DIY oil change for the novice

[V10]

Looking to do my own oil change.

I saw I video on YouTube where the car was jacked up simultaneously with two jacks on the front lifting points followed by Jack stands on the front frame rails.

Seems pretty straightforward.

With the car jacked up in front does most of the oil drain?
Also, they left the jacks on the lifting points. Is it necessary to lower the jacks onto the stands so they take all the weight?

Thanks. I have no experience so these questions may seem inane to some.

[BlknBlu]

Make sure your car is level when draining the oil, to get the most out of it.

Bruce

[lochnessmonster]

My method is to come in from the back of the car straight and jack the car up with the main frame rail. Then install the jack stands on either side. Once that's done, the car will be up off the ground more in the front and makes it easier to get a jack under there to the frame. You absolutely must have the car level on four stands to fully drain the oil. It'll take about 20 min to 30 min to get all the oil out. Make sure you torque the drain plug to spec. Oil the filter gasket, and I use the recommended oil.

[AZTVR]

Is it necessary to lower the jacks onto the stands so they take all the weight?

Yes !

[V10]

I don't see any areas to Jack the car in the back. There is a small square area in the back at the midline is that it? I think the area is too small to accommodate a jack pad.

[EvilWon]

I don't see any areas to Jack the car in the back. There is a small square area in the back at the midline is that it? I think the area is too small to accommodate a jack pad.

Cut a small piece of wood to fit. That's what I did and it works great.

[ViperJon]

I don't see any areas to Jack the car in the back. There is a small square area in the back at the midline is that it? I think the area is too small to accommodate a jack pad.

It is too small for a jack pad, but its PERFECT for a hockey puck. Go get one!
Also, when jacking the rear be sure to have the front wheels chocked the car will want to creep forward.

[lochnessmonster]

Yes that's it. It's covered by the underside panel. The frame comes across underneath that. Once you get the car jacked up and remove the belly panels with a torx bit you will see it more clearly. Stay at the edge to stay on the frame.

[Steve M]

I don't see any areas to Jack the car in the back. There is a small square area in the back at the midline is that it? I think the area is too small to accommodate a jack pad.

You just have to get creative...here's what I did:

I modified this jack pad:

http://www.purems.com/Products/PROTE...-Lift-Jack-Pad



So that it would fit in the opening of the underbelly pan (approx. 3" x 3" opening) and grab the cross piece of the frame (approx. 1" wide) under there:





You can see the standard jack points here:

Here are the factory jacking points for a Gen 3/4, Gen 5 will be the same:

[Steve M]

This thread also went into detail on how others accomplish a DIY oil change: http://driveviper.com/forums/threads...int#post159868

[ViperJon]

Guys....just buy a hockey puck it fits perfect.

[V10]

Thanks for all the info. I'm gearing up.
The Jack points are pointy. Will they stay put on the flat metal of the Jack stands?

[7TH_SIGN]

Extremely easy to change engine oil on these cars. Just ensure the car is level when draining.

[sadil]

Anyone have a photo of what the jacking points look up close? My car is out of state right now and wanted to get an idea of what I need as a jacking pad while lifting.