neves

i just bought an 03 chavalier and it is time to change the oil. but where is the oil filter and drain plug? ive had several people look at it and the only suggestion that i got whas to drop the oil pan. this also is not an ordinary oil pan. it is also bolted to the side of the transmission and looks to be quite the task to remove. any help?

amac209

first off what kind of motor do you have??? is it on of those eco-tech 2.2's ?? if so it takes a paper cartrige that sort of plugs in. there's a big plastic cap on the pop of the engine sort of under the air intake duct that you remove. old filter pulls out new one push in. if you have the old style 2.2 it's jamned between the motor and firewall in a spot where you can't see it or reach it easily which makes for a fun job. look in the manual if you have one.

04_CaV!!

Why are YOU changing the oil yourself? If it's an 03 it does have the ecotec and it's the plug in type the amac209 said, However, if your changing your oil and something goes wrong with your engine GM will not honor your warentee. YOUR NOT AN AUTHORIZED person to change the oil. SPEND the 25.00 and have an authorized person change the pil so if there is a problem with the engine in the future gm shouldn't give you any hassel about it.

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YOU WANT IT WHEN?

studballs

I change my own oil in my 2002 Eco...

screw GM's warranty...

amac209

if you save your receipts for oil and filters and make a log book recording every oil change they will probably honour your warantee. what difference does it make if you change your oil or some idiot at a quicky lube place does it?? maybe call your dealer or gm and ask them if you're going to void the waranty by changing the oil if your worried about it.

marchi1

Just make sure that you keep track of your oil changes. They can also tell if the engine was well maintinaed when they "crack the case" by the amount of crud inside the galleys and such. Don't use the cheapest oil out there and you should be okay.

BTW the socket needed is a 1-1/4" and you need a 9" extension to reach it easily.

sirk798

NOT TO REBIRTH A OLD THREAD, BUT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW, GM CAN'T AND DOESN'T VOID A WARRENTY IF YOU CHANGE YOUR OWN OIL.... THIS GUY COULDN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH.. JUST AN FYI

KJRich

100% agreed. But I would save all my oil/filter reciepts.

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1999 Chevy Venture LS Extended 3.4 V6 Intake Gaskets Replaced
2003 Cavalier LS Sport Coupe, 2.2 Eco, 5 speed Getrag, all black