🔧 Legacy - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter, then refill with fresh oil. This keeps your engine lubricated, reduces wear, and helps the engine last longer.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

Assumption: 2.5L uses 0W-20; ~5.1 qt with filter.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands anytime the car is lifted (never rely on a jack alone).
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be very hot; let the engine cool 10-15 minutes.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and safety glasses; used oil is dirty and irritating.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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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
• Drain pan (7-quart minimum)
• Funnel
• 14mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range)
• Oil filter wrench (65mm 14-flute) (specialty)
• Trim clip remover
• Phillips screwdriver
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the engine off, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then wait 10-15 minutes so the oil isn’t scalding hot.
• If you lift the front, use a floor jack and support with jack stands at the pinch welds or approved lift points.
• Open the hood and loosen/remove the oil fill cap by hand (this helps the oil drain faster).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

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

• Use a trim clip remover to pop out the plastic push-clips.
• Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove any Phillips screws (if present).
• Lower the panel enough to access the oil drain plug and oil pan.
• Tip: Keep clips in a small cup.

Step 2: Drain the old engine oil

• Place the drain pan (7-quart minimum) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug by hand and let the oil drain fully (5-10 minutes).
• Wipe the drain plug clean using shop rags.

Step 3: Replace the crush washer and reinstall the drain plug

• Remove the old washer from the drain plug and install the new oil drain plug crush washer.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (prevents cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range) with a 14mm socket and tighten: Torque to 42 N·m (31 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter (top of engine)

• Place the drain pan (7-quart minimum) under the engine area (some oil will drip).
• Use the oil filter wrench (65mm 14-flute) (specialty) to loosen the oil filter.
• Spin the filter off by hand and keep it upright as you remove it to reduce spills.
• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean using shop rags.
• Tip: Make sure the old rubber gasket isn’t stuck.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Rub a thin film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved finger (nitrile gloves).
• Thread the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches.
• Tighten by hand an additional 2/3 turn, or use a torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range) with the oil filter wrench (65mm 14-flute) (specialty): Torque to 17 N·m (12.5 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the splash shield

• Lift the panel back into place.
• Reinstall clips using the trim clip remover (to align) and press them in by hand.
• Reinstall any screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

Step 7: Refill with new engine oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill hole.
• Pour in about 5.0 quarts of engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic).
• Reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.

Step 8: Start, check for leaks, then set the oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Turn the engine off and look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and around the filter.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick level and top off using the funnel as needed (aim near the full mark).
• Wipe any spilled oil using shop rags.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck for leaks after a short 5-10 minute drive.
• Recheck the dipstick once more on level ground and top off if needed.
• Reset the maintenance reminder (if it’s on): Steering wheel buttons > Settings > Maintenance > Engine Oil > Reset.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or parts store that accepts waste oil.

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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 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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