🔧 Forte - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

Changing the oil and oil filter keeps your Forte’s engine lubricated and helps it last longer. You’ll drain old oil from the oil pan, replace the filter, then refill with the correct fresh oil and verify the level.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the car with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot—let the engine cool 10-20 minutes to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Never rely on a floor jack alone; always use jack stands.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off belts and exhaust parts to avoid smoke/odor.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• 17mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Oil filter wrench (strap type)
• Funnel
• Trim clip tool
• 10mm socket
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 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 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap and dipstick to help the oil drain faster.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Safely raise and support the front

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the approved front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the front side pinch welds and lower the car onto the stands.
• Give the car a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable before you go underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip tool to pop out plastic clips.
• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to remove any 10mm bolts, then set the shield aside.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Position the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug (turn counterclockwise).
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Wipe the drain plug clean with shop rags and replace the oil drain plug crush washer.

Step 4: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range) with a 17mm socket and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).
• Wipe any oil off the oil pan area with shop rags.

Step 5: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil filter area (some oil will spill).
• Use an oil filter wrench (strap type) to loosen the filter, then spin it off by hand.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter (it should not stick to the engine).

Step 6: Install the new oil filter

• Use a clean finger to apply a thin film of fresh oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the base, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand. Hand-tight is correct here.
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags.

Step 7: Reinstall the splash shield (if removed)

• Reposition the shield and start all fasteners by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to snug the bolts, and re-install clips using the trim clip tool.

Step 8: Lower the car and refill with fresh oil

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift slightly, remove the jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum), then lower the car to the ground.
• Place a funnel in the oil filler opening and add 4.0 quarts of SAE 5W-20 full synthetic.
• Reinstall the oil filler cap.

Step 9: Start, check for leaks, then set the oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off in small amounts using the funnel until the level is at the FULL mark (usually ends up around 4.2 quarts total).

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✅ After Repair

• Re-check for any seepage around the drain plug and filter after your first short drive.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts waste oil.
• If your maintenance reminder is on, reset it through the instrument cluster settings (if equipped).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $30-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $60-$95 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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