how do i get to the oil filter on 98 sunfire 2.2l

[CptCasual]

Hey everyone thanks in advance for any help. I recently tried doing an oil change on my 98 sunfire 2.2L and i'd be damned if i could get my arm in to reach the oil filter. It is at the rear of the engine and i can see it find but there is no where to get at it. I tried from the top and the bottom of the car and also tried takinthe passenger wheel off to get at it but could not. I have a filter wrench and could not even get close enough to it to get that on let alone turn it. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ....a new guy!

[pcv]

For someone new, it is very difficult. If you take a filter wrench to it, the handle has to be toward the front of the engine and turn counter-clockwise. Your filter is probably really tight otherwise it should come off with slight resistance. You can try using a cup style oil filter remover. Works great in these instances.
Good Luck.

[CptCasual]

Thanks for the reply but i have tried to get the wrench in there form the bottom and the side by passenger tire. Do i approach it differently like from the top other then that i cant get the wrench even in there to the filter in the 1st place.....once again thanks...any other ideas anyone?

[whiteknight]

I reached over the top of transmission from the back from underneith. reach up between the transmission and firewall and over the top of the tranmission ( this is asuming you have a automatic), if not this may be all for nothing. I use a cup filter wrench. Anyway you look @ it it a mess. Also make sure it is cool, still got a nice mark on my arm for a hot exhaust pipe. You might want to pay about $20 bucks, $50 if you use symthicic oil & have a quick lube place do it. Don't buy all the stuff they will try to sell you. I 'm looking into a relocation kit for the filter, will post when I find a good one @ a good price. Good Luck man