I just did the 1st oil change on my 6cyl Terrain and would like to share the how-to with pictures
Step #1 - Be prepared with the following:
1.- Shop towels paper or Rags (lots)
2.- Filter Part PF48 (I bought it from the dealership)
3.- 5 lts of you oil of choice, mine is Mobil 1
4.- Oil pan or bucket of at least 8 lts (9 qts) capacity
5.- Open or close wrench of 15 mm
6.- Oil filter removal wrench (some call it filter removal wrench draper)
7.- Vinyl gloves (oil is harmful for the skin) or mechanic gloves that you don't mind getting oil on them
8.- Cat litter or other spill absorbant (cause you will spill oil)
9.- Funnel (any kind except paper and make sure is clean!!)
10.- Safety Glasses. (cause you want to protect your eyes)
Step #2 - Warm up the Terrain/Equinox and park it in the garage (assuming is level), In my case I went to fuel up and came back, that was enough to warm it up without being scorching hot.
Step #3 - Loose the oil filter using your hand or a wrench, in my case it was installed by a gorilla so wrench was the only choice.
Remember just loose it a bit, DO NOT remove yet. (The purpose is to release any vacuum left in the filter)
Step #4 - Get your arm under the car and using the 15 mm wrench loose the oil drain plug. (I was on the floor in front of the passenger wheel, very tight if you're on the heavy side of the human spectrum).
Check which one as in the picture.
Just loose it enough so you can remove with hand.
Step #5 - Place oil pan/bucket under the drain plug and remove the plug.
WATCH OUT! The drain plug is like an inch from the exhaust and you will get burned unless you're wearing mechanic gloves.
Place oil pan under the drain plug and undo the bolt.
WATCH OUT! The drain plug is facing the back of the SUV so when you completely remove it the oil will shoot back like 5 inches from it so be prepared! Place the pan not right under but in place to catch the oil (ask me how I know what mess it can make)
You will get on the floor in front of the SUV and reaching with your left arm, your head will touch or very close to touch the front wheel
I suppose you can drive on ramps of something but nah..
Step #6 - Remove by hand the oil filter
Place a shop towel under the filter so you don't spill any oil (the filter is horizontally mounted).
WATCH OUT! The filter will be hot and to pull it from above you'll have to practice how are you planning to pull your arm up because is very tight due to hoses. Really practice squeezing your arm in there.
I think the design is to handle that from under the car but for that you need a car lift.
Step #7 - Let it drain...
Give yourself a pad on the back for a job half way done... (and if possible crack open a cold one cause you have to wait...)
Step #8 - Re-install the drain plug
Go under again and re-install the drain plug, the torque is 15 ft. lbs. (just enogh to feel it tight, no need to super tight it cause it has a rubber gasket that you may want to replace if its damaged, in my case I didn't use the replacement because it was in perfect condition. Maybe next time or in the future when needed I'll replace it.
Step #9 - Install the new oil filter.
Get the new filter and pour a few drops of oil on the rubber gasket and smear it with your finger, then install. The torque is 22 ft. lbs. (as per GM specs) but realistically just turn it 3/4 after it touches the gasket. No more than that or you'll break the gasket. The box flaps has the instructions too.
Step #10 - Get the oil and funnel ready
Give yourself another pad on the back for a job almost done... and if possible crack open another one cold one just because...
Step #11 - Pour Oil into engine
Before you open the oil filter cap blow or clean any dirt or debrie around it.
Open the cap and put aside upside down so you don't let it touch any dirt!
Place the funnel and pour 5.3lts of oil (as per GM Specs for oil change with filter). I pourred 4 then one more and yes, GM was spot on! It is 5.3 lts (5.6 US Quarts)
NOTE: DON'T FORGET TO REINSTALL OIL CAP
Step #12 - Start up the SUV and reset the oil life via DIC (just press the clear button when showing the oil life and you'll be prompted to confirm if you want to clear)
Step #13 - With the engine running let it idle and check for leaks.
Step #14 - Re-bottle the old oil and dispose it responsibly.
Note: After the oil change the new oil is so clear that you can barely read it on the rod!
Note 2: The engine is MUCH quieter and I could swear is running smoother.. This Mobil 1 seems to be good stuff!
I hope this help others tackle this very simple job. (I saved like $170 because the dealership was going to do a 99 point inspection as well as the oil change, heck I'll do it myself and save a lot of money which also give me some lovin' points with the wife ;D)
Step #1 - Be prepared with the following:
1.- Shop towels paper or Rags (lots)
2.- Filter Part PF48 (I bought it from the dealership)
3.- 5 lts of you oil of choice, mine is Mobil 1
4.- Oil pan or bucket of at least 8 lts (9 qts) capacity
5.- Open or close wrench of 15 mm
6.- Oil filter removal wrench (some call it filter removal wrench draper)
7.- Vinyl gloves (oil is harmful for the skin) or mechanic gloves that you don't mind getting oil on them
8.- Cat litter or other spill absorbant (cause you will spill oil)
9.- Funnel (any kind except paper and make sure is clean!!)
10.- Safety Glasses. (cause you want to protect your eyes)
Step #2 - Warm up the Terrain/Equinox and park it in the garage (assuming is level), In my case I went to fuel up and came back, that was enough to warm it up without being scorching hot.
Step #3 - Loose the oil filter using your hand or a wrench, in my case it was installed by a gorilla so wrench was the only choice.
Remember just loose it a bit, DO NOT remove yet. (The purpose is to release any vacuum left in the filter)
Step #4 - Get your arm under the car and using the 15 mm wrench loose the oil drain plug. (I was on the floor in front of the passenger wheel, very tight if you're on the heavy side of the human spectrum).
Check which one as in the picture.
Just loose it enough so you can remove with hand.
Step #5 - Place oil pan/bucket under the drain plug and remove the plug.
WATCH OUT! The drain plug is like an inch from the exhaust and you will get burned unless you're wearing mechanic gloves.
Place oil pan under the drain plug and undo the bolt.
WATCH OUT! The drain plug is facing the back of the SUV so when you completely remove it the oil will shoot back like 5 inches from it so be prepared! Place the pan not right under but in place to catch the oil (ask me how I know what mess it can make)
You will get on the floor in front of the SUV and reaching with your left arm, your head will touch or very close to touch the front wheel
I suppose you can drive on ramps of something but nah..
Step #6 - Remove by hand the oil filter
Place a shop towel under the filter so you don't spill any oil (the filter is horizontally mounted).
WATCH OUT! The filter will be hot and to pull it from above you'll have to practice how are you planning to pull your arm up because is very tight due to hoses. Really practice squeezing your arm in there.
I think the design is to handle that from under the car but for that you need a car lift.
Step #7 - Let it drain...
Give yourself a pad on the back for a job half way done... (and if possible crack open a cold one cause you have to wait...)
Step #8 - Re-install the drain plug
Go under again and re-install the drain plug, the torque is 15 ft. lbs. (just enogh to feel it tight, no need to super tight it cause it has a rubber gasket that you may want to replace if its damaged, in my case I didn't use the replacement because it was in perfect condition. Maybe next time or in the future when needed I'll replace it.
Step #9 - Install the new oil filter.
Get the new filter and pour a few drops of oil on the rubber gasket and smear it with your finger, then install. The torque is 22 ft. lbs. (as per GM specs) but realistically just turn it 3/4 after it touches the gasket. No more than that or you'll break the gasket. The box flaps has the instructions too.
Step #10 - Get the oil and funnel ready
Give yourself another pad on the back for a job almost done... and if possible crack open another one cold one just because...
Step #11 - Pour Oil into engine
Before you open the oil filter cap blow or clean any dirt or debrie around it.
Open the cap and put aside upside down so you don't let it touch any dirt!
Place the funnel and pour 5.3lts of oil (as per GM Specs for oil change with filter). I pourred 4 then one more and yes, GM was spot on! It is 5.3 lts (5.6 US Quarts)
NOTE: DON'T FORGET TO REINSTALL OIL CAP
Step #12 - Start up the SUV and reset the oil life via DIC (just press the clear button when showing the oil life and you'll be prompted to confirm if you want to clear)
Step #13 - With the engine running let it idle and check for leaks.
Step #14 - Re-bottle the old oil and dispose it responsibly.
Note: After the oil change the new oil is so clear that you can barely read it on the rod!
Note 2: The engine is MUCH quieter and I could swear is running smoother.. This Mobil 1 seems to be good stuff!
I hope this help others tackle this very simple job. (I saved like $170 because the dealership was going to do a 99 point inspection as well as the oil change, heck I'll do it myself and save a lot of money which also give me some lovin' points with the wife ;D)
