Tuesday, October 25, 2011

How to change oil - 2001 Buick LeSabre?

I am trying to cut back on spending money, and I figured changing my own oil would be a great help. My only problem is, of course, how do I do this? I know I have to get underneath the car, that's.... not TOO much a problem, I think I fit decently under it, but after that, what do I look for, some kind of thing you unscrew and hope it doesnt spill all over me?



I drive a 2001 Buick LeSabre, if that helps. I already checked the dipstick, so I know I definitely need to change that out. Also, when it comes to checking my engine coolant/antifreeze, how do I know when to fill it or what?



ANY help would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to start maintaining my car on my own, but I need a point in the right direction. Thanks!How to change oil - 2001 Buick LeSabre?First, secure the vehicle safely! I do not recommend using the cars own tire jack as a sole means of support. A pair of axle stands or steel ramps work best. When using ramps, block the rear wheels, put it in park and set the emergency brake if so equipped.



Tools Required:

- a worklight, gloves and eye protection

- an oil filter wrench

- a socket and ratchet that fits the oil pan drain plug snugly

- a shallow pan capable of holding up to 10 litres of used oil

- shop rags, a pair of rubber gloves

- your choice of motor oil and a new oil filter

- a way to raise and support the vehicle safely and securely



If the vehicle is cold, run the vehicle for a few minutes to 'warm' the oil, it will allow the oil to drain faster.



Remove the oil filler cap located on top of the engine. Place the shallow pan beneath the oil pan under the car and locate the oil pan drain plug bolt. The bolt or drain plug is generally a large hex-shaped bolt that threads into the oil pan. The engine oil pan is affixed to and located directly beneath the engine.



You will need a snug fitting socket or you run the risk of stripping the drain plug bolt. Unscrew the bolt until you start to see small drips appearing, position the pan, as the oil will stream out. Allow the plug to drop into the shallow pan for now. Allow the oil pan to fully drain and move to the front of the vehicle.



Locate the oil filter and use the oil filter wrench to remove it, be careful as the oil filter is full of oil! Remove the oil filter and empty the oil into the shallow pan and discard the filter.



Grab the new filter and apply a thin coating of oil on the rubber gasket of the new filter. Fill the new filter about half full with fresh motor oil and set aside. Take your shop rags and thoroughly clean the the oil filter adapter (located on the engine) till it looks clean and free of any oil and install the new filter.



Be careful when threading the oil filter on to the oil filter adapter, especially if its on an angle, the filter should thread easily with little resistance. Hand tighten only, do not use the filter wrench to tighten the filter. The filter should sit flush with the adapter, wipe any excess oil with rags.



By now, the engine should be drained of oil, pull the shallow pan out and put on a pair of rubber gloves. Locate the drain plug and clean it with a rag. There maybe a small plastic seal, keep that as well. Set the old oil aside and carefully thread the drain plug bolt and seal back into the engine oil pan by hand, this will avoid cross-threading the bolt. Tighten with ratchet but don't use an excessive amount of force to tighten this bolt, just make sure it is snug.



Lower the vehicle. Follow manufacturers specifications when filling the engine with fresh motor oil. An old one litre bottle cut in half can be used as a funnel if need be.



DO NOT overfill, check the dipstick wipe and check again. Once you have filled the engine with oil replace the oil filler cap tightly and start the engine. Check for leaks around the filter and oil drain plug area, if no leaks, you're good to go. Pour the used oil into the containers you purchased the new oil in and take it to your local garage and they will recycle it for you.



COOLANT



There are coolant level indicators usually located on the side of the coolant reservoir. Usually labelled COLD - HOT or ADD - FULL If your coolant level is BELOW the COLD or ADD mark, you'll need to add coolant.



TRANSMISSION FLUID



There's a dipstick near the back of that engine, usually with a red handle. Check transmission fluid when the vehicle is running and at operating temperature. Check the fluids color, it should be pink and free of dirt or any other particles. It should not smell burnt.



If the fluid is very dark, you might consider installing a new transmission filter the same day you decide to do the oil change. Its a fairly simple install, just be careful not to warp the transmission pan by over-torquing the pan bolts. Prior to remounting the transmission pan. Apply a thin bead of O2-sensor friendly RTV sealant to the mating surface of the transmission pan, this helps keep the transmission pan gasket in place during reassembly and forms a good seal.



You might want to print this off.



Source: Ex - GM Parts Pro, 10+ yrs. exp.