Changing oil in my max 94 is a cinch. However in my new 03 I noticed there is now a shroud underneith the pan hiding the filter.. What have u self doers done about this?. Do u just take the shourd off, as my service manager told me, or is there another way? I guess my question is "do u have to remove the shroud to get to the filter"?

 

no just flex the plastic shroud (pull it out) and reach in there. It won't hurt it. It flexes quite a bit. Have done about 40 oil changes on Maxes like this and never a problem.

 

It's held on by 4 screws...2 normal ones and 2 push screws. I take the 2 normal screws and the bottom push screw out, leaving only the top push screw in. This holds the shroud in place but still allows you to pull it forward and get to the oil filter.

 

Okay, will give it a shot..thanks much.

 

The filter is small enough to just reach up and take it out. No need to remove the shroud.

 

Taking it off isn't the problem...putting the new one on blindly is. It takes 30 seconds to remove the screws and pull the shroud out instead of trying to feel your way to getting the filter on right.

 

i've just bent the plastic to get at it. puttin the new one on blind is a bit of a pain tho, I will admit. maybe i'll take the panel off next time.

 

I have never removed any screws. The panel flexes just fine. I have never had any trouble putting the filter back in either.

 

I just move the panel aside. Get a light under your car and its much easier to put the filter on.

 

 

Removing the shrould to change the filter on a VQ =