Kid trying to change oil

[Carfreak18]

Alright this question will sound pretty stupid to you car guys but im just a 15 year old kid......Ok i want to change the oil on my moms car
(2004 grand AM se) and I need to know the steps In doin so and tools for the oil filter and stuff..thanks guys

[CharlotteHawk]

Good time to learn. The first thing you should do is purchase a Chilton manual or go to the library and read a Chilton manual for the vehicle. It will tell you what tools you should need. I don't mean to be mean but that would be best. And you never know what else you will learn.

[catback23]

I hate to say but I don't think there are 2004 Grand Am chilton or haynes books out yet.

Tools required: Jack and two jackstands or a pair of ramps, oil drain pan, oil filter wrench, and a wrench or socket that fits the drain plug.

Steps: 1. Jack up the car and support it with jack stands or use ramps 2. Loosen the oil drain plug but don't remove it 3. Position the drain pan under the drain plug and move it toward the direction the drain plug points to catch any oil that may gush out. 4. Remove the drain plug and drain the oil 5. With the oil filter wrench loosen and then remove the oil filter (be aware oil may come out of the oil filter during and after removal so position the drain pan to catch it) 6. Read the directions with the new filter and install 7. Replace oil drain plug, tighten it snug but you need not tighten it as if it was a lug nut or engine mount, all it does is plug the drain hole anyway. 8. Pour in the amount of new oil specified in the owners manual, 5 quarts is typically the unofficial standard amount but be sure to check the manual first. 9. After a few moments after pouring in the oil check the oil level, it should be within range if not correct the level as needed. 10. Lower the car and clean up, job well done.

[eric99gt]

There's a manual. They're basically all the same from 99 up till now.

[catback23]

Yea but you really don't buy a 99 manual when you have an 04 and no clue on how to fix cars. You also don't buy a manual just to learn to change oil, that's what friends are for.

[Carfreak18]

Steps: 1. Jack up the car and support it with jack stands or use ramps 2. Loosen the oil drain plug but don't remove it 3. Position the drain pan under the drain plug and move it toward the direction the drain plug points to catch any oil that may gush out. 4. Remove the drain plug and drain the oil 5. With the oil filter wrench loosen and then remove the oil filter (be aware oil may come out of the oil filter during and after removal so position the drain pan to catch it) 6. Read the directions with the new filter and install 7. Replace oil drain plug, tighten it snug but you need not tighten it as if it was a lug nut or engine mount, all it does is plug the drain hole anyway. 8. Pour in the amount of new oil specified in the owners manual, 5 quarts is typically the unofficial standard amount but be sure to check the manual first. 9. After a few moments after pouring in the oil check the oil level, it should be within range if not correct the level as needed. 10. Lower the car and clean up, job well done.

Thanks dude...That really helped me...Lates

[Slade901]

I usually pour 3/4 oil inside the new oil filter before I put it on the engine. I do that to minimize dry start because it takes a while for the oil pump to fill up the oil filter when you start the engine.

[eric99gt]

Originally Posted by catback23

Yea but you really don't buy a 99 manual when you have an 04 and no clue on how to fix cars. You also don't buy a manual just to learn to change oil, that's what friends are for.

Yes you do. they are the same car. If he bought an 04 book or a 99 book it wouldn't matter. They would be the same.

[CharlotteHawk]

True enough and my apologies if I sounded brusque. My point was that having a manual is a wise beginning for anyone who is trying to learn the beginnings of auto care. While it is true that changing oil is quite simple, The placement of plugs and filters are best described (at least to me) in a manual and then I am always grateful to know there are locations like this board for other needs. No insult or slam intended.

[GreaseDog]

Originally Posted by Slade901

I usually pour 3/4 oil inside the new oil filter before I put it on the engine. I do that to minimize dry start because it takes a while for the oil pump to fill up the oil filter when you start the engine.

that's nice and all, but if this car has the 4 cylinder like my sister's '03 does, you're in for a big surprise when you try to fill the filter with oil before installing it. especially since its outer shell is attached to the engine. it uses a canister type filter.

buy the Chilton's manual for the car. true, most people dont buy one to learn how to change the oil. but if you're trying to learn to do that at 15, there's a pretty good chance you're gonna need the manual in the future too.