How do you change the oil and filter on a 1996 Saturn?

Answer 1

oil change is quite easy. first you need to raise your vehicle enough so you can get under it. I recommend using Jack stands for support, as jacks can sometimes fail while under load. under the vehicle there will be a large black metal pan with a bolt in the lower portion of it, faceing the rear of the vehicle. this is your oil drain plug. it uses a 14mm socket or wrench to loosen. place a catch pan under the plug and remove the plug slowly. the oil will come out with a bit of force, so position the catch pan accordingly. once the oil has come to a drip, replace the plug and tighten. If you have raised the vehicle high enough you should beable to reach the oil filter from underneith, if not you will have to go through the passanger side wheel well, and will probably have to remove the passanger tire. the oil filter is located on the back of the engine block on the passanger side, just above the drive axle. use of a oil filter band wrench, large pliers or channel locks my be necessary to losen the filter, depending on how tight the seal is. once the filter is off, check to make sure the oil filter seal is still on the oil filter! sometimes the seal will stick to the engine block, and the user will unknowingly install the new filter ontop of the old gasket. make sure the mounting plate is clean of any debris before installing a new oil filter. your most common oil filter will be a Fram PH3614. screw the oil filter on until hand tight, and give 1/4 of a turn to tighten fully. lower the car and remove the oil cap. the engine calls for 4.0 Qts of oil with a filter change. add the oil to the vehicle, replace the oil cap, start the engine and check under the car for any drips or leaks. if all is clear, turn engine off, check the oil dipstick for fullness and your done.