place shop rags around the housing to catch drips.
• Loosen the housing cap using the oil filter housing socket (specialty) with a 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Remove the cap and pull the old filter element off the cap.
• Replace the O-ring(s) on the cap using the oil filter housing O-ring set.
• Install the new filter element onto the cap.
• Reinstall the cap and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Tip: Oil the new O-ring lightly first.

Step 5: Reinstall the undertray

• Reinstall the lower engine cover using the Torx T25 driver.
• Tighten fasteners snugly and evenly (these are small screws—do not over-tighten).

Step 6: Refill with fresh oil

• Insert a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Pour in fresh engine oil (VW-approved spec shown on oil cap/manual). Start by adding about 6 quarts, then adjust after checking the level.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 7: Start, inspect, then re-check oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 3-5 minutes for oil to settle.
• Check for leaks under the Atlas and around the filter housing using safety glasses and shop rags.
• Check the oil level (dipstick if equipped, or the vehicle’s oil level display if your Atlas uses the electronic check) and top off as needed.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test drive 5-10 minutes, then re-check for leaks and re-check oil level once more.
• Reset the oil service reminder (common paths): CAR > Settings > Service > Reset oil change or via the instrument cluster Settings > Service > Reset (wording varies by radio/cluster).
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling/auto parts center—do not dump it.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $75-$130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.