Location of oil filter and plug

[sumdeus]

Could someone direct me (with pictures if possible) to where the oil filter/plug is located at on a 2004 3.5L V6 Saturn VUE. I am attempting my first oil change but cannot find the oil filter and plug. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

David

[04SilverVue]

It is right behind the passenger site wheel well.

[SaturnMan62]

fyi,
The drain plug is a 17mm.

[SaturnMan62]

Also, it is easier to get at the filter if you turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.

[drewjmore]

The '17mm' post saved me. I think I was working on a completely different plug (perhaps the transfer case?)-- I was in front of the driver side wheel and it had a 3/8" (female) square drive. Lucky it wouldn't budge, or I'd never have come inside to look this up. No more crack for me.

I also noticed that the oil-pan has an embossed "engine oil" label nearby, once I got onto the correct side (passenger) of the car. Also, it helps to be left-handed when turning the filter.

QUESTION: Is there any way to keep the filter from running over as you remove it? It seemed like the housing to which the filter connects was still holding a few ounces, even after the oil-pan had finished draining.

[sierrap615]

Originally Posted by drewjmore

QUESTION: Is there any way to keep the filter from running over as you remove it? It seemed like the housing to which the filter connects was still holding a few ounces, even after the oil-pan had finished draining.

on my S-series i always put the pan under the filter, loosen it a turn or two, wait for it to drain, then remove the filter, it keeps things a little cleaner

[jimdris]

This thread definitely saved me some time - I had crawled around under my 2005 Vue for 20 minutes looking for the filter.