DIY Oil Change, not so simple.

[vpkb1998]

I just changed the oil in my Passion. It's not so simple as many have claimed. The most difficult part was getting the drain plug off. It took me over 10 minutes to break the plug loose. What made it difficult was the height of the car, which made it hard to get a good leverage on the wrench. I used a wrench that's about 15 inches long.

As careful as I was not to get burned by the tail pipe, I ended up with 5 burns anyway. Wear long sleeves ;-)

I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's not as simple as some may lead you to believe, especially if you've never changed your own oil before.

I only decide to change the oil myself because the nearest smart center is 60 miles away, and I didn't really have the patience to wait for the service, plus I got a Mobile 1 oil change for $30.00.

[jetfuel]

...good for you....next time wait until it cools down a bit...LOL
...10 min to break the plug loose? ....few trips to the local gym will fix that..

...jetfuel...in Naples FL

[vpkb1998]

I'm happy to hear it's easy for you. My post was just a warning to others. It's not like changing a light bulb. Trust me, I've changed oil on many of my previous cars before.

[SuperGeek]

I've read that the drain plug's factory torqued to some insane tightness. That could be an issue for a weakling like myself. I've got all the upper body strength of an iguana. And I'd probably burn myself the same way. Not 5 times, though. I usually learn after 3.

[hsterk]

I too just changed my oil for the first time and agree with ALL the prior post (Gosh that was tight...) HOWEVER, I just slipped an oversized pipe over the wrench handle to get more leverage. This was the tightest oil drain plug I've ever come across! and the smallest filter too!

[Old smart]

Concur with the tight drain plug and piece of pipe. Even after replacing it moderately snuggly I find it tight again the next time. To make life easier I cut two 2-foot lengths of 2x8 and beveled one end of each to 30-degrees, making small ramps. That extra 1-1/2" of clearance makes a big difference.

[dink74]

Yeah I hear it was tight, from my wife since she changes her own oil most of the time I think last time it took her 15 minutes and that included putting the tools back and putting it on and off the ramps. She even does it on my Ram since she can fit under it without the ramps.

Dink

[Macaw]

Long breaker bar then use a heavy dowel (or other appropriate leverage bar) place 90 degrees and put one end under de-dion tube pull down and that pesky bolt will come loose easy as pie....I use wood as that wil not damage the de-dion tube

[Kermit]

I've done a breaker bar with a piece of pipe and now have it down to a science. Helped plenty of club members do oil changes on their cars and total swap time is down to about 10 minutes.

I concur on the muffler - I am scarred for life from that thing! Next Smart meet anyone goes to - it'll be an easy way to spot a DIY'er. Look for the burn scars on their arms. No matter how many times I warn myself before I do an oil change on a Smart - I still burn myself regardless.

[smark]

I worked from the side of car. No burns. 15 min tops. Use a jack handle as breaker bar. 3/4 wrench. Of the 2 oil pans, I have. One was too tall. Oil look new, after 10,000 miles.