Engine Oil: Service and Repair
INSPECTION1. Check engine oil level with the engine off and the car parked on level ground.
2. Make certain that the oil level indicated on the dipstick is between the upper and lower marks.
3. If the level has dropped close to the lower mark, add oil until it reaches the upper mark.
CAUTION: Insert the dipstick carefully to avoid bending it.
OIL REPLACEMENT
WARNING: Be careful when loosening the drain bolt while the engine is hot. Burns can result because the oil temperature is very hot.
1. Warm up the engine.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Reinstall the drain bolt with a new washer, and refill with the recommended oil.
NOTE: Under normal conditions, the oil filter should be replaced at every other oil change. Under severe conditions, the oil filter should be replaced at each oil change.
The numbers in the middle of the API Service label tell you the oil's SAE viscosity or weight. Select the oil for your car according to this chart:
An oil with a viscosity of 5W - 30 is preferred for improved fuel economy and year-round protection in the car. You may use a 10W - 30 oil if the climate in your area is limited to the temperature range shown on the chart.
4. Fill the engine with oil up to the specified level, run the engine for more than three minutes, then check for oil leakage.
OIL FILTER REPLACEMENT
WARNING: Be careful when loosening the oil filter while the engine is hot. Burns can result because the oil temperature is very high.
1. Remove the oil filter with the special oil filter wrench.
2. Inspect the threads and rubber seal on the new filter. Wipe off the seat on the engine block, then apply a light coat of oil to the filter rubber seal.
NOTE: Use only filters with a built-in bypass system.
3. Install the oil filter by hand.
4. After the rubber seal seats, tighten the oil filter clockwise with the special tool.
Tighten: 7/8 turn clockwise.
Tightening torque: 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.)
Use this procedure to tighten the filter if eight numbers (1 to 8) are printed on the surface of the filter.
1) Make a mark on the oil filter base under the number that shows at the bottom of the filter when the rubber seal is seated.
2) Tighten the filter by turning it clockwise seven numbers from the marked point. For example, if a mark is made under the number 2 when the rubber seal is seated, the filter should be tightened until the number 1 comes up to the marked point.
CAUTION: Using any procedure other than those shown could result in serious engine damage due to oil leakage.
5. After installation, fill the engine with oil up to the specified level, run the engine for more than three minutes, then check for oil leakage.