Detailed Oil change procedure

[odiaz]

I just finished doing my first oil change. Thanks to a lot of posts on this forum, it went very smooth. I've been working on cars for over 30 years and this is by far the easiest oil change I've ever done.

I wrote a detailed set of instructions compiling information from various sources. Hopefully this will give you everything you need to do your own oil chages; including how to reset the oil-life display on the car. The instructions can be found here:

http://www.cherod.com/solstice/HowTos/OilChange.htm

[FieroVin]

Nice writeup, thanks.

[SolNut]

Both the Drain Plug and the Filter Top have a torque specification of 18 Ft. Lbs.

Steve

[SolPainter]

Very nice write up!

[odiaz]

Thanks Steve, That's good to know. I'll add that to the document.

[SolNut]

10-4, Keep up the good work!!

Steve

[GXP Fetish]

Originally Posted by odiaz Thanks Steve, That's good to know. I'll add that to the document.

May I ask what your mileage was when you decided to do the first oil change? Also what was the oil life % reading?

My GXP turned over 5000 miles today and has 67%. I've scheduled an oil change this week just because I've been told that since it is a new car it is recomended.

[odiaz]

I bought the car used from a dealer and he said he changed the oil before I bought it. the oil change sticker still had another 1,000 before it was due and the oil-life display was reading 9%. I've read recommedations to change the filter at 4.5-5K miles and the oil at 9-10K miles. I'm probably only going to drive the car about 4-5K miles/yr so I'll change it every year just to be on the safe side.

[FieroVin]

I just did my first oil change at 7200 miles, the DIC said oil life was at 12% remaining, the manual says the DIC will display "change oil soon" or something like that when it needs to be changed, but I was getting nervous. The manual also says something about under the right conditions the DIC will show you still have oil life, but if it has been 1 year to change it anyway.

I've had people tell me before that when you're using synthetics you can go 6 or 8 thousand miles between changes, but it all depends on driving conditions.

I used the K&N HP-7000 filter cartridge.

[pec07]

I just registered to this forum today and I'm about to do my first oil change. Thanks for the great Info......I love this forum

[dlmontie]

Originally Posted by odiaz I just finished doing my first oil change. Thanks to a lot of posts on this forum, it went very smooth. I've been working on cars for over 30 years and this is by far the easiest oil change I've ever done. I wrote a detailed set of instructions compiling information from various sources. Hopefully this will give you everything you need to do your own oil chages; including how to reset the oil-life display on the car. The instructions can be found here: http://www.cherod.com/solstice/HowTos/OilChange.htm

Thanks for providing the fantastic instructions! I've changed the own oil & filter myself on every car that I have ever owned (I'm 66 yo) but was afraid to attempt it on my 06 Solstice and have been having the oil changes done by the dealer. I stumbled across your instructions tonight and you've not only provided some very detailed instructions with photos but also given me the confidence to do the change myself tomorrow morning. Thanks again!

[Brazan GXP]

Great info. I found a wrench on Ebay for removing the filter housing top. Description: PONTIAC Oil Filter Wrench Socket Tool Solstice G5 G6 GM , Item#
> 360198144780

[NavyKnight]

I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this posting. I just changed my oil by myself for the first time. I used ramps that only lifted the car 6 inches, and almost gave up thinking I didn't have the leverage/strength I needed to pry loose the drain plug. I then used 2 hands doing some kind of Statue of Liberty pose under the car. Is this the position everyone else uses under the car? On your back, with both arms reaching above your head like you were climbing a rope?

[Alan_L]

Why did you get the truck and suv oil instead of just the regular Mobil1 5W30?

[p38spud]

Am about to do the first oil change on my "new" '08 Deep GXP, We just turned 2500 miles. What a great posting, Thanks to all who put back into the car sport! Salute!